William Robert Brien Edgar

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Thu, 21/12/2017 - 12:58

First Name:

William

Middle Name:

Robert Brien

Last Name:

Edgar

Date of Birth:

Wednesday, December 30, 1891

Mother's Name:

Susan Edgar nee Brien

Father's Name:

John Edgar

Date Enlisted:

Saturday, August 5, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Lieutenant

Unit:

13th Battalion / Education Service

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Sunday, March 20, 1977

Place of Death:

Wahroonga, N.S.W.

Details:

William Robert Brien Edgar (Service No 7368), was born in Oberon, N.S.W.

He attended Wollongong Public School, Wollongong, N.S.W., and at enlistment was single, 24 years old and worked as a school teacher. William enlisted on the same day as his brother, Alexander, but they did not serve together. William embarked on HMAT A18 Wiltshire, with the 13th Battalion, 24th Reinforcement, on 7th February 1917. He arrived in England on 11th April 1917, and served as a sergeant instructor, in England. William reverted to the rank of Private, to join 13th Battalion in France, on 25th August 1917, and was promoted to Lance Corporal, on 15th September 1917. He saw service on the Western Front as a Lewis Gunner and was recommended for a bravery award, but it was not issued. William was in charge of a Lewis Gun section on 18th September 1918, when he captured 12 prisoners and 3 machine guns.

On 31st January 1919, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant, with the Education Service, and then promoted to Lieutenant, on 30th April 1919. William was returned to Australia in July 1919, and discharged on 3rd October 1919.

On 19th February 1921, William married Florence Thomas, at Bondi, N.S.W., and they raised 5 children.

William died in Sydney, N.S.W., in 1977.

William is commemorated for his service on the Wollongong Wesley Mission Roll of Honor.

William's brother, Alexander Edgar (Service No 6806), also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, EDGAR W R B