The AIF Project

William John DICKENS

Regimental number548
Date of birth26 October 1893
Place of birthMt Browne, New South Wales
SchoolJamestown Public School, South Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressCowell, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinBrother, E S Dickens, Elbow Hill, Cowell, South Australia
Enlistment date4 March 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name27th Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/44/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A2 Geelong on 31 May 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll27th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (Altered to Military Cross)


Showed great courage and initiative in the attack on German trenches on 5 January 1916.
Recommendation date: 11 November 1916

FateReturned to Australia 4 July 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He, with a portion of his company, entered the enemy's trench, and held it for twenty four hours against several desperate counter attacks. He set a fine example of courage and determination throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 116
Date: 25 July 1917

Family/military connectionsBrother: 1854 Pte Edward Joseph DICKENS, 5th Pioneer Bn, killed in action, 15 November 1916.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, France, Belgium. Awarded the Military Cross, Flers, 5 November 1916.

Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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