William Henry RANN MM

William Henry RANN MM Update Details

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RANN, William Henry

Service Number:	670
Enlisted:	23 August 1914, An original of F Company
Last Rank:	Sergeant
Last Unit:	9th Infantry Battalion
Born:	Casino, New South Wales, Australia, 1891
Home Town:	Nimbin, Lismore Municipality, New South Wales
Schooling:	Not yet discovered
Occupation:	Lorry driver
Died:	1953, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered
Cemetery:	Not yet discovered
Memorials:	Nimbin District War Memorial, Nimbin St. Mark's Anglican Church Honour Roll

World War 1 Service

23 Aug 1914:	Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 670, 9th Infantry Battalion, An original of F Company
24 Sep 1914:	Involvement Private, 670, 9th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '9' embarkation_place: Brisbane embarkation_ship: HMAT Omrah embarkation_ship_number: A5 public_note: ''
24 Sep 1914:	Embarked Private, 670, 9th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Omrah, Brisbane
31 Oct 1917:	Honoured Military Medal, Menin Road, For bravery 20 September 1917
23 Nov 1917:	Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, 9th Infantry Battalion

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

Biography contributed by Stephen Brooks

William Henry Rann was one of the first Australians to enlist, during August 1914. He subsequently served at Gallipoli and was a member of the first Australians to attack Pozieres when they tried to capture a German strongpoint on the night of 22 July 1916. His brother 4557 Pte. Frederick Rann 9th Battalion, was killed alongside him during the attempt.

William Rann went on to win a Military Medal at Menin Road in Belgium, when his senior officers became casualties and he took over his platoon, showing great dash and initiative. His men were inspired by his example and he kept their morale at a high level by showing great leadership.

William was returned to Australia in late 1918, having reached the rank of Sergeant, and was given special ‘1914 leave’ he having served continuously for over four years.

William married in 1924 and had several children.

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