William Frederick Lindsay

William Lindsay was born in Unanderra December 27, 1880 and attended Unanderra Public School. He went on to Sydney University and passed his Junior public examination. Prior to the war he enlisted in the Militia and at the time of enlistment held the rank of Lieutenant in the 41st Infantry.

On 23rd October, 1903 he married Alice Spence and at the time of enlistment was working as a traffic manager at the cement works. He enlisted as a Lieutenant and embarked on HMAT A40 Ceramic on 7th October, 1916 with 6th Reinforcements 53rd Battalion. He arrived in France in February, 1917 and saw service on the Western Front. On 3rd July 1917 he was promoted to Captain.

William was wounded in action on 1st September, 1918 receiving a gun shot wound to his left leg. The Gazette dated 3rd June, 1919 advises the award of Military Cross to Captain Lindsay. Citation reads, 'During the attack on Peronne on 1st September, 1918 when the advance on the flank of the battalion was delayed by very intensive machine gun fire, he got his company into position in the open, and bringing well aimed fire to bear, dispersed the enemy with particularly important losses, and the advance proceeded. His gallantry and judgement were conspicuous, and his opportune and skillful action greatly contributed to the success of the battalion'.

Later on as part of this action he was wounded but remained with his men until the situation was under control before he agreed to be taken for treatment. He returned to Australia and remained in the Militia until his death in 1940. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and in 1937 was awarded the Efficiency Decoration, the same year he received the Coronation Medal. He was called up at the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939 but died soon after.

William Lindsay is remembered on the Unanderra School Roll of Honour.