Francis Wilson HAMILL

Regimental number8/221
AddressRoxburgh
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinFather, W J Hamill, Gorge Road, Southland
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Otago Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
Members of the Otago Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left Wellington on 16 October 1914 on two ships, HMNZT 9 'Hawke's Bay' and HMNZT 5 'Ruapehu'. From the Nominal Roll it is not possible to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Medals

Military Medal

'Operations Gravenstafel 30th September to 5th October 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At 2pm on the 30th September, in the Sector east of Ypres, Lance Corporal Hamill, as leader of the Battalion Observers, went forward and established an observation post in the outposts of a new Sector, about which information was urgently required by Headquarters. Notwithstanding the heavy shell fire, he crossed to the front line in the open, and, although in an exposed and dangerous position carried out his task thoroughly and returned with a valuable report. Again in the same part of the line at 6am on the 3rd October 1917, when our artillery was firing a practice barrage, Lance Corporal Hamill remained in the front post to observe the results of our barrage and the nature of the enemy?s reply. When our own artillery slackened to the normal rate of fire he returned, through the enemy?s barrage, with a comprehensive account of the operation. On both these occasions Lance Corporal Hamill not only rendered valuable services but showed complete disregard of danger.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 December 1917

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Infantry Batln/Main Body

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