Virtual War Memorial | David William WITHERDEN DCM, MM

David William WITHERDEN DCM, MM Update Details

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WITHERDEN, David William

Service Numbers:	3956, V43066, V43066
Enlisted:	5 August 1915
Last Rank:	Captain
Last Unit:	17 Garrison Battalion (Vic)
Born:	Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, 1 May 1896
Home Town:	Avoca, Pyrenees, Victoria
Schooling:	Not yet discovered
Occupation:	Aerated Water Manufacturer, Carter
Died:	Northcote, Victoria, Australia, 11 May 1971, aged 75 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery:	Fawkner Memorial Park Cemetery, Victoria 4th Ave Wall Niches (South Side), Wall 1, Section F, Niche 58
Memorials:	Avoca Soldiers Memorial, Mildura Cenotaph

World War 1 Service

5 Aug 1915:	Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3956, 14th Infantry Battalion
23 Aug 1915:	Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 3956, 14th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1
23 Nov 1915:	Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 3956, 14th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '11' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Ceramic embarkation_ship_number: A40 public_note: ''
14 May 1917:	Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Corporal
15 May 1917:	Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal
21 Jun 1918:	Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, 24th Infantry Battalion
29 Aug 1918:	Involvement AIF WW1, Sergeant, 3956, 24th Infantry Battalion, Mont St Quentin / Peronne
29 Aug 1918:	Involvement AIF WW1, Sergeant, 3956, 24th Infantry Battalion, Mont St Quentin / Peronne
5 Oct 1918:	Honoured Distinguished Conduct Medal, Montbrehain, During the attack on Montbrehain, on 5th October, 1918, he rushed a Lewis gun forward to within 20 yards of a machine-gun post, and enabled the post to be rushed and captured. Later, he rushed a machine-gun post single handed, shot the garrison of four men, and captured a machine gun; and , again, later shot the crews of two machine guns.
16 Jan 1919:	Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 24th Infantry Battalion
16 Apr 1919:	Discharged AIF WW1
10 Oct 1919:	Honoured Military Medal, 'During the attack on MT. ST. QUENTIN near PERONNE on September 1st, 1918, this N.C.O. acted as Company Sergeant Major, and behaved splendidly throughout. Early in this operation all his Company Officers were killed except the Company Commander, to whom Sergeant WITHERDEN rendered invaluable service. With admirable disregard of self and despite intense machine gun fire he moved constantly among his men, encouraging them and regulating the line of advance. This liaison work ensured co-operation between sections and materially helped the advance. Throughout the operation this N.C.O. was a pillar of strength to his Company. At one stage during this attack on the Sugar Mill at DOMPIERRE on August 28th it became necessary for his Company to withdraw. Regardless of danger Sergeant WITHERDEN, who was in charge of the Lewis Guns himself stayed until the last, and so effectively provided covering fire that the Company was able to withdraw with but few casualties. He has exhibited sterling qualities, and at all times set a magnificent example to all around him.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: 10 October 1919

World War 2 Service

5 Aug 1941:	Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lieutenant, V43066, 2nd Infantry Training Battalion
7 Nov 1943:	Involvement Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Captain, V43066, POW & Internment Camps - Victoria
3 Dec 1943:	Transferred Australian Army (Post WW2), Captain, 17 Garrison Battalion (Vic), Appointed T Captain vice LT (T/CAPT) Moncur

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