Recommendation for Military Medal

57th Battalion 2827 Lance Sergeant William Alfred DENCH

East of GUEDECOURT on the night of 14/15th February 1917 Lance Sergeant DENCH displayed exceptional coolness and courage under fire.  Prior to a raid made by his Battalion he assisted the Scout Officer in making a reconnaissance of NO MANS LAND and entering wire at great risk, and was able to give the raiding party much valuable information.  On the night of the raid he assisted in laying out the tapes and assembling the party in NO MANS LAND, 70 yards from the Enemy Trench and his work generally had much to do with the success of the raid.

After the raiders had returned he went out with parties under heavy shell and machine gun fire and brought in two wounded men.  This conduct was of the highest order and worthy of special recognition.

This NCO has an excellent record in the Battalion having one more than one occasion distinguished himself on patrol work and obtained much valuable information.
H C Hereward Lt Colonel 57th Inf Bn

http://static.awm.gov.au/images/collection/pdf/RCDIG1068050--22-.PDF

A successful welcome home and valedic[tory] social to Sergeant A. W. Dench, M.U., and Trooper L. J. Austin, was held at St. .... school hall, Sunbury, on 27th [June]. A musical programme was given [and] suitable presentations. 

OUR SOLDIERS. (1918, July 11). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 5, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606542