Australian Servicemen in World War 1
The Australian War Memorial records two 'Wawn's ' who served in World War I.
I hold copies of these Servicemen's records:
WAWN, William James
Private, No 2598
5/59th Infantry Battalion
Joined 22 May 1916 in Melbourne
Age 20 years and 7 months
Marine Engineer
Height 5' 5 3/4", Fresh complexion, blue eyes, brown hair.
Father - Mr William Wawn of 934 Lygon Street, North Carlton
Embarked 'Shropshire' in Melbourne 25 September 1916, disembarked Plymouth 11 November 1916
Wounded in action September 1917 in France.
Returned to Australia 10 January 1918.
Discharged medically unfit 9 April 1918 and granted service pension.
Awarded 1914/15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Letter from William James Wawn's parents giving permission to join up (98k)
William James Wawn's Discharge Certificate 1918 - with courtesy Mike Wawn
William James Wawn died on 30 April 1952.
Commemoration - Imperial War Graves List No 114, Page 4 of 6 July 1952.
WAWN, Harold Evelyn
initially No 1196 11th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade.
Joined 7 October 1914 at Blackboy Camp, Perth, Western Australia.
Age 27 years, 11 months
Born - Darlington, Durham, UK
Accountant
Height 5' 7 1/2", Fair complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair. Scar over appendix.
Father - William Wawn, Abbey Road, Darlington, Co Durham, UK
Embarked for Middle East on 22 December 1914.
Served in Abbassia, Cairo and Alexandria
Promoted to Corporal 15 November 1914
Promoted to Acting Sergeant 7 April 1915
Promoted to Warrant Officer 8 April 1915
Promoted to Quarter Master and Hon Lieutenant 12 March 1916
Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal 3 June 1916
Mentioned in dispatch twice:
London Gazette No 29664 11 July 1916 "Mentioned for distinguished gallant services during the period of General Sir Charles Munro's Command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force
London Gazette No 29631 20 June 1916 "Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for general gallantry and good work during the campaign."
28 August 1919 AIF War Office Communiqué - brought to the notice of Sec of State for War for valuable services rendered during the War.
Discharged 20 January 1920.
Awarded 1914/15 Star Victory Medal and British War Medal.
