The AIF Project

Isaacs James WILLOUGHBY

Regimental number1651
Place of birthNorth Bourke New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
AddressBrewarrina, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinSister, Mrs A E Pearce, Brewarrina, New South Wales
Enlistment date29 November 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name34th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/51/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 2 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll34th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 5 March 1919
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)*Isaacs spelt Isaac
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations against enemy positions south of the SOMME, east of HAMEL, on 8th August, 1918. Lance Corporal WILLOUGHBY was a section commander during the attack on ACCROCHE WOOD. During the advance when his platoon was subjected to heavy machine gun fire in the immediate front he led his section forward, detailed a portion to attack from the flank, and with the remainder he rushed the position killing five of the crew and taking eight prisoners with two heavy machine guns. This enabled his platoon to proceed. He was also of great assistance to his platoon Commander in reorganising his platoon. His bravery and leadership were a great source of confidence to his men and the men of his platoon who witnessed his brave deeds.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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