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Note: nd living with their daughter. Neither were too happy about it!
Bill fought in the First World War in Egypt and France. His occupation was listed as a wood machinist. Daughter Evonne has a copy of his full World War 1 Service Records - Regimental No. 3236.
Bill joined up on 17th July 1915, the day after his 39th birthday. He listed his address as 269 Edward St, Brunswick VIC. His military records indicate he was 5' 9" (5.10 in another doc) and stated he weighed 12.5 stone, had grey eyes, brown hair and tattoo on left forearm. He listed his denomination as C of E.
He was in the 1st Depot Batallion (Seymour) from enlistment until 25/11/15 at which time he commenced in the 7/24th Battalion. He fought in Egypt, was hospitalised, then transferred to the 8th Battalion, staying in Egypt. After that he was in the 60th Battalion fighting in France before being invalided out to England and returned to Australia. He remained listed as a Private throughout his war service.
He was discharged as medically unfit 9/7/17 after suffering severe hearing damage and loss. He wore hearing aids for the rest of his life and was totally deaf without them. He was also gassed in the trenches in France and was left with some nerve damage that left him with two walking sticks in later life (this latter part is not noted in his medical war records and may have come later - he was receiving a war pension from the time he returned for the rest of his life). His pension application listed his wife as Mary Emma Robinson. He listed Gladys M. Williams as a child but this was rejected as she had not been formally adopted. His other child is listed as Iris. A Robinson.
The notification to his wife of his impending return notes her address as Morpeth, Orlando St, HAMPTON, Vic.
Another address listed on documents mentions 611 Burwood Rd, Auburn.
Medals issued included:
1914.15 STAR issued No N.E.
British War Medal 3/31 Issued No 30660
VICTORY Medal 3/31 Issued No 30450
Note: Bill lived the latter part of his life with his daughter Iris in Harbord, Sydney. He and his wife Mary had separated when Iris was 12 (1926) but he had to live with her again when they were both old a
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