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William was born at Heathcote, VIC on the 31st of January 1897 to James Thomas Edgerton and Elizabeth Ann Trantor. William had a brother, James - KIA - who is also remembered in the Avenue.
William was a labourer and gave his address as Bacchus Marsh, VIC when he enlisted in the AIF, 12th Reinforcement, 5th Battalion on the 17th of July 1915, aged 18. Prior to enlistment he had served in the 65th Senior Cadets, in Bacchus Marsh, for four years and permission to enlist was given by both parents. William embarked aboard the HMAT A40 Ceramic in late November - as an acting Corporal.
After disembarking in Egypt William joined his unit in late February 1916 and reverted to a Private. At the end of March, William transferred to the 46th Battalion. In late April he spent two weeks in hospital with dysentery before embarking from Alexandria, Egypt.
William arrived at Marseilles, France in June 1916. The 46th Battalion participated in the Battle of Pozieres in late July, so he was probably involved. In September suffered a gunshot wound to the left buttock and ankle, he embarked for England and was admitted to Ontario Military Hospital, Kent - discharged in February 1917 to two weeks furlough.
In July 1917 he rejoined his unit in France and a month later was again wounded in action - a shell wound to the face. William rejoined his unit in mid September and was promoted to Lance Corporal in December. In October 1918 William was AWL from parade and lost his Lance stripe. In January 1919 he returned to England and in April embarked for Australia aboard the Warwickshire, disembarking in late May and discharged from the AIF in July.
William died in 1986, aged 89.
He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour and the Roll of Honour of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Bacchus Marsh.
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Last updated by lee, Sat, 28 Aug 2021 11:40:29
