Distinguished Conduct Medal : Warrant Officer Class 2 W Oswald, 13 Battalion, AIF

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

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. In October 1917 he was taken out of the line for further training, returning to his battalion 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 (DCM).

The recommendation for the DCM reads; 'On the 8th August, 1918, during the advance near MORCOURT, C.S.M. OSWALD was in charge of his company mopping-up party. When approaching MORCOURT, the battalion on our left was checked by enemy machine gun fire which caused a gap of about 400 yards in our line. C.S.M. OSWALD perceived this and immediately led his party forward. Bringing fire to bear he succeeded in silencing the hostile machine guns thus enabling the two battalions to again link up. Later, when advancing from DUDGEON WOOD, his company was subjected to a most galling enfilade fire from an enemy battery on the left flank. This gallant W.O. steadied his men, led them forward to their position and while they were digging in moved freely amongst them encouraging them and leading stragglers to their correct positions. Again, at the final objective he was of the utmost assistance to his company commander in siting the new line and placing the company. Throughout the day he gave a most inspiring example of bravery and coolness and cheerful confidence.'

Oswald left France to return to Australia in September 1918.

• Military Medal : Sergeant W Oswald, 13 Battalion, AIF
• 1914-15 Star : Private W Oswald, 13 Battalion, AIF
• British War Medal 1914-20 : Warrant Officer Class 2 W Oswald, 13 Battalion, AIF
• Victory Medal : Warrant Officer Class 2 W Oswald, 13 Battalion, AIF