Wilfred Harold RAMSDEN DCM, MM

RAMSDEN, Wilfred Harold

Service Number: 6504
Enlisted: 15 September 1915
Last Rank: Corporal
Last Unit: 13th Field Artillery Brigade
Born: Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia, 1889
Home Town: Victoria Park, Victoria Park, Western Australia
Schooling: State School , Victoria, Australia
Occupation: Bottler
Died: Wounds, France, 9 November 1918
Cemetery: Etretat Churchyard Extension
III D 9,
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Bickford Soldiers Memorial Hall Honour Roll and Memorial Plaque, East Victoria Park Bickford Young Mens Club HR, Victoria Park Church of the Transfiguration Fallen Honour Roll, Victoria Park War Memorial
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World War 1 Service

15 Sep 1915: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 6504, 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital
22 Nov 1915: Involvement Private, 6504, 2nd Stationary Hospital (AIF), --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '23' embarkation_place: Fremantle embarkation_ship: RMS Mongolia embarkation_ship_number: '' public_note: ''
22 Nov 1915: Embarked Private, 6504, 2nd Stationary Hospital (AIF), RMS Mongolia, Fremantle
9 Nov 1918: Involvement Corporal, 6504, 13th Field Artillery Brigade, --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 6504 awm_unit: 13th Australian Field Artillery Brigade awm_rank: Corporal awm_died_date: 1918-11-09

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Biography contributed by Rosemary Ritorto

Son of Alfred RAMSDEN and Elizabeth nee SPARNON of Ascot Street, Victoria Park, WA

Youngest son of Mrs. E. Ramsden. Enlisted Sept. 8. 1915, sailed for Egypt, November, 1915, fought through Mesopotamia, waa injured and sent to England and then to France. After fighting 12 months there was wounded, but remained on duty. November, 1917 was severely gassed and sent to England. Later he entered thc A.F.A. N.O.O.'s School, Sandhills Camp, Sutton, Veny, England, and gained fire class instructor's certificate, but again volunteered for France Was wounded October, 191S, in the right hand.

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was one of a forward observation party in an attack which suffered several casualties. When his officer was wounded he dressed his wounds, and, though wounded himself went forward with another officer in the attack. He remained at duty throughout the day repairing and maintaining lines under very heavy fire. He showed splendid courage and determination.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 137
Date: 30 August 1918
 

Military Medal

'In front of HAMEL - VILLERS BRETONNEUX. On the 9th August 1918, bombardier RAMSDEN was in charge of specialists accompanying the F.O.O. At considerable risk from machine gun and shell fire, he crossed an area in full view of the enemy, and succeeded in establishing communication with his Battery. the telephone line was cut on several occasions, on each of which this N.C.O., without hesitation went out and effected the necessary repairs. By his efforts, at great personal risk, on account of severe machine gun and shell fire, he enabled the F.O.O. to be in almost constant touch with his Battery and thus to support the Infantry at a time when Artillery fire was most required. This N.C.O.'s total disregard of danger, devotion to duty and excellent example are deserving of special recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

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