No. 759   William Joseph Michael Sheehan
William Joseph Michael Sheehan enlisted on 10 July 1915 and was assigned to the 31 Battalion.

The 31st Battalion embarked via two different ships, the HMAT A41 Bakara on 5 November 1915 and the HMAT A62 Wandilla on 9 November 1915.  It appears, but is not entirely certain, that William was aboard the Bakara.  He served as a driver with the 31st Battalion, Headquarters. 

On 14 February 1917, in Rouen, France, William received severe burns to his face and hands.

On 24 February 1917, he was transferred to the Royal Victoria War Hospital, Netley, England for treatment.

On 30 March 1917, he was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital in Dartford. 

Then follows numerous offences of Absence Without Leave until William is returned to Australia.

He embarked HT Suevic on 27 September 1917, arriving back in Australia on 18 November 1917. 

He was discharged, medically unfit, due to an injury to his hand on 11 January 1918 and awarded a war pension of 31 shillings per fortnight. 

An article detailing a local reception for William’s return home was published in the Werribee Banner,  22 November 1917, p.2.

Medals and Entitlements:

• 1914-15 Star
• British War Medal
• Victory Medal

A.I.F. Project
www.aif.adfa.edu.au

Australian War Memorial
awm.gov.au

National Archives of Australia
naa.gov.au

Trove
trove.nla.gov.au