Military History

Simpson originally enlisted with the 44th Bn 11th Infantry Bde in Perth 1.2 1916, he was taken off strength and described by the Board as’ unlikely to make an efficient soldier’ 11.4.1916. He re-enlisted with the artillery and proceeded to Maribyrnong, Victoria, where he joined the 23rd Howitzer Brigade, 107th Battery.
Embarked Melbourne per ‘Medic’ A7 for UK 20.5.1916.
Roll Rank Bdr.
Roll Unit 23rd Howitzer Brigade, 107th Reinf.
Simpson was appointed Bombardier (17.7.1916) prior to disembarkation at Devonport 18.7.1916. He marched in to Perham Downs UK. To Larkhill 15.9.1916. He was transferred from the 3rd Division FAB to the 3rd Division Trench Mortar Battery 7.8.1916. Simpson was promoted to Cpl. 17.10.1916. He proceeded overseas to France 23.11.1916. Simpson was wounded in action at Messines 4.6.1917–gassed. He was reported wounded in local papers (West Australian Newspapers 2.12.1918). Simpson was transferred to the Bevan Military Hospital in England 12.6.1917. On recovery, he proceeded overseas to France 5.9.1917. He was selected to attend an Artillery Training Course at St. Johns Wood, England. He joined the No.1 Cadet School 20.11.1917. Simpson then was allocated to the Artillery Reinf. 26.6.1918. He was promoted to 2nd Lieut. 12.7.1918. Simpson proceeded overseas to France 19.8.1918. The 3rd Division fought at the Battle of Amiens in August 1918. Simpson was promoted to Lieut. 26.9.1918. Wounded in action 2nd time 18.10.1918; he was gassed during the Battle of the St Quentin Canal. Simpson was invalided back to England 22.10.1918. He was admitted to Wandsworth Hospital, London 23.10.1918. Simpson was invalided by the gas poisoning and listed for return to Australia. He was awarded the Military Cross 24.12.1918.
Embarked for Australia per ‘Takoda’ from 25.12.1918.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 1.2.1919 as an invalid.
Discharged/ Appointment terminated 6.6.1919.
Awards and Medals Military Cross, British War medal, Victory Medal. Mentioned in Dispatches 29.9.1919
Recommendation for Military Cross
‘On October 8th 1918 near Francourt, this Officer was detailed as Forward Observing Officer for the Bde. and went forward at zero in touch with the infantry. Throughout the whole of the action he displayed most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty under very heavy enemy shell and Machine gun fire and kept the Bde. well posted with the Tactical situation, thus enabling work to done by the Artillery in supporting the Infantry and breaking up the enemy concentrations. On one occasion while forward, Lieut. Simpson when an enemy machine gun was causing considerable trouble, rushed out and shot four of the gun crew and captured the gun, which he immediately turned on the enemy causing them casualties. Later, when the enemy launched a local counter attack, he organised a party of Lewis Gunners, and broke up the attack, capturing 20 prisoners and dispersing the remainder with fire from the Machine Gun he has captured and also a 4.2” gun.
The bravery and coolness displayed during this operation by Lieut. Simpson under the most trying conditions, and his utter disregard for his own personal safety was a fine example to all, as was also the devotion to duty that he displayed.’
(26.11.1918)
Photos  HMAT 'Medic' 1914. Photographer Hood, Samuel J. Photograph source AWM H19319
               Perham Downs Camp, Salisbury Plains. Post card
               Australian Soldiers travelling to Messines Ridge June 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E0047
               Amiens France after bombing 1917.Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM H02108
               3rd Australian General Hospital at Wandsworth.UK.c 1916. Postcard by Card House

Information Source
AWM  H19319 . HMAT 'Medic' 1914. Photographer Hood, Samuel J. Photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Austalian War Memorial
AWM E0047. Australian Soldiers travelling to Messines Ridge June 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM H02108. Amiens France after bombing 1917.Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
Card House. 3rd Australian General Hospital at Wandsworth.UK. c1916. Postcard.
Post card. Perham Downs Camp, Salisbury Plains.
West Australian Newspaper
NAA: B2455, Simpson Walter de Lacey
AWM Walter de Lacey Simpson
AWM Honours and Awards

103 Terrace Road, Guildford, WA (father from 1917)

Associated Images