Corporal William Wallace Croker

  Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

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22 November 2021

Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

85 years ago today, on the Sunday afternoon of the 22nd November 1936 (7 funerals on this day), Lance Corporal William Wallace Croker (M.M.), 14th Battalion (Reg No-6804), teamster from Redhead, New South Wales and Stuart Street, Charlestown, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 45. ANGLICAN 1-17. 41.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166556493 - funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166556512 - again, funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134681174 - death notice.

Born at Dudley, New South Wales on the 23rd March 1891 to Charles Frederick and Annie Elizabeth Croker of Stuart Street, Charlestown, N.S.W., William enlisted November 1916 with the 8th Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Older brother Robert Wilson (14th Battalion, Reg No-6711, born 1889, KIA 15.10.1917) memorialised same location.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123512489 - presentation of wristlet watch at the Dudley School of Arts Hall.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133748133 - report that brothers Robert and William had arrived safely in England.

Admitted to hospital 4.5.1917 (influenza).

Wounded in action - 28.3.1918 (not stated), 18.9.1918 (GSW right forearm, severe,).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137498256 - report that William wounded 2nd occasion.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137490635 - report that William in hospital with GSW right forearm, severe.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137495620 - report that William is now convalescent.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139645965 - report that William awarded Military Medal, recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal.

William returned home March 1919 (not recorded as invalided), and was not discharged until the 26th November 1920.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139645305 - report that William returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139654943 - William welcomed home and presentation at the Redhead Methodist Church.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139648396 - public welcome home for William and presentation at the Dudley School of Arts.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159360293 - welcome home for William and presentation.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139441379 - report that parents had received a medal for Bob and son William at the Randwick Military hospital and doing well.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159360116 - photos of the Croker brothers.

Mr. Croker’s name has been inscribed on the Redhead War Memorial (photos, unveiled on the 14th May 1950 & 11th November 2000, 66 names inscribed, 6 Fallen), Redhead Public School Roll of Honour, Dudley Public School Roll of Honor and the Dudley War Memorial.

There is no indication inscribed on William’s gravesite headstone of his service with the 1st A.I.F., so I have placed poppies and a 1914-1918 WAR label at the Croker gravesite in remembrance of William’s sacrifice for God, King & Country.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I will be submitting an application to DVA asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque to be placed at the gravesite to restore Honour and Dignity to William.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.