254291 Pte. William Proctor Australian Imperial Forces 7th Battalion from:Bungawannah, NSW (d.11th Nov 1917) It is now 101 years ago to the day that Private William Proctor was killed in action at Passchendaele Ridge, Ypres whilst on Ration Party.
William is not a relative, he is a soldier that I have loved since I started to research 30 years ago having acquired his diary from 1917, first contacting the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and from there on my plight was passed to the relevant researchers (in particular Jim Tippetts, a very kind man I had the pleasure of meeting) and finally returning the diary to William's nephew.
I have travelled to Ypres several times trying to trace his footsteps, locating his name on the Menin Gate and finally laying a wreath at the place he fell to sleep age 23 years.
What an incredible man, a life cut far too short like so many others. He sailed from Albany on HMAT Ballerat arriving on British shores following the vessel being torpedoed. His diary details every day from 1917-01-03 to 9th November 'Very heavy barrage on both sides and a few close shaves. Lying low all day'.
If anyone has any further information about past or present relatives I would be so delighted to hear from anyone. William will always be very special to me and I long for more information, photos etc.
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