Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

William Dews basically just disappeared on 25 April 1915. It wasn't until a court of enquiry held on the 5 September 1917 (over years later) that his death was confirmed to his family.

Camperdown Chronicle 2 October 1917. LATE PRIVATE W. DEWS.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Dews, of Wilson street, Camperdown, received official intimation through the Defence Department on Friday last, that a Court of inquiry had pronounced their son William, who had been previously reported killed or a prisoner of war, as having been killed in action on or about April 25, 1915. The late Private Dews, who was 22 years of age, was the only son of the family surviving when the war broke out. He quickly responded to the call being amongst the first to stand by the colors, and he left Australia with the first contingent, going to Egypt and then to Gallipoli, where he figured in the famous landing on that fateful Sunday, April 25, 1915, and did his share to win the undying glory for Australia that our troops achieved on that day. Many other Camperdown boys participated in that magnificent effort, and various reports were sent back regarding the fate of Private Dews. That he reached land there is no doubt, for from several sources it was reported that he had been seen, but after the first day his fate was shrouded in mystery and numberless inquiries failed to gain any definite information. His relatives, however, clung fondly to the slender hope that he had been taken prisoner, but the latest official communication leaves no doubt that he made the supreme sacrifice on the day of or shortly after the landing In the loss of their gallant boy and brother the parents and sisters (Misses Bella and Myra) will have the sympathy of the whole community. The late Private Dews was a native of Camperdown, and had spent all his life here prior to enlisting, excepting a period of nine months, when he resided at Geelong. He was of a cheerful and likable disposition, and was possessed of many admirable traits which won him deserved popularity. He was warmly esteemed by his boy comrades and the final announcement that he was killed in action will sadden many hearts. The late private Dews was an enthusiastic footballer and was a member of the Camperdown Junior Football Club, and also took a prominent part in St. Patrick's Dramatic Club. As well he evinced a keen interest in military matters and was when he enlisted, and for some years previously a member of the local Light Horse. When the war broke out, he was employed by the Geelong Harbour Trust. Flags will be flown at half-mast from public and private buildings to-day in respect to the memory of the deceased soldier.