69th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 23 March 1919.

The Burnley Express of 15 February 1919 reported, BRAVERY IN ITALY. Tram Driver's Medal.

77032 Private William Fairclough, 69th Field Ambulance, RAMC, whose home is at 233, Colne Road, Burnley, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct on the Italian Front. He is 30 years of age, and enlisted in September 1915. In 1916 he went to France and was afterwards transferred to the Italian front. He has 6 children, and though he is a native of Syt. Helens, he has lived in Burnley for six years employed by the corporaton as a van driver. His father was in the Indian Mutiny, one brother is in France, and another has been discharged. The official report states, "For gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations 27 - 29 October 1918. On the morning of 27 October, in the advance from the island of Grave di Papadopoli, Private Fairclough, whilst in charge of a squad of stretcher bearers, showed great gallantry and determination in clearing wounded under a heavy barrage. On several occasions shells burst in close proximity to his squad, whilst carrying through a deep and rapid channel of the river, and he succeeded by his coolness and resource in extraditing the wounded. On the 28 October, at the Monticano River, he repeatedly cleared wounded down the road which was under heavy shell fire. Throughout the operations he was a splendid example to his comrades by his courage and cheerfulness ."

Fairclough was a native of Burnley, Lancashire.

An award for Italy.