Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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Woolley, William George Edward

Born 4^th December 1887 Bothwell Tasmania the son of William and Sarah Jane Woolley (nee Horne) and married to Julia Ellen Ryan, a farm labourer he embarked Melbourne 21^st October 1916 on board “HMAT Port Melbourne” with the 40^th Infantry Battalion.

He was appointed Lance Corporal 29^th July 1917, Corporal on the 21^st September 1917 and then Sergeant on the 5^th October 1917.

He was killed in action 21^st February 1918 in Belgium and is commemorated in the Berks Cemetery Extension, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium.

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the advance his platoon was held up by the enemy in a strong position. Seizing a Lewis gun, the crew of which were all casualties, he fired it until the enemy opposition was overcome and the advance able to continue. He then organised a lewis gun team and covered the rest of the Company while they dug in.

Mrs. W. G. E. Woolley of Uxbridge has received the following letter, with medal, from the Base Records Office Melbourne :-

"Dear Madam,-It is with feelings of admiration at the gallantry of a brave Australian soldier who nobly laid down his life in the service of our King and country that I am directed by the Honourable the Minister to forward to you as the next-of kin of the late No. 2418 Sergeant W. G. E. Woolley, 40th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force the Distinguished Conduct Medal which His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award to that gallant soldier for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty while serving with the Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force. I am also to ask you to accept his deep personal sympathy in the loss which, not only you, but the Australian army, has sustained by the death of Sergeant W. G E. Woolley whose magnificent conduct on the field of battle helped to earn for our Australian soldiers a fame which will endure as long as memory lasts.''

The Mercury 15^th August 1918

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.