Born at Sailor’s Gully Bendigo, Victoria. Enlisted 12 July 1915 age 18, with his parents’ written consent. Nok father, Charles James Debnam, 55 Church St, Albert Park, Victoria. Embarked at Melbourne 15 September 1915 per SS Makarini. Served in the Middle East in 1916 and in France in 1917. Service medals: MM, C de G, 1914-1915 Star, BWM and VM. Citation Croix de Guerre Conferred by the King of the Belgians 4th Supplement No 31275 London Gazette 5 April 1919. Australian Commonwealth Gazette No. 18 23 July 1919. Citation for Military Medal authorised by Major General T.W. Glasgow, Commanding Officer 1st Australian Division was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 135 11 November 1919. The incident occurred on 3 October 1918. ‘…His position was heavily bombarded by German guns and his senior officers, Captain Hollis and Lieut. Fisher were killed. Sgt Debnam showed the greatest coolness, and the manner in which he carried out his duties, was largely, if not entirely responsible for the fact that the battery was able to carry on with his work throughout the period has been characterised by great personal courage and splendid leadership’. Cottesloe School Honour Roll.
