William Cook (Will) SLESSAR

William Cook (Will) SLESSAR Update Details

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SLESSAR, William Cook

Service Number:	2223
Enlisted:	16 April 1915, Nathalia, Vic.
Last Rank:	Private
Last Unit:	8th Infantry Battalion
Born:	Waaia, Victoria, Australia, 1896
Home Town:	Nathalia, Moira Shire, Victoria
Schooling:	Mernda State School No 488, Box Hill New College, Victoria, Australia
Occupation:	Farmer
Died:	Killed in Action, Belgium, 25 June 1916
Cemetery:	Berks Cemetery Extension Plot II, Row C, Grave No. 8
Memorials:	Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Mernda State School No 488 Roll of Honor, Nathalia Rock and Chain Memorial, Nathalia War Memorial

World War 1 Service

16 Apr 1915:	Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2223, 8th Infantry Battalion, Nathalia, Vic.
17 Jun 1915:	Involvement Private, 2223, 8th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '9' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Wandilla embarkation_ship_number: A62 public_note: ''
17 Jun 1915:	Embarked Private, 2223, 8th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Wandilla, Melbourne
6 Aug 1915:	Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2223, 8th Infantry Battalion, The August Offensive - Lone Pine, Suvla Bay, Sari Bair, The Nek and Hill 60 - Gallipoli
24 Jun 1916:	Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2223, 8th Infantry Battalion, Messines sector

Help us honour William Cook Slessar's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.

Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

Son of William and Jean SLESSAR, Surrey Hills, Melbourne, Vic.

During the past week the sorrowful news was received that Private W. C. Slessar, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Wm. Slessar, of Surry Hills, formerly of Waaia, had been killed in action in France. "Will" was well known locally, and was very popular with all. He was also a prominent player in the Nathalia Football team in 1914. Prior to enlisting Private Slessar was carrying on farming pursuits in the district.

PRESENTATION OF ENLARGED PHOTO TO PARENTS.
On Thursday afternoon, December 28th 1917, a number of residents of the district met in the Public Hall to present an enlarged photo of Private W. C. Slessar, who had been killed in action in France, to his parents. The Rev I. Glyn Jones, president of the farewelling and reception committee, occupied the chair. The chairman said they all knew the reason why they had met and he was sure it was with mixed feelings. Wliile they felt nothing but sorrow for the bereaved parents, it was with true admiration they thought of the departed hero. They were pleased to have one of the family present and he would ask Miss Cook to carry to the parents the expressions of sympathy from them all. Sooner than be making this presentation they would rather meet Mr and Mrs Slessar with their noble son and welcome him home. He hoped they would find joy in their sorrow. They all knew that this presentation must carry a lot of sorrow and pain with it, hut they must feel the joy in knowing that in paying the price their son had done his duty.

Sergeant McKenzie said he spoke with regret and pleasure. Regret that a comrade bad to pay the price, and pleasure in knowing that the departed soldier knew bis duty; and paid him the tribute. Cr J. H. Tuckett said he had known the family since he had been in the district and the departed hero since boyhood. They all could say that Mr Slessar's boy had died in a good cause and they must admire him for it. The chairman then handed to Miss Cook the enlarged photo, also a letter, to be handed over to the parents.

Mr R. W. Gobbledick, who replied on behalf of the parents, said he had a very difficult task, but felt it was a great honor. He had known Mr Slessar for over 40 years and before he was married. They would no doubt be pleased at receiving the small memento from the people of Nathalia ; it was something to keep and hand down. He was sure they would accept it in the spirit it was given. They had another whom they were allowing to go, but circumstances had prevented him going. If they had known what was going to happen they would not have withheld their son, as he was sure Mr and Mrs Slessar had the cause at heart. Mr Slessar would liked to have gone himself, but as that could not be he sent his son.
On behalf of Mr and Mrs Slessar he thanked them very sincerely for the photo.

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