Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant W. C. McConville, 2nd Division Signals Company, Australian Engineers, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1105 Sjt. W. C. McConville. Aust: E.) suspension claw re-pinned, nearly very fine £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 10 October 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘During the period 3rd to 8th October 1918, covering the operations in the vicinity of Beaurevoir and Montbrehain North of St. Quentin, this N.C.O. showed prominence in a series of acts of gallantry.

On the evening of the 4th October his Brigade effected a relief to a flank which necessitated the laying of a new system of communication preparatory to the operations of the following day. Sgt. McConville recognising the shortage of linesmen, the trying conditions, and the necessity for a sound system, personally led his party in the laying and the maintenance of the lines to Battalions in action. Working continuously under heavy shellfire, and in the dark, this N.C.O. succeeded in effecting excellent Brigade communications.

Throughout the operations he displayed great leadership, initiative, and courage - resulting in the rapid restoration of communication over critical periods during the operations, and the inspiration of his men to greater efforts.

After his Brigade was relieved he remained in the line with the 59th American Infantry Brigade lending them material assistance in the maintenance of their forward communications throughout their operations East of Nauroy on the 7th to 8th October, 1918.’

William Charles McConville was born in Lancefield, Victoria, in 1892, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at the place of his birth, 8 February 1915. He served with the Australian Engineers as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli, and subsequently served with the 2nd Australian Division Signals Company in the French theatre of war from March 1916.

McConville advanced to Sergeant in January 1918, and was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry whilst attached to the 6th Australian Infantry Brigade H.Q. during operations on the Somme, 3-8 October 1918. He returned to Australia 28 August 1919, and was discharged 4 January 1920. McConville died in May 1968.