SHEEDY, William Urban
| Service Number: | 361 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 August 1914, Pontville, Tasmania |
| Last Rank: | Company Sergeant Major |
| Last Unit: | 12th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Waratah, Tasmania, Australia, 6 December 1892 |
| Home Town: | Spreyton, Devonport, Tasmania |
| Schooling: | Waratah State School, Tasmania, Australia |
| Occupation: | Orchard Labourer |
| Died: | Died of wounds, France, 18 May 1918, aged 25 years |
| Cemetery: |
Ebblinghem Military Cemetery |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Devonport Cenotaph, Latrobe War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 22 Aug 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 361, Pontville, Tasmania | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Oct 1914: |
Involvement
AIF WW1, Private, 361, 12th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '10' embarkation_place: Hobart embarkation_ship: HMAT Geelong embarkation_ship_number: A2 public_note: '' |
|
| 20 Oct 1914: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 361, 12th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Geelong, Hobart | |
| 26 Jul 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Company Sergeant Major, 12th Infantry Battalion | |
| 18 May 1918: | Involvement AIF WW1, Company Sergeant Major, 361, 12th Infantry Battalion, "Peaceful Penetration - Low-Cost, High-Gain Tactics on the Western Front", --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 361 awm_unit: 12th Australian Infantry Battalion awm_rank: Company Sergeant Major awm_died_date: 1918-05-18 |
WW1
The details provided are taken from the book "Stealth Raiders - a few daring men in 1918" written by Lucas Jordan, published 2017, refer to pages 60 and 275. Prior to the war he was an orchard labourer of Spreyton Tas. He enlisted 22nd Aug 1914 aged 21 years. He served with the 12th Infantry Battalion and rose to the rank of WO2, Company Sergeant Major. Unfortunately he Died of Wounds 18th May 1918. Rest In Peace Lest We Forget.
Submitted 31 March 2020 by Maxwell HILL
Biography
"...Born 1892 Waratah Tasmania the son of Christopher and Annie Sheedy (nee Scougal) of “Killarney” Spreyton Tasmania, an orchard labourer he embarked Hobart 20th October 1914 on board “HMAT Geelong” with the 12th Infantry Battalion.
He died 18th May 1918 in France from wounds received in the field and was buried in the Ebblinghem Military Cemetery, France.
Awarded the Military Medal
At Pozieres France on 21st August 1916 Acting S/M Sheedy successfully led a bombing party against enemy strong post in O.G.I during attack by 12th Battalion. He was repeatedly knocked down by enemy percussion bombs but with great determination stuck to his work and by his courage and example his party captured this position although they were driven back by the enemy several times. This was a very important post as it was in line with our advanced line and that flank was unprotected. - SOURCE (www.gravesoftas.com.au)
"TASMANIAN HONOURED. MILITARY MEDAL AWARDED.
DEVONPORT, Friday. Mr. Chris Sheedy of Spreyton, has received the following letter from Major J. McLean officer in the charge of the base records:-"I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from the fifth supplement No. 29, 637 to the "London Gazette" of November 16, 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your son, Company Sergeant-Major W. U. Sheedy; 12th Battalion:-Awarded the Military Medal.
His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery on the field to the under mentioned non-commissioned officer-No 301 Company Sergeant Major William Urban Sheedy. The above has been promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. (12, of April 19, 1916. The recipient of this distinction has seen service in Gallipoli, Egypt, France, and Belgium, and has three brothers in the fighting line. He is the fourth son of Mr Chris Sheedy of Spreyton and a brother of the Labour candidate for Wilmot.” - from the Launceston Examiner 05 May 1917 (nla.gov.au)
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