The AIF Project

William COLEMAN

Regimental number2464
Place of birthRye England
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressSouth Preston, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, W R Coleman, 12 Garnet Street, South Preston, Victoria
Enlistment date13 June 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll6 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name14th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/31/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Persia on 10 August 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll14th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 18 August 1917

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 31 October 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 8 April 1918

FateStruck off strength 17 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For marked gallantry and devotion to duty at BROODSEINDE on the 21st October, 1917. This N.C.O. commended a detached post which was pratically isolated. He consolidated this post and linked up with the Unit on his flank. The post was subjected to very heavy shell fire for several hours during the night but Sergeant COLEMAN remained with his detachment in position until the Battalion was relieved. He commended several reconnoitring patrols and worked from his positions over the whole of No Man's Land in front of his Company. He marked tracks to guide either patrols and obtained most valuable information regarding the nature of the ground between his Unit's front and the enemy line.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He played a leading part in two bombing attacks, combining considerable initiative with an utter disregard for his personal safety. He carried bombs across the open at great personal risk, and by his timely aid enabled an attack to continue.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 51551 Pte Arthur COLEMAN, 39th Bn, returned to Australia, 22 August 1919.

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