055 – Private William Abbott Heffernan

Private William Abbott Heffernan 12th Battalion

William Heffernan was another seaman, working out of Hobart. The war caused great disruption to shipping with many vessels being commandeered as troop carriers. He was another like Arthur Forward, small of stature and slightly built but still managed to pass the medical examination.  He was taken on strength with the 12th Battalion on 7 July 1917, but by September had developed trench fever as a result of the appalling conditions at the Front. He re-joined his unit on 27 December 1917, but by March 1918 had again developed Trench Fever. He was evacuated to England again and remained there until embarking for the return trip to Australia on 14 January 1919.

For some years he worked as a labourer in the Port Arthur/Nubeena area. No further trace found.