William Henry O'Bern was a 28 year old fitter at the time of his enlistment on the 25th of August 1914. He was ranked as a Sapper on enlistment and his unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A3 Orvieto on the 21st of October 1914. In 1915 he was promoted twice, the first being on the 25th of May to Lance Corporal, and the second being on the 4th of December to 2nd Corporal. On March 1st 1916 William was promoted to Corporal and then to Temporary Sergeant on April 20th. He was wounded on the 1st of June 1916 with a gunshot wound to his thigh. On the 9th of August he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and he rejoined his unit from being wounded on the 14th of August 1919. William was promoted to Lieutenant on the 14th of December 1916. On November 19th 1917 Lieutenant William was awarded the Military Cross for æconspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in rescuing three artillery drivers who were severely wounded by a shell which bust among the men and their horses.' On January 1st 1918 he was awarded a bar to the Military Cross for ædistinguished service in the field'. He returned to Australia on the 30th of April 1919 and was discharged on the 29th of June 1919.
Tree No. 214