Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The details provided are taken from the book "Just Soldiers" written by WO1 Darryl Kelly, published 2004, refer to chapter 35, pages 227 to 232. William was born at Derby UK. He enlisted with the Sherwood Foresters and he served in overseas postings to India, Egypt, Singapore & Hong Kong plus he also served in the Boer War. He discharged from the Sherwood's and emigrated to Australia. He was working as a machine fitter in Sydney when war was declared, and he enlisted in the AIF, being posted to the 2nd Infantry Battalion. Promotion to Cororal prior to the landing at Gallipoli and worked as a signaller. August 1915, he was badly wounded with a head injury and was hospitalised for 4 months. He did not return to duty until after the evacuation of the Army back to Egypt in Dec 1915. In the general reorganisation of the Aust Army he was transperred to the 54th Infantry Battalion and awarded a Military Medal for his actions at Gallipoli. By June 1916 the 54th had moved to France for duty at the Western Front. The 54th (and the rest of the Division) were soon in a large battle at Fromelle and they were badly mauled by the Germans. The division was withdrawn from the Front to recoup and retrain. Unfortunately, William did not return to the Battalion lines after the battle, treated as Missing in Action. Eventually, the German Red Cross provided a large number of Dog Tags of deceased soldiers, one of which had the name and details of William Wass. Rest In Peace, Lest We Forget.