Name
William Robert Aspinall (MC)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
20/07/1917
24
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Captain
Australian Army Medical Corps
1st Field Amb.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Military Cross
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
RENINGHELST NEW MILITARY CEMETERY
III. E. 28.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
None
UK & Other Memorials
Digswell House Australian Hospital Memorial, St John's Church, Digswell
Pre War
William Robert Aspinall was born in Sydney, New South Wales, the son of Arthur and Helen Aspinall. The family lived at St Killan's, 6 Challis Avenue, Pott's Point, New South Wales. He was a medical practitioner before enlistment.
His parents later lived at Turramurra, Sydney, New South Wales.
Wartime Service
He enlisted on 25 January 1916 and served in the Australian Army Medical Corps. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A43 Barunga on 7 April 1916.
He was awarded the Military Cross "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed the utmost courage and devotion in tending the wounded under heavy fire, assisting them to places of safety until they could be evacuated. He showed the greatest gallantry throughout." He was killed in action on 20 July 1917 at Ypres, Belgium.
Additional Information
Three brothers also served (all of whom were medical practitioners): Major Archibald John ASPINALL, AAMC, returned to Australia, 4 November 1915; Major Eric Andrew ASPINALL, AAMC, returned to Australia, 10 June 1919; Major Arthur Martel ASPINALL, AAMC, returned to Australia, 27 June 1919.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
www.aif.adfa.edu.au
