The AIF Project

William WHITE

Regimental number4021
Place of birthAuckland, New Zealand
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationMotor mechanic
Address104 Union Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs I Thompson, 104 Union Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Enlistment date25 May 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll19 May 1915
Place of enlistmentMelbourne, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name7th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/24/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 23 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll7th Battalion
FateDischarged 21 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At POZIERES, FRANCE on the night of 18/19th. August No. 4021 Pte W. WHITE shows conspicuous bravery when acting as a runner. When in WALKERS AVENUE we were caught in an intense enemy barrage which knocked out the Machine Gun detachment and compelled the remainder of my party to seek shelter for one half hours in shell holes. Private WHITE went and found out what had become of Machine Gunm detachment and came back and reported to me they had been knocked out. He also collected the papers of the deadmen. Again, during the time (19/23rd. August) he acted as a runner delivering very important messages and to get these through he had to pass through heavy barrages, also on numerous occasions he, singlehanded guided individuals and parties through barrages aalthough in an exhausted state. He did not cease this work until ordered to do so.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917

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