William was born at Bacchus Marsh, VIC in 1894 to Thomas Edwards and Honora Richards. William had two brothers, Charles and Roy, who are also remembered in the Avenue.
William was a clerk when he enlisted at Melbourne in the AIF, 2nd Reinforcements, 5th Field Company, Engineers, on the 12th of November 1915, aged 21 - he had previously served two years with the Citizen Forces, 63rd Battalion and six months with the 30th Army Corps. He embarked from Sydney aboard the HMAT A35 Berrima in December, arriving in Egypt in early 1916 and transferring to the 12th Field Company, Engineers.
William disembarked at Marseilles, France in June 1916. He had a week in hospital with synovitis to the right knee in September and again in November. In January 1917 William was attached for duty, for ten days, with 4th Division, Headquarters and promoted to Lance Corporal, reverting to Sapper when he rejoined his unit. William was given three weeks leave in England in September 1918. After rejoining his unit he returned to England in February 1919 and embarked for Australia aboard the Commonwealth in April, returning to Australia in June and discharged from the AIF in August.
William died in 1964, aged 69.
He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour, the Roll of Honour for pupils of Parwan State School and the Holy Trinity Church Roll of Honour.
Tree Position (accuracy ±1 tree) -37.68133684882789, 144.45835613451746
Last updated by lee, Sat, 28 Aug 2021 11:42:27