British War Medal 1914-20 : Private W H Kane, 2 Battalion, AIF

Place Europe: Western Front
Accession Number REL32849.002
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Medal
Physical description Silver
Maker Unknown
Place made United Kingdom
Date made c 1920
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

History / Summary

William Henry Kane was born on 8 August 1894 at Castlemaine, Victoria. He was working as a sleeper cutter when he enlisted in the AIF on 15 July 1915 as part of the 12th reinforcements to 2nd Battalion. After training in Australia he sailed overseas service on 30 December 1915. Kane transferred to 1st Battalion on 3 June 1916. In July 1916 he was wounded in action, receiving a gunshot wound to the left leg. He was wounded a second time on 24 August 1918 when he received a gun shot wound to his right side, and saw no further service. Private Kane was awarded the Military Medal in August 1918 for daring patrol work near Chipilly. Kane returned to Australia on 3 January 1919 and was discharged in April of that year. He subsequently married Emma Provost on 30 July 1919 at Macksville NSW. William Kane re-enlisted for service in the Second World War, at the age of 48, on 7 March 1942. He was posted to 11 Australian Garrison Battalion in Darwin and was discharged on 29 December 1943.