MOORE, William Edwin

William Edwin Moore was born in Islington, London on 8 May 1888.  When he enlisted on 23 October 1917 he stated that he was a mess manager. He gave his permanent address as 96 Hotham Street, and nominated his wife, Edith Moore, of the same address, as his next of kin.  He had had five years’ experience as a steward with the Royal Navy but had been discharged five years previously at his own request. He was appointed to the Australian Flying Corps, Special Draft as a private and was sent to Laverton for training.

He embarked on 26 November 1917 aboard HMAT Indarra and disembarked at Suez on 27 December 1917.  On 22 January he travelled by train to Alexandria to embark on another ship which took him to Taranto and from there he travelled by train to Cherbourg and then a third ship took him to Southampton, arriving on 15 February 1918.  From here he was sent to training camp. According to an undated, but c.1918, certificate of will attached to his service record he had been promoted to 2nd class air mechanic.  A Casualty Form – Active Service describes him as qualified as a  motor transport driver. On 18 July 1918 he was transferred to No 2 Squadron, AFC.  On 3 October he was admitted to hospital for an undiagnosed illness and on 27 October had an ingrown toenail removed.  In early November he rejoined the training depot.  He left England for Australia 6 May 1919, arriving 16 June, and was discharged 9 July 1919.

Nothing is known of his life after the war except that on 18 March 1963 he wrote requesting benefits under the Repatriation Act. It is not on record whether the request was successful.