William John Stapleton

First Name: 
William
Middle Name: 
John
Last Name: 
Stapleton
Date of Birth: 
Saturday, December 26, 1891
Mother's Name: 
Eleanor Gilman
Father's Name: 
John Stapleton
Date Enlisted: 
Sunday, November 28, 1915
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
KIA
Unit: 
17th Battalion
Company: 
8th Reinforcements
Service: 
Infantry
Date of Death: 
Tuesday, June 6, 1916
Place of Death: 
France
Cause of Death: 
KIA
Details: 

William (Billy) John Stapleton (Service No 3623) was born in Wollongong, to John and Eleanor Stapleton of Unanderra, Illawarra. William's enlistment papers show that he was 24 years old, and a single man when he enlisted. He nominated his father as his next of kin.

Before enlisting on 28 September 1915 William was working as a postal assistant. He was well known in the community, having captained the Unanderra Football team for 3 years. William was also a successful runner, winning races on the running track, from 75 yards to 1 mile. William was a violinist and a member of the Wollongong Orchestra.

William was educated at St Mary's Convent, Wollongong, and later, at the District School.

William embarked with his Unit, from Sydney, on board the HMAT A60 Aeneas on 20 December 1915. He spent time in Alexandria, Egypt.

On 17 March 1916 William  embarked to join the B.E.F. , disembarking at Marseilles on 23 March. On 6 June, 1916, William was killed in the line of duty.

William was buried the following day at the Brewery Cemetery, Bois Grenier, 4000 yards south of Armentieres, France.

William is commemorated on the Wollongong War Memorial and at the Unanderra Public School Memorial.

 

Sources: 
NAA B2455: STAPLETON WILLIAM JOHN