The AIF Project

Robert Allan WILSON

Regimental number3684
Place of birthDaylesford, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationPorter
AddressAlbert Street, Dalesford, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs E M Wilson, Albert Street, Daylesford, Victoria
Enlistment date19 July 1915
Place of enlistmentMelbourne, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name24th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/41/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A19 Afric on 5 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll57th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 8 May 1917
Medals

Military Medal

'During the advance of the 15th Australian Brigade in the operations EAST of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX the two signallers Private R.A. WILSON and [4808] F.E. HEITMANN displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations of the 8th of August a telephone line was laid to connect the final objective with rear Battalion station. This line was of the utmost service to Brigade and was frequently cut by the hostile shelling. The enemy kept up constant bombardment on the captured area with 8 inch shells and swept the forward area with machine gun fire. These two men repeatedly went out under this fire and effected repairs to the line. Again on the morning of the 9th August after a sleepless night they several times repeated the performance and restored communication at a critical time when a new advance had commenced and news of it was of great value. Their disregard of personal safety and devotion to duty merit recognition.'
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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