The AIF Project

William John CAIRNS

Regimental number375
Place of birthPetersham New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationElectrician
AddressPetersham, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Robt Cairns, 196 Albany Road, Petersham, New South Wales
Enlistment date3 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit nameMining Corps 1, Company 1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 20 February 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSapper
Unit from Nominal RollAustralian Electrical , Mechanical Mining & Boring Company
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Meritorious Service Medal


Recommendation date: 12 June 1917

FateReturned to Australia 16 June 1919
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'For great gallantry and devotion to duty at Pickham G Mines assisting the above Lance Corporal Greive when this mine shaft flooded in installing pump on 23rd October 1916, repairing the electric cables under shell fire and during the past 12 months he has shown great devotion to duty in this sector by constantly repairing mains from Engine Room and mine shafts under heavy shell fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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