Photo of William Daly

William Daly

Private

8th Battalion

Medals Earned

  • British War Medal
  • Victory Medal

Tree Information

  • Species: Ulmus sp.
  • Planted By: E. Williams
  • Plaque: 1900

Additional Info

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Biography

William Warren Daly (SN 4474) was 23 years old when he enlisted from Ballarat South on August 25th 1915. Born in Ballarat West, he was single, and a farm labourer when he joined the 58th Infantry Battalion. He was seriously wounded while in the line at Fromelles and was evacuated to the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station where he died on July 22nd 1916 as he was being treated. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery, France.

His younger brother, James also served with the 58th Battalion in the Battle of Fromelles. James was killed in action on July 19th 1916. Their mother, Christina, was informed first of the death of William and was so distressed that Ballarat's Chaplain Snell requested that the army withhold news of the death of James because 'it is feared that in her present condition of health the news would prove fatal to her'. In a subsequent letter of apology the Army regretted that due to 'a chain of unhappy circumstances the request was inadvertently overlooked.' Christina proved strong enough to survive the devastating news, and to disclose that James had been just 17 years of age. Unlike many who died at Fromelles, both have known graves in France, James at Rue-Du-Bois Military Cemetery, and William at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. The grave of their parents, William and Christina Daly, is a reminder of the impact of the war on some families, with two brothers being killed days apart in the same battle.

Location in Ballarat Avenue of Honour