William Reginald Rawlings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Reginald Rawlings
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| Born | September 1890 Purnim, Australia |
| Died | 9 August 1918 (aged 27) Vauvillers, France |
| Buried |
Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres
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| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ |
Australian Imperial Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1918 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 29th Battalion |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Military Medal |
William Reginald Rawlings (born September 1890, died August 9, 1918) was a brave Aboriginal Australian soldier. He fought in the First World War and was given a special award called the Military Medal for his courage. He was also the uncle of Reginald Saunders, who became the first Aboriginal officer in the Australian army.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
William Reginald Rawlings was born in Purnim, Victoria, in September 1890. He grew up on an Aboriginal reserve in Framlingham. Before joining the army, he worked with horses as a horse-breaker around Purnim.
In March 1916, William decided to join the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in Warrnambool, Victoria. The AIF was Australia's main fighting force during the First World War.
Fighting in the First World War
After finishing his initial training, William Rawlings left Australia on a ship called HMAT Orsova on August 1, 1916. He traveled to France, where he joined the 29th Battalion. This battalion was part of the 8th Brigade.
Bravery and the Military Medal
William showed great bravery during heavy fighting. This happened along a place called Morlancourt Ridge on July 28 and 29, 1918. Because of his courage, he was awarded the Military Medal. This medal is given to soldiers for acts of bravery in battle.
Final Battle and Legacy
Sadly, Private Rawlings was killed in action on August 9, 1918. He was 27 years old. This happened during the capture of Vauvillers, France, as part of the Battle of Amiens.
William's friend, Henry Thorpe, who also received the Military Medal, was killed on the same day. Both William Rawlings and Henry Thorpe are buried together at the Heath Cemetery in Harbonnieres, France. William's Military Medal award was officially announced on December 11, 1918.
