William James D'ALTON

Regimental number527
Place of birthJung Jung, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationEngine driver
AddressFlorence Street, Port Pirie, South Australia
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation35
Next of kinWife, Mrs. Mary D'Alton, Florence Street, Port Pirie, South Australia
Enlistment date14 October 1915
Rank on enlistment2nd Corporal
Unit nameNo 1 Mining Corps
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 20 February 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Tunnelling Company
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


'Work near Bellicourt on 29 September 1918.'

FateReturned to Australia 6 May 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'On the morning of 29 September, 1918, in the neighbourhood of Bellicourt, whilst the operations against the Hindenburg Line were in progress, he was in charge of a party of tunnellers searching for enemy mines, and while so doing captured 30 prisoners. Throughout the day, under heavy fire, he showed an absolute disregard of personal danger, and set a very fine example to the men under him. His skill and initiative saved many casualties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20
Date: 19 February 1920