Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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Harper William John

Born Derby Tasmania the son of Henry Harper a miner and prospector he enlisted and embarked Sydney 9^th August 1915 on board “HMAT Runic” with the 13^th Infantry Battalion.

Regimental Sergeant Major Harper was killed in action 27^th March 1918 in France and is commemorated in the Gommecourt British Cemetery No 2, Gommecourt, Arras, France

Military Medal During the attack on enemy lines near Zonnebeke CSM Harper showed conspicuous bravery. Although wounded on two separate occasions and once buried by a HE shell he insisted on remaining on duty. He was in charge of a fighting patrol set out to cover the forming up in No Mans Land of the assaulting battalions on the night 25/26 September and drove the enemy listening post in and captured a ‘pill box’ taking one prisoner. After the second objective was captured the enemy heavily shelled the parties carrying stores forward. CSM Harper showed great skill and coolness in handling the parties in his charge and in every case got the stores to their destination. Harper, by his cheerfulness set a splendid example throughout.

Mr. Harry Harper of Derby was advised through the Defence Department yesterday that his son Regimental Sergeant-Major W. J. Harper, D.C.M. of the 13th Battalion had been killed in action on March 27. No further details are to hand. The late distinguished soldier had a striking career. He enlisted in New South Wales over three years ago and fought at Gallipoli being one of the picked 25 to be the last to leave the Peninsula. After going to France he distinguished himself, and was awarded the D.C.M. for bravery, gaining promotion. It was only on Tuesday afternoon that his father, who is well known on the North-East Coast, received from the department his son's warrant, stating he had been promoted a warrant officer. This was followed the next day with a telegram of his death causing quite a shock to his many friends.

The Examiner 12^th April 1918

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.