William Moffat McLachlan MM

Personal Information
Date of Birth	not known 1896
Place of Birth	Ballarat, Victoria
Death	25 Aug 1967, aged 71
Place of Death	Perth, Western Australia
Age at Enlistment	19 years, 8 months
Description	5'11" (1.80m) tall; weight 139 lbs (63kg); dark complexion, grey eyes, black hair.
Occupation	mill hand
Religion	Methodist
Address	Jarrahdale, Western Australia
Next of Kin	Father Mr James McLachlan
Military Information
Reg Number	143
Date of Enlistment	12 Jan 1916
Rank	Lance Sergeant
Unit/Formation	44th Battalion, A Company / 11th Brigade, 3rd Division
Date of Embarkation	6 Jun 1916 - 21 Jul 1916
Ship Embarked On	HMAT A29 Suevic
Date of Return	19 Jun 1919 - 7 Aug 1919
Ship Returned On	SS Windhuk
Fate	Wounded in Action 8 Jun 1917 (gassed) at Messines Returned to Australia
Monument	Jarrahdale
Medals	Military Medal British War Medal Victory Medal

War Service

Within a fortnight of entering camp, Bill was allocated to the 44th Battalion (1 Dec 1916) and travelled with them to England.

On 25 Nov 1916 he proceeded overseas from England to France, and soon after required a spell in hospital with bronchitis from 15 - 18 Dec 1916. Also in hospital from 13 - 28 Apr 1917 this time with tonsillitis, before being wounded in action on 8 Jun 1917.

Bill was one of many who were put out of action by the German use of gas shells, and it would appear to have happened as the battalion which had been held in reserve moved forward to secure the enemy trenches between the Douve River and 'Huns Wald' on Messine Ridge. While casualties were light in achieving the target, they sustained a great many casualties (300+) holding on to their gains, primarily from both enemy and friendly artillery fire. Treated first by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance, he was passed to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station before entering the 11th Stationary Hospital in Rouen on 9 Jun 1917. 10 days later he was released to the 2nd Convalescent Depot, and a week later he was shifted to the 11th Convalescent Depot

Bill was able to rejoin the 44th Battalion on 8 Sep 1917, but along the way ran foul of Military Law. On 4 Sep 1917 he was charged with 'Crime - At Rouelles on 3 Sep 1917, when on active service, conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he insisted on smoking on parade while orders were being read, after being duly warned by the Company Sergeant Major not to do so.' For this heinous crime he forfeited 2 days pay.

Back with his unit, on 21 Sep 1917 he was appointed Lance Corporal, and on 7 Oct 1917 he was made temporary Corporal until 9 Dec 1917 when a permanent Corporal rejoined the unit. Acted as Corporal again from 1 Apr 1918 till 29 May 1918, and again from 16 Jul 1918, but this time his rank was confirmed on 8 Oct 1918, and then 2 days later he was promoted temporary Sergeant.

He was granted leave to England between 1 Jan 1919 and 16 Jan 1919, and in April returned to England to begin the homeward journey.

Discharged 5th Military District 22 Sep 1919

Local press published Casualty Lists , but also individual references; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Mclachlan, of Jarrahdale and 24 Galwey-street, Leederville, have been notified that their son, Private William Moffat McLachlan, has been wounded .

Award Comment

In January 1918 William was awarded the Military Medal (AWM site does not include recommendation or citation)

Post War

In 1923 William married Gertrude Ann Kelly, registered in the Blackwood district. Gertrude died 10 Jul 1969, aged 62 in Perth. Electoral Roll entries - 1925 - 1943 State Saw Mill Pemberton, mill hand; 1931 joined by Gertrude Ann; 1949 - 1963 at 175 Lake street, North Perth timber worker;

William also served during WW2 as W27692 from 30 Apr 1941 until 12 Mar 1947. Served with 5th and 10th Garrison Battalions before transferring to the Australia Cinema Unit.

External Links

• AIF Project
• RSL Virtual War Memorial