Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

William Stephens grew up as an only child in the family of Mr John and Ms Francis Stephens, who lived in the streets of Stepney in Norwood, South Australia. He was born on the 12th of December 1889 and was part of the Methodist community. He had no relationships and worked as a packer for most of his life until he enlisted when he was 26 years and 9 months old. He had previous experience working in the military as he volunteered forces in the 'D' Company of the 10th Infantry Battalion. It was one of the first Battalions, formed in Adelaide, among several raised after the declaration of war on the 6th of August 1914.

Stephens enlisted on January 11, 1916, which was the time when the Australian Imperial Force was doubling their army. His attestations were officially signed due to his healthy figure and previous military background. In February, he endured seven months of training throughout military camps such as the Base Light Horse and 2nd Depot Battalion. Once he completed his military training, he ranked as a Driver, which comprised transporting soldiers and delivering vital equipment to the Army in vehicles such as GMC trucks and Tanks. He then transferred into additional training in Artillery Bases in Maribyrnong, Victoria until the 22nd of November.

Stephens was among the troops who boarded the HMAT Hororata (A20) ship, departing from Melbourne on November 23, 1916. Two months later, he arrived in Plymouth, England. He then sailed from Southampton to France.

Upon arrival in Rouelles, he spent a month at the Australian General Base Depot, where recruits were placed before joining a unit. He was then situated in the 5th Division Ammunition Column, marking the beginning of his journey in the field. The 5th Division involved consistently supplying, distributing and providing storage for ammunition throughout the battles. His initial combat experience took place during the middle of the Battle of Third Ypres, aiming to breach the German line and exploit the coast, but facing casualties and calamities.

After the brutal fight, on 2 November 1917, Stephens was admitted to the hospital in the 12th Australian Field Artillery in Rouen, an hour away from Rouelles, due to pyrexia (fever) from an unknown origin. After moving through artillery units and company depots during his 20-day sickness, he recovered and rejoined his unit on the 6th of December.

He then continued to serve in several battles throughout Northern France and the Western Front. Stephens was first involved in the German Spring Offensive from 21 March to 25 April 1918. During this period, the Germans advanced with a powerful start by employing strategic methods and the usage of massive artillery. However, they faced numerous challenges from exhaustion and Allied resistance from the American and Australian troops.

Following the German Spring Offensive, Stephens participated in a 'Peaceful Penetration,' a term used in Australian Infantry tactics. This engagement occurred on the Western Front for three months, from 3 May to 7 August. The objective was to gain control of no man's land by employing a combination of trench raiding and patrolling. Australian Divisions successfully captured 1000 German soldiers and occupied enemy outposts.

Stephens endured a four-day-long battle in Amiens, where both Australian and Canadian Divisions overwhelmed German defenders with speed and decisiveness.

For Stephens' final battle, he joined the fight on 31 August in Mont St Quentin, Peronne, around 70 km from Amiens. Despite lower troop numbers in comparison to the Germans, General Sir John Monash's swift plan allowed Australian forces to position themselves across vast terrain obstacles and overcome enemy fire. This battle was later declared the 'greatest military achievement of the war' by General Sir Henry Rawlinson and concluded on the 3rd of September 1918.

On the 14th of September, Stephens went on leave to the United Kingdom, rejoining the 5th D.A.C. 18 days later. He was appointed as a Bombardier with an acting rank on October 10, which involved managing ammunition and is equivalent to the Corporal in the Royal Artillery. He then served in London on duty for four months.

William Stephens disembarked from Shropshire and returned to Australia on the 14th of May 1919. Two weeks after he arrived in Adelaide, he underwent a medical examination, where the doctor noted a slight shortness of breath and recommended an 8-week hospital stay. 

On 21st June 1919, Stephens was discharged due to 'cessation of hostilities,' signifying the end of World War I. His total service spanned approximately 2 years and 282 days.