Military History

Embarked at Fremantle per HMAT 'Argyllshire’ A8 for Egypt 19.4.1915.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 16th Infantry Battalion, 4th Reinf.
Shanahan disembarked with the 4/16 Bn in Egypt in May 1915. Together with the 13th, 14th, 15th Bns they formed the 4th Division under Col. Monash. They joined the MEF and embarked from Alexandria for the Gallipoli Peninsula 2.6.1915. The Bn was involved in establishing and defending the frontline of the ANZAC beachhead (AWM 16th Bn). Shanahan was treated for 3 days by the 4th Field Ambulance with dysentery 25/ 28.8.191 and discharged to duty 5.9.1915. He reported sick to hospital 16.9.1915 and transferred by HS to Lemnos 16.9.1915. He was admitted to Lowland Casualty Clearing Station at Mudros 8.10.1915, rejoining his Unit at Mudros West 11.10.1915. Whilst absent from Parade on one occasion at the ANZAC Base Depot at Mudros, he was awarded forfeiture of 1 days pay. He was transferred to the Australian Hospital (Class B) 11.11.1915. Following the evacuation from ANZAC, he embarked from Mudros per ‘Empress Britain’ for Alexandria 21.1.1916. Shanahan was discharged to duty with the 5th Division at Sidi Bishr 17.1.1916. He rejoined the 16th Bn at Alexandria 23.1.1916. His Bn. joined the BEF and embarked for France 1.6.1916. They disembarked at Marseilles 9.6.1916.
The 16th Bn’s first battle on the Western Front was at Pozieres. Shanahan was wounded in action in the field with shell shock 10.8.1916. He was admitted to the 1st ANZAC Rest Station. Shanahan was discharged for duty with the 7th Ambulance and rejoined his Unit 15.8.1916.
Shanahan was transferred in the, field to the ANZAC Light Railway as a fettler 21.2.1917. He was charged with absenting himself in the field and forfeited 28 days pay. He saw action in the Albert region of France, however, rejoined his Bn. 31.5.1917. He was appointed Cpl 16.7.1917, then reverted to rank of Private at his own request 3.3.1918. The 16th Bn. marched out of France for London for return to Australia 28.12.1918.
Embarked Southampton per HT ‘Kashnir’ for Australia 9.3.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Melbourne 3.4.1919.
Discharged 29.6.1919.
Final Rank Private, 16th Bn.
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Photos HMAT 'Argyllshire' 1914-15. Postcard by Geyer Studio NSW, Photograph source AWM P10581.002
             Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli April 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM A02781
              Pozieres village destroyed by shell fire 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00511

Information Source
AWM P10581.002. HMAT 'Argyllshire' 1914-15. Postcard by Geyer Studio NSW, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM A02781. Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli April 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00511. Pozieres village destroyed by shell fire 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll-William Shanahan
AWM 16th Bn; https://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11203.asp)
Guildford War Memorial
NAA: B2455, Shanahan William
Wise H. and Coy. Western Australian Post Office Directories

James Street, Guildford, WA.

Associated Images