| Citations 2 |
|
For most distinguished service and devotion to duty during the period 23 Oct to 23 Jan 43. Lt.-Col. W.J. WAIN commanded 2/43 Aust. Inf. Bn. throughout the battles at El ALAMEIN with outstanding ability and continuous gallantry. In 24 Aust. Inf. Bde's operations of July/November, in which the Bn. took a major and continuous part, Lt-Col. WAIN inspired his men by his unshakeable determination to close with the enemy and give no ground. |
| Career summary 6 |
|
[evac from El Al with anxiety neurosis] |
| Citations 3 |
|
Near SIDI ABD EL RAHMAN between 31 October - 1 November, 2/43 Bn. was holding the extremity of a salient on ground vital to both ourselves and the enemy. This position was held, although it was overlooked by enemy positions on two sides and subjected to some six attacks in fourteen hours by enemy tanks and infantry with heavy fire support. Lt-Co; WAIN moved about to direct operations, heedless of severe fire, encouraging his subordinates by personal contact, and skilfully bringing fire to bear a |
| WW2 Service 2 |
|
New Guinea |
| Served |
|
1914-1918 Command: ; Service: Western Front |
| Citations 4 |
|
It had not been possible to reinforce the Bn. in daylight, but despite casualties in arms and personnel, the Bn. clung to its position, counter-attacking for lost ground, until the enemy withdrew. On 1 Nov. Lt-Col. Wain was blown out of his OP by a shell, but despite the shock and the effects of the blast, he continued to direct operations and refused evacuation until 3 November, when the situation was stabilised. |
| WW2 Service 1 |
|
El Alamein |
| Interwar Service 7 |
|
7 Hvy Brigade RAA |
| Citations 5 |
|
Throughout the period under review Lt-Col. Wain has inspired his unit by these and similar acts of gallantry, by his meticulous attention to detail in planning and by his drive in training and leadership. |
| Date of birth |
07/08/1899 |
|
| WW1 Service 1 |
1915-06-14 - 1916-02-24 |
Private 7th battalion |
| Date of embarkation |
26/08/1915 |
|
| WW1 Service 2 |
06/03/1916 |
59th battalion 24th Feb-1 |
| WW1 Service 3 |
15/07/1919 |
15thmachine gun Company (later 5thmachine gun battalion ) 16 Mar 1916-to discharge |
| Date commissioned |
03/02/1926 |
|
| Interwar Service 1 |
03/02/1926 |
lieutenant 14th battalion |
| Interwar Service 2 |
05/05/1930 |
captain |
| Interwar Service 3 |
23/02/1933 |
Reserve of Officers |
| Interwar Service 4 |
23/02/1934 |
14th battalion |
| Interwar Service 6 |
01/08/1938 |
RAA (M) Hvy Bty |
| Interwar Service 5 |
25/01/1938 |
6 Infantry Brigademachine gun officers |
| Interwar Service 8 |
14/01/1940 |
11 battalion |
| Interwar Service 9 |
14/01/1940 |
13 Brigademachine gun offr (seconded) |
| Career summary 1 |
01/05/1940 |
Seconded from 13 Brigade to 2/16th battalion |
| Career summary 2 |
01/05/1940 |
major 2/16th battalion |
| Career summary 4 |
06/11/1941 |
lieutenant colonel 29 Dec 1941 (bd 1 |
| Career summary 3 |
1941-11-16 - 1943-07-22 |
temporary lieutenant colonel, commanding officer 2/43rd battalion |
| Appointment |
1941-11-16 - 1943-07-22 |
Battalion: 2/43rd; Rank on appointment: major, temporary lieutenant colonel ; Appointed from: 2/16th battalion ; Reason for end of appointment: age ?? |
| Career summary 5 |
04/11/1942 |
wounded in action |
| Career summary 9 |
06/08/1943 |
command 5 Garrison Brigade |
| Career summary 10 |
03/11/1943 |
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order |
| Career summary 7 |
27/02/1943 |
Returned to Australia |
| Career summary 8 |
26/08/1943 |
Mention in Despatches (for 1 May-22 Oct 1943) |
| Career summary 13 |
07/11/1944 |
Reserve of Officers |
| Career summary 11 |
1944-01-30 - 1944-03-30 |
commanding officer Tasmania Lines of Communication Area |
| Career summary 12 |
1944-03-30 - 1944-08-01 |
commanding officer 1 Aust Beach group |
