William Warren COOKSON

Regimental number240
Place of birthAlexandra, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressCrystal Creek Alexandra, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, George Arthur Cookson, Crystal Creek Alexandra, Victoria
Enlistment date14 March 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll18 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name38th Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/55/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll38th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 7 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 30 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night 1st/2nd October 1918, East of RONSSOY, this soldier was in charge of two ration wagons which were proceeding to the front line along a road which was being heavily shelled and on which were two motor wagons laden with ammunition which had been set on fire by enemy action. There was momentary danger of this ammunition exploding, yet Lance Corporal COOKSON took his wagons between them and so was enabled to deliver his Battalion rations to the forward dump. Throughout the Operations, he was constantly on roads swept by enemy fire, and by his coolness and cheerfulness materially assisted his Sergeant and enabled the Battalion Transport Section to carry out very dangerous duties without suffering a single casualty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal