Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

If you could spare a few dollars to help with the running costs of hosting this website to keep it alive would be very much appreciated.
Thankyou from Gravesites of Tasmania in advance.

Gillam, William Albert

He was born Carrick Tasmania, a miner who departed Hobart 20^th October 1914 on board “HMAT Geelong” with the 12^th Infantry Battalion. On the 16^th October 1914 he was appointed Corporal.

He was killed in action 23^rd June 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula and is commemorated in the Shrapnel Valley Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey.

Writing to Mr. Gillam of Carrick in regard to the death of his brother Sergt W. A. Gillam, Lieut.-Col. E. Hilmer Smith, officer commanding the 12th Battalion, says:-"It is my painful duty to inform you that your brother, Sergt. W. A. Gillam, was killed in action on June 22, 1915. The knowledge that he died doing his duty to the Empire will be of some little comfort to you in your sad bereavement. On behalf on the 12th Battalion I offer you our heartfelt sympathy in your great sorrow. I must tell you that personally I have lost a good friend and comrade in your brother. We have been closely associated ever since the formation of our regiment, and he has proved himself a true and brave soldier. At the time he was shot we were together, and he had just left me to post a sentry group. We mourn our loss deeply and as our call is just as likely to come at any moment, you will understand how close we are all drawn to one another. Should God spare me to return I trust I may meet you and give a full account of your brother."

Archdeacon R. H. Richard, chaplain of the 3rd Brigade, has also written to Mr. Gillam advising him of his brother's death, and adding:--"Because of his sterling qualities and his courageous conduct he with others, was selected for special work, and whilst in discharge of his duty as an N.C. officer was shot through the head by the enemy. He died in a few minutes after he was wounded and suffered little pain. I buried him in the divisional cemetery amid his comrades, who have also laid down their lives last night: our brother has been known, and favourably known to me for the whole period, and I want to cheer you up in your great grief by saying that his conduct throughout was noble in life as in death. We have lost a man of sterling qualities, who knew his duty and did it. May the friend of the sorrowing comfort you in your great sorrow.'

The Examiner 11^th August 1915

Please note that there might be information from other websites or brochures "reprinted" here- under the laws of "fair use". In every instance -we hope- we have provided a direct link to the owners web site. We do not claim rights or ownership to any of their information. We do thank them sincerely for their efforts. We have in every instance made a good faith effort to contact and request 'reprint' permission. Nonetheless, we do want to be certain that nothing gets lost due to web site disappearance and the like, so it appears duplicated here.

Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.