Private William Edward Sing DCM, a celebrated World War I sniper from Clermont, spent his final days in a boarding house on Montague Road, West End. Despite his distinguished military career, he passed away alone, leaving a legacy that would later be rediscovered.
A Marksman of Legendary Skill
Private William Edward Sing DCM was born in 1886 in Clermont. He became one of the most renowned snipers of World War I. He enlisted on 26 October 1914 with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and joined the 5th Light Horse Regiment. Private Sing’s sharpshooting abilities became legendary throughout his service. He earned himself the monikers “The Assassin” and “The Anzac Angel of Death” for his lethal precision.
Private Sing was a skilled marksman. He was known for his accuracy as a member of the Proserpine Rifle Club and his work as a kangaroo shooter. His talent with a rifle made him an invaluable asset to the AIF during the Gallipoli Campaign.
Gallipoli: A Deadly Reputation
He arrived at Gallipoli in May 1915. Private Sing quickly became a top sniper. His consistent accuracy led to estimates of between 150 and 300 confirmed kills. He became so feared that the Turkish forces reportedly deployed a skilled sniper known as “Abdul the Terrible” specifically to eliminate him. In a tense encounter, Private Sing prevailed, killing Abdul. He narrowly escaped a retaliatory artillery barrage.
Private Sing was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) on 10 March 1916 for conspicuous gallantry as a sniper. His service at Gallipoli also earned him mentions in dispatches from General Sir Ian Hamilton.
The Western Front and Further Honours
Following the Gallipoli campaign, Private Sing was reassigned to the 31st Battalion. He was sent to the Western Front in 1917. He suffered from multiple injuries, including gunshot wounds and gas exposure. Still, Private Sing continued to serve with distinction. His actions at the Battle of Polygon Wood in 1918 earned him the Belgian Croix de Guerre.
Private Sing spent some time recovering from injuries in Scotland, where he married Elizabeth Stewart. However, the marriage did not last. Upon returning to Australia on 21 July 1918, he was greeted as a hero in Proserpine.
Photo Credit: Kevin McSweeney/Places of Pride
Return to Civilian Life and Final Years in West End
Post-war life was challenging for Private Sing. His health, affected by injuries sustained during service, limited his ability to work. He attempted farming and gold mining. Still, he struggled financially. By 1942, he had relocated to Brisbane to be closer to his sister, Beatrice.
Photo Credit: Kevin McSweeney/Places of Pride
He lived in a boarding house on Montague Road, West End. Private Sing lived out his final days in relative obscurity. On 19 May 1943, he passed away alone in his room due to a ruptured aorta. His possessions were few. Private Sing’s wartime medals were missing at the time of his death.
A Rediscovered Legacy
For years, Private Billy Sing’s contributions went largely unrecognised. However, efforts by historians, the RSL, and local communities have since revived his story. Today, his grave at Lutwyche Cemetery bears an inscription honouring his remarkable accuracy and service.
Photo Credit: Mary Beaven/Virtual War Memorial Australia
Memorials have also been established, including a plaque at Montague Road and a statue in Clermont. The annual Billy Sing Memorial Shooting Competition on the Sunshine Coast continues to honour his legacy.
Photo Credit: Mary Beaven/Virtual War Memorial Australia
Remembering a Hero
Private Billy Sing’s final years in West End were marked by hardship. His legacy is a tribute to one of the country’s greatest wartime marksmen. Each year, on 25 April, Australians gather to remember the sacrifices of the ANZACs. Private Sing’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and commitment displayed by those who served.
Published 8-Apr-2025