William Francis Slattery MM

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

164515

Unit at enlistment:

84th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Cemetery:

St. Joseph's Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Awards or decorations:

Military Medal

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

24 Edwin Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

24 Edwin Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Moulder

Religious denominations:

Roman Catholic

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 29953
Date: February 19, 1917
Honour or Award: Military Medal
Authority: R.O. 386, Watson, December 17, 1916
Name: William Francis Slattery (164515)
Unit: 75th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry on November 17th-18th in Desire Trench, near Courcelette. After all the stretcher bearers had been killed or wounded on the attack he volunteered for the work and during the 48 hours following the attack and before the Battalion was relieved he showed the most marked courage, unselfishness and devotion to duty. He repeatedly rescued wounded who were lying in the open exposed to shell fire and sniping. After using up all available dressings he went out in the open and salvaged two complete first aid kits from dead stretcher bearers. He worked during the whole 48 hours continuously without stopping for food or rest. His conduct was splendid and by his untiring efforts saved the lives of many of his comrades.

BX March 10, 1917

Private William Francis Slattery Military Medal – Took Twelve Trips to “No Man’s Land” to Rescue the Wounded

For extreme heroism in rescuing 12 wounded men from “No Man’s Land,” during the 12 trips having his feet so badly frozen that he has since been in a hospital, Pte. William Slattery, 95 Chestnut Avenue, a former member of the 84th Battalion, has been awarded the Military Medal.

The word was received yesterday by Mrs. Slattery, who had received an intimation some time ago that the recommendation had been made. The deed for which the award was made is described as one of continued heroism, the lives of 12 men having been saved by his gallantry.

BX April 24, 1917

Receives Medal Won by Husband

Mrs. William F. Slattery, 95 Chestnut Avenue, wife of Private William Francis Slattery, yesterday received the Military Medal won by her husband as a reward for conspicuous gallantry on the battlefield on or about March 1, when he made 12 trips to “No man’s land” and was successful in saving the lives of 12 comrades. Private Slattery was unfortunate in having his feet badly frozen in the exploit, and has been confined to Northumberland hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle-on-the-Tyne, England. A recent letter states that he is now almost ready to leave for home. He was originally a member of the 84th Battalion, and prior to his enlistment, was a moulder in Preston.

BX October 17, 1916

Private William Francis Slattery of this city has been wounded. He was a member of the 84th Battalion and was transferred to the 75th. Following his injuries he was sent to a London hospital, according to the word received by his mother, who resides at 112 West Mill Street. The news came to the mother through another son, Private Timothy Joseph Slattery, of the 125th Battalion.

BX August 25, 1944

SLATTERY – At Christie Street Hospital, Toronto, on Friday, August 25, 1944, William S. Slattery, in his 60th year, beloved son of Margaret and the late Thomas Slattery, and dear father of Helen (Mrs. Harold Micks) and Sgt. Gordon Slattery (overseas). Funeral takes place privately Saturday morning August 26. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.