Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

True name William Billson SIMS

SIMS, William Billson

William Billson Sims was born on 6 July 1891 in Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia. William joined the Australian Imperial Forces on 23 August 1916 at the age of 25 in Adelaide. Receiving the service number 1614 he set out for World war 1 and would later on also use these numbers for his service in World War 2. With his education William qualified as a Clerk which became his primary occupation post World War 1. To begin his journey, he embarked on the HMAT A60 Aeneas from Adelaide on 11 April 1916 with his fellow soldiers in the 50th Infantry Battalion.

Embarking on his journey his first stop was Egypt where the forces were sent to train for the war. During this training period the men were given rough training about potential experiences in the war, this was also to further discipline the Australian Army for the war.  On their second stop they were sent to Folkestone to complete an extra 11 weeks of training. Upon completing training, William, and his fellow soldiers reinforced the 50th battalion at the western front, they left for this 28th November 1916 from Folkestone. They joined the 50th battalion on 4th December 1916 to  fight across the Western Front and to participate through multiple battles in World War 1.

Throughout the war they participated across battles such as German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, Noreuil and 2nd Bullecourt which played a significant role in the history of the AIF. Later William along his battalion moved on to Belgium where they engaged in major battles such as the battle of Messines which occurred over a period of 5 days between 7 and 12 June. After facing other battles, he was transferred to the Bombing School at Lyndhurst on the 18th of October 1917 which continued until the 3rd of November 1917. After this training he qualified to be an Assistant Instructor. Subsequently, on 1st of December 1917 William Bilson SIMS was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in recognition of his leadership and fighting/survival abilities. This was proceeded by his return to France in 1918 and further participation in the war.         

Throughout 1918, William and his Battalion participated in many higher scale battles, sent to France to defend on the River of Ancre March from where they were later sent to defend at one of the biggest attacks by the German towards the ANZAC Troops, The Battle of Dernancourt which began on 5th of April was a historic victory for the AIF and was proceeded with the offense at Villiers-Bretonneux for the ANZACS to face heavy casualties.

As the war came closer to an end William showed his bravery, leadership alongside fighting skills for his country and came back to Australia in 1918. After arriving back to Australia William chose to continue his job as a clerk. As time passed and a new war arrived, William wanted to continue serving for his country and thus enlisted for World War 2 on 30th March 1942. Upon enlistment William was allocated in the 3rd Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps. This battalion was made for ex-servicemen who had served in the first war and in the future changed to allow any men over 18 to join the war to simply volunteer. For William, his journey in the second war ended on 11th January 1943 when he discharged from the Australian Imperial Forces and returned back to his home in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

For his service, William Bilson Sims will be remembered for all that he has done for his country. On 7th January 1976 at the age of 84 years  William Bilson SIMS passed away, for remembrance he can be found at several places the Centennial Park Cemetery and has memorials present at places such as The Adelaide St. John’s Anglican church and City of West Torrens WW2 Boulevard of Honor (for his service in WW2). For his support and participation in multiple Battles such as Pozieres, Mouquet Farm and Villiers-Bretonneux, for which he received the Victory Medal and the British War Medallion which are given to any soldier who participates in World War 1. May William Bilson Sims rest in peace and be remembered he has done for his country during his lifetime and all that he achieved.