The AIF Project

William Murray SPONG

Regimental number736
Place of birthTelangatuk East Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Address31 Pental Road, Caulfield, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Height5' 11.5"
Weight130 lbs
Next of kin..., William Spong, 31 Pental Road, Caulfield, Victoria
Previous military serviceMember, Balmoral Rifle Club.
Enlistment date9 January 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name21st Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/38/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 10 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll24th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 9 February 1916
Medals

Military Medal

'At MT. ST. QUENTIN North of PERONNE on 1st September 1918 this man was one of a party of eight which attacked a strong post and captured 30 prisoners and 12 Machine Guns. Great difficulty was experienced by the party in getting within bombing distance of the post, when Private Spong, seeing this, rushed forward firing a Lewis Gun from the hip, thus compelling the enemy to keep down. The bombers were thus able to rush up and bomb the post. Those of the enemy who attempted to jump out and run away were shot down by the fire of the gun carried by Private Spong. His personal bravery and quick grasp of a difficult situation were beyond praise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia, 9 February 1916 (3 months' change).-Re-embarked, 3 July 1916.

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsSee other entry for second period of service.
SourcesNAA: B2455, SPONG William Murray

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