William Bingham

William Bingham

Western Mail 7 Sep 1917
Personal Information
Date of Birth	5 Jan 1884
Place of Birth	Williams, Western Australia
Death	10 Nov 1933, aged 49
Place of Death	Williams, Western Australia
Age at Enlistment	32 years, 2 months
Description	5' 10½" (1.79m) tall ; 175 lbs 79.379 kg ; ruddy complexion ; brown eyes ; brown to grey hair
Occupation	Farmer
Religion	Church of England
Address	NOK Prospect road, Armadale, Westen Australia
Next of Kin	Fathre , Mr William Henry Bingham
Military Information
Reg Number	2658
Date of Enlistment	9 May 1916
Rank	Private
Unit/Formation	44th Battalion, 5th reinforcement / 11th Brigade, 3rd Division
Date of Embarkation	9 Nov 1916 ‒ 10 Jan 1917
Ship Embarked On	HMAT A8 Argyllshire Fremantle to Devonport
Date of Return	5 Nov 1917 ‒ 23 Dec 1917
Ship Returned On	HMAT A32 Themistocles
Fate	Wounded in Action 10 Jun 1917 at Messines Returned to Australia
Monument	Armadale War Memorial (Armadale panel) Armadale Congregational Church Honour Board Armadale and Districts Roll of Honour
Medals	British War Medal Victory Medal

War Service

Entered Blackboy Hill camp and spent some time in training with the 67th Depot Company before being allocated to the 5th reinforcement draft for the 44th Battalion, spending a total of six months in camp before he was shipped to England. On arrival in England Bill spent three months with the 11th Training Battalion at Durrington before entering France via Folkestone on 25 Apr 1917. Several weeks later (14 May 1917) he joined the 44th Battalion which at the time was in the rear, training and re-equipping. (Inspected by GOC Army on same day).

Four days later the Battalion began a four day route march back to the Divisional area of responsibility near Steenwerck, marching by day and billeted by night. Based at Pont de Nieppe the Battalion was involved in working parties, moving to the catacombs near Hill 63 at Ploegsteert on June 4th. On June 7th as part of the Reserve, the 44th Battalion participated in the 3rd Division's attack on the Messines Ridge, becoming one of the attacking battalions at 1:00am on the 8th June, successfully capturing their target, the "green line" by 4:00am with light casualties.

However, about 300 casualties, possibly including William, occurred while trying to hang on to the ground gained. The damage was done by artillery, both German and their own. This was obviously the genesis of the shell shock that caused William to be sent back to England (2nd Birmingham War Hospital, Northfield), and eventually Australia. Found to be unfit for further service due to advancing age and the shell shock, he was discharged at 5th Military District on 3 Apr 1918.

The West Australian 11 Jul 1917 320th Casualty List. WOUNDED... Wm. Bingham (Armadale).

Post War

A farmer at time of enlistment, he returned to the land near Williams following the war, marrying Matilda Clarke (1886-1963) in Williams on 10 May 1920. A son, William Robert was born in Williams during 1931.

Death Notice "BINGHAM. — On November 10, suddenly, at his residence, Williams, William (Bill) Bingham, dearly beloved husband of Lilly, and loving father of Rene, Phyllis, Florence, and little Bill. One of the best."

External Links

• AIF Project
• RSL Memorial