Identity disc : Sapper W T Neasmith, 1 Divisional Signal Company

Circular aluminium identity disc engraved with '16563 W T. Neasmith 1st Div Sig Coy Engrs.A.I.F. Press' on one side and 'W T Neasmith Church St Blayney N.S.W.' on the reverse.

Associated with the service of Sapper William Thomas Neasmith. Neasmith was born on 20 June 1893 in Blayney NSW and was an employee of Massey Harris (Farm Equipment Manufacturer) when he enlisted in the 1st Divisional Signal Company, 24th Reinforcements on 12 February 1916. Undertaking initial training at the Signal Schools in Casula and Kiama, Neasmith was posted to the Moore Park Engineers Depot for further training in September.

On the evening of 2 November, Neasmith's last night in Blayney before embarking on overseas service, a public farewell was given in his honour at the Blayney Masonic Hall. He was presented with a 9 carat gold watch fob, bible and fountain pen by Blayney's Mayor, Ald Westgarth.

Embarking for overseas service aboard RMS Orontes on 19 December, Neasmith arrived in Plymouth on 17 February 1917. He marched into the Engineers Training Depot, Perham Downs on 1 March before proceeding overseas to France on 13 May, arriving in Boulogne the following day.

On 16 May Neasmith marched into the Royal Engineer Corps Depot, Abbeville and was posted to 2 Divisional Signals on 22 May. He was formally taken on strength in the field as a sapper by 2 Divisional Signals on 24 May. Neasmith saw continuous service on the Western Front until September 1918, excluding two periods of leave to Paris and Belgium during the first three months of 1918.

On 17 September Neasmith was admitted ill to 6 Australia Field Ambulance five days later he was transferred to 5 Casualty Clearing Station and then on to 12 USA General Hospital, Rouen on 25 September before being invalided to England on 30 September, where he was eventually admitted to hospital at Bath.

Transferred to 3 Auxiliary Hospital on 15 November Neasmith was discharged on furlough on 18 November. He embarked for Australia aboard the Hospital Transport Orontes on 20 December, disembarking in Sydney on 1 February 1919. From February until August he underwent dental and medical treatment at the 21st Australian Auxiliary Hospital, George Heights Mosman before being discharged from the AIF on 2 August.