NEWELL, William James Leslie
| Service Number: | 486 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 2 March 1916, A Company |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 38th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, date not yet discovered |
| Home Town: | Bendigo, Greater Bendigo, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Bendigo Central School No 1976, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation: | Salesman |
| Memorials: | Bendigo Central School Honor Roll, Bendigo Great War Roll of Honor, Bendigo St. John's Presbyterian Church Honour Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 2 Mar 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 486, 38th Infantry Battalion, A Company | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Jun 1916: | Involvement Private, 486, 38th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '18' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Runic embarkation_ship_number: A54 public_note: '' | |
| 20 Jun 1916: | Embarked Private, 486, 38th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Runic, Melbourne | |
| 12 Oct 1917: | Honoured Military Medal, 2nd Passchendaele , Recommendation: 'On 12th October 1917, East of YPRES, he displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. This soldier was employed as a Runner, between Battalion Headquarters and the front line, and did exceedingly good work carrying messages during most severe bombardment. On his return journey from the front line, he used to assist in carrying back wounded. His courage and cheerfulness in danger were an inspiration to others.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9. Date: 27 June 1918 27 June 1918 on page 1393 at position 144 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Larna Malone
William James Leslie Newell was born in Bendigo, the son of Mrs Elizabeth Newell of 73 Rowan St, Bendigo. He was employed by Messrs Stilwell Bros as a Salesman. He enlisted in Bendigo on 2.3.16, aged 32 years and 4 months. He was 5’ 5½” tall, with a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He had been rejected for service on his first application on account of his teeth.
“Messrs Stilwell bros and Staff assembled (after business) to bid Godspeed to (Mr W. Newell) . . . who has been a member of staff for the past 17 years. Mr F Stilwell, on behalf of the firm, read and presented an autograph letter, eulogising Mr Newell for his past services, also a substantial cheque, wallet and fountain pen. Mr J Webster, for the employees, presented him with a radium dial wristlet watch and spoke of the high esteem in which he was held by all the employees. Mr Newell feelingly responded, and expressed the hope of some day being back with them amongst the pots and pans.” [Bendigonian. 23 March 1916]
On 16.6.16 William James Leslie Newell was appointed to the 38th Battalion and allotted Service No. 485. He embarked for overseas on 20.6.16. He Disembarked in England and after a period spent in a Training Battalion embarked for France on 22.11.16. He was admitted to hospital on 23.12.16 with Scabies, and re-joined his battalion on 18.1.17.
The 38th Battalion took part in the Battle of Passchendaele on 12.10.17. For his part in the action, William James Leslie Newell was recommended for bravery in the field and was subsequently awarded the Military Medal.
“On 12th October 1917, East of Ypres, he displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. This soldier was employed as a runner, between Bde HQ’s and the front line, and did exceedingly good work carrying messages during most severe bombardment. On his return journey from the front line, he used to assist in carrying back wounded. His courage and cheerfulness in danger were an inspiration to others.” [awm File: Honours and Awards.]
He was appointed Lance Corporal on 22.11.17. He was on leave in England when the Armistice was celebrated on 11.11.18. He re-joined the battalion in France on 23.11.18. He embarked for return to Australia on 30.4.19.
“The Men Listed on the Roll of Honor, St John’s Presbyterian Church, Bendigo”: Larna Malone
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