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Son of Thomas CARLIN and Susannah CARLIN nee O'BRIEN, Hamilton PO, Hamilton, Victoria

Distinguished Conduct Medal

''For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has performed good and valuable work throughout, particularly during operations, when he acted as a linesman.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

CARLIN.—On July 14, 1952, at St. John of God Hospital, Warrnambool, William, late of Hawkesdale, beloved husband of Foncie, loving father of Frank, Mary (Mrs. D. Williams) and Foncie, beloved brother of Jim (Hamilton), Frank (St.Kilda), Edie (Mrs. R. Saunders, Perth), and Rita (Mrs. A. E. Watt, Hamilton).

Mr William Carlin of Hawkesdale, died in Warrnambool on Sunday last. He had been in indifferent health for some time, but his death came unexpectedly, after an illness of a few days. The late gentleman was one of the outstanding residents of the Hawkesdale district. Prior to the First World War he was a permanent soldier attached to the coastal garrison  at point Nepan. He had the distinction of loading the gun for the firing of the first shot of the war, when a German freighter attempted to leave Port Phillip on the declaration of war. The battery at Point Nepan was instructed to fire warning shots at the ship, and she returned back and was duly taken as a prize.

After training in England, Mr. Carlin then went with the artillery to France and had a distinguished record as a soldier. He won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for outstanding  bravery in action, but could never be persuaded to give any particulars of his deeds because of his unassuming and modest disposition. 

Coming as a soldier settler to the Hawkesdale district, Mr. Carlin soon identified himself with the life of the district and went through the many trials which beset all settlers of that period. He was active in almost every organization in Hawkesdale, and gave cheerful and unsparing service to them all. In all his personal dealings he was the soul of kindness and of honor, and he had au unique place in the esteem of all district residents.

The late Bill Carlin was always ready with a helping hand to anyone in trouble, and his grand, genial personality will be greatly missed in the district. For many years he was a  keen attender at R.S.L re-unions, where his cheerful personality was always looked for and appreciated. He was truly a good soldier, a good citizen and a good man, and his very  many friends will regret his death and will extend sincere sympathy to his widow and his son and two daughters.

The funeral took place at Hawkesdale on Tuesday and the large attendance was a tribute to the esteem in which Mr. Carlin had been held on all sides.

The Hawkesdale Church was crowded to the doors for the Requiem Mass offered by Rev. Fr. McKenzie, of Koroit. Mass was served by Bernard King (president of the Holy Name  Society) and Tom Saunder, nephew from Hamilton. As the flag draped coffin was carried from the church, a guard of honour was formed by members of the Holy Name Society in  the church grounds, while on the road outside another guard of honor was formed by members of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A.

The scholars of the State School also paid a touching tribute of respect by standing to attention outside the school, as the funeral moved away.

The line of cars stretched from the township to the cemetery.

The R.S.S.A.I.L.A. again provided a guard of honour at the cemetery and formed a line around the grave as the burial service was read by Rev. Fr. McKenzie, assisted by Rev. Frs. D O'Brien (Arant), and L. Gallagher (Bungaree). The R.S.L. service was read by M. J. Jonson president of the Hawkesdale sub-branch, who paid an eloquent tribute to their late  member. Coffin-bearers were Messrs. C. Nagorcka, F. Crow, A. Watt, R. King, K. Meagher and T. Watt. Pall bearers were Messrs. G. Fitzgerald, R. Williams, J. Fitzgerald, F. Baulch,  T. King, J. Dix, and F. P J. and D. Carlin.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Guyett and Sons Pty, Ltd.