The AIF Project

'At BROODSEINDE RIDGE east of YPRES from 9th to 14th October, 1917, No. 2798 Harold Edwin WILLIAMSON was acting as Battalion linesman, has work being to maintain the lines from Battalion Headquarters to Support Company and to relay signal station on TOKIO RIDGE and back to Brigade Forward Station, a distance of about 1000 yards. It was a difficult task to keep the line open at either place, but y his untiring efforts, this man managed to do so. He had practically no rest at all during the Battalion's stay in the trenches and was often wet to the skin, being called out under the most trying circumstances being utterly oblivious to the enemy's heavy shelling and to the adverse conditions of the mud and weather. Directly the lines were broken he lost no time in getting out to repair them, even in the midst of a heavy barrage, so enabling touch to be kept with Brigade. His splendid example of devotion to duty and disregard of personal safety were noticed by all who came in contact with him, and I consider he is deserving of special recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918