William “Billy” Sing, served from 1914 to 1918 in the 5th Light Horse Regiment. William enlisted on 24 October 1914 and fought in the Battle of Gallipoli.  

A formidable sniper, he earned the nicknames the “Assassin” and “The Murderer” having taken out over 150 enemy combatants throughout his service. He was medically discharged due to injuries he sustained from combat and gassing, effectively marking the end of his service, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Croix de Guerre.  

Returning to civilian life, he tried his hand a rearing sheep, gold mining, and being a labourer. However, he ultimately died alone, in relative poverty, and obscurity in Brisbane.   

Studio portrait of 355A Private William Edward (Billy) Sing DCM, c. 1918. Courtesy of Australian War Memorial (P03633.006)

Informal portrait of Private William Edward (Billy) Sing DCM in Egypt, c. 1915-16. Courtesy of Australian War Memorial (P08403.001).

Fifteen-carat gold medallion given to Private William Edward (Billy) Sing DCM, c. 1915. Courtesy of Australian War Memorial (REL38023).