William John Stapleton

Submitted by wollongongcityl... on Wed, 01/04/2015 - 11:49

First Name:

William

Middle Name:

John

Last Name:

Stapleton

Date of Birth:

Saturday, December 26, 1891

Mother's Name:

Eleanor Gilman

Father's Name:

John Stapleton

Date Enlisted:

Sunday, November 28, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

KIA

Unit:

17th Battalion

Company:

8th Reinforcements

Service:

Infantry

Date of Death:

Tuesday, June 6, 1916

Place of Death:

France

Cause of Death:

KIA

Details:

William (Billy) John Stapleton (Service No 3623) was born in Wollongong, to John and Eleanor Stapleton of Unanderra, Illawarra. William's enlistment papers show that he was 24 years old, and a single man when he enlisted. He nominated his father as his next of kin.

Before enlisting on 28 September 1915 William was working as a postal assistant. He was well known in the community, having captained the Unanderra Football team for 3 years. William was also a successful runner, winning races on the running track, from 75 yards to 1 mile. William was a violinist and a member of the Wollongong Orchestra.

William was educated at St Mary's Convent, Wollongong, and later, at the District School.

William embarked with his Unit, from Sydney, on board the HMAT A60 Aeneas on 20 December 1915. He spent time in Alexandria, Egypt.

On 17 March 1916 William embarked to join the B.E.F. , disembarking at Marseilles on 23 March. On 6 June, 1916, William was killed in the line of duty.

William was buried the following day at the Brewery Cemetery, Bois Grenier, 4000 yards south of Armentieres, France.

William is commemorated on the Wollongong War Memorial and at the Unanderra Public School Memorial.

Sources:

NAA B2455: STAPLETON WILLIAM JOHN