The AIF Project

William COCKSHUTT

Regimental number718
Place of birthTasmania
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarmer
AddressFrankford, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinGrandparent, J Davis, Frankford, Tasmania
Enlistment date5 December 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll01/12/2016
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameMachine Gun Company 4, Reinforcement 13
AWM Embarkation Roll number24/9/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 21 June 1917
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll42nd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Altered to Military Medal)


Work near Proyart on 12 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 18 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 9 December 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'On the 12th August, 1918, during operations on the SOMME, near PROYART, this man did splendid work when assisting with others to capture a machine gun position. He threw bombs and attracted the attention of the enemy whilst our Lewis gun moved into position, and as so as it opened fire, h rushed the enemy post and killed one of the gunners, the remainder being forced to surrender. The No. 1 of the Lewis gun having become a casualty, Private COCKSHUTT took the gun and continued the advance.'
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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