Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

GRAHAM, William Johnston: was born in Randwick on 17 March 1881 to Arthur and Isobella Graham.

He was a Boer War veteran who served with the New South Wales Citizen's Bushmen for sixteen months during the war. He left Australia with the Bushmen on 28 February 1900 and returned on 11 June 1901. He enlisted with the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force on 12 August 1914 whilst working as an engine driver and received the regimental number 112. He sailed for New Guinea with the force aboard the ‘Berrima’ on 19 August 1914. He arrived in Port Moresby on 4 September 1914. The objective of the AN&MEF was to remove the German occupational forces from Rabaul and the surrounding areas. Bill was transferred to the Works Department of the force on 20 October 1914 until his return in early 1915.

After a few month's rest and recuperation he joined the Australian Imperial Force on 8 March 1915 where he was described at being five feet eleven inches in height and weighing one hundred and sixty-four pounds. He received the new regimental number 555. William sailed with the original battalion aboard the ‘Ceramic’ and saw service on the Gallipoli peninsula. He went through both battles on Hill 60 and was promoted Regimental Sergeant Major on 23 August 1915 replacing RSM Charles Lamont. He left Gallipoli with the last group of men from his battalion on the night of 19 December 1915. He transferred to the Western Front with the 18th Battalion on 19 March 1916 and almost immediately inflicted with diarrhoea. As the RSM in Pozieres he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal on 10 August 1916. His recommendation stated, “For gallantry and devotion to duty at all times during operations.” Although he did not receive the medal he was ‘mentioned in despatches’. On 19 August 1916 he received promotion to 2nd Lieutenant. The ‘mentioned’ citation reads, “For excellent work as a regimental sergeant major from 10 April 1916 to 16 August 1916 and coolness and courage at all times particularly during the time at Pozieres.” He was ‘mentioned in despatches’ a second time in a special despatch from General Sir Douglas Haig. He was promoted to captain a short while later and received the Military Cross at Bullecourt on 3 May 1917. William realised early on in the 18th’s assault that they would likely run out of small arms ammunition. He collected the ammunition from the casualties being brought out of the line and ensured that a continuous supply went forward. His initiative ensured they were able to stop a strong enemy bomb attack. He was wounded in Lihons on 9 August 1918 after being struck in the left shoulder. This wound was considered severe and he did not return to the battalion being placed on the seconded list. He returned to Australia aboard the transport vessel Margha departing 5 December 1918 acting as the ship’s company officer.

He was married to Mabel Johnston. Although difficult to establish the strain of war may well have manifested into what is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and, coupled with the Depression, William Johnston Graham committed suicide on 2 September 1930 by self administering poison and is buried in the Presbyterian section of the Rookwood Cemetery (section 5E, Grave 486). Several members of the 18th Battalion Association attended his funeral.