Harrison, William John
SURNAME
Harrison
NAME
William John
PLACE OF BIRTH
Cairns
OCCUPATION
Labourer
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT
Port Douglas
DATE OF ENLISTMENT
8/01/1915
NEXT OF KIN
(father) Thomas Harrison, Killaloe, via Port Douglas.
LINK TO DOUGLAS SHIRE
Family living at Killaloe, via Port Douglas.
REGIMENT 1
4th Light Horse Field Ambulance
REGIMENT 2
14th Field Coy Engineers
RANK
Corporal
CAMPAIGN 1
Western Front
DATE DISCHARGED
14/09/1920
OTHER INFORMATION
Awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory medal, British War Medal. Distinguished Conduct Medal.
STORY OUTLINE
William Harrison was a 24 year old labourer when he enlisted in January 1915. He was appointed to the 4th Light Horse. Later, serving in France, he was awarded the DCM for gallantry at Flaucourt on 31 August 1918.
"This NCO was in charge of transport which was suddenly shelled heavily. Three drivers were wounded and horses killed. He himself was wounded. Nevertheless with great courage and endurance he helped the others wounded to a place of safety and then returned and organised the work of clearing the wreckage until he was wounded for a second time. He set a fine example of devotion to duty under very trying conditions and his action prevented a serious block in the traffic, which would have led to further casualties."
(Commonwealth Gazette 67, 3 June 1919)
Corporal Harrison returned to Australia in March 1919 and was discharged in September 1920.
SERVICE NO
2642
