| Place | Europe: Western Front |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL43993 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Compressed fibre, Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | India |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Metal and compressed fibre identity discs: Warrant Officer Class 2 W Oswald, 13 Battalion, AIF
Description
Octagonal compressed fibre identity disc joined by a short length of ribbon to a 1887 Indian One Rupee coin. The disc is impressed 'OSWALD C 1389 13 . A.I.'. The coin has had the obverse abraded and has then been impressed 'W.M.OSWALD 1389 13.BN. P'.
History / Summary
William Oswald was born near Newcastle, England in 1889. He emigrated to Australia and was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the AIF on 6 October 1914. After initial training he was assigned to 13 Battalion as a private with the service number 1389 and embarked with the 1st Reinforcements aboard HMAT Berrima (A35) on 22 December 1914.
After further training in Egypt, Oswald landed with his unit at Gallipoli on the afternoon of 25 April, 1915. Five days later he sustained a gunshot wound to his ankle. He received treatment aboard a hospital ship and returned to duty on 20 May.
Oswald sustained a second gunshot wound to his right wrist on 7 August during the unsuccessful assault on Hill 971. He was evacuated to Cairo for medical treatment, and rejoined his battalion at Gallipoli on 14 September.
After the evacuation from Gallipoli in December Oswald returned to Egypt with his unit. He was promoted to lance corporal in April 1916. In June the battalion sailed for France, and were engaged in trench warfare upon their arrival. Oswald was wounded for a third time in June, and rejoined his unit at the end of the month. He fought in 13 Battalion's first major action at Pozieres in August.
Oswald was promoted to corporal in September and sergeant in November. He served with his unit through 1917, and on 27 September he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the area east of Messines.
He remained with his unit until October 1917, when he was taken out of the line for further training, returning in February 1918.
Oswald was promoted to warrant officer class 2 and appointed company sergeant major in March 1918. He was with his unit when the German spring offensive was halted during March and April, and in the subsequent allied offensive. During the fighting east of Amiens in early August 1918, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Oswald left France to return to Australia in September 1918.