born East Melbourne, MM & Bar
Served also in WW2. Records have been amalgamated and WW1 record not available online.
The embarkation roll shows that he embarked on 3 October 1916 on the Aeneas as a gunner with the 119 Howitzer Battery. His service number was given as 21792. He was 18, an electrician, single and was living with his mother at 53 Burke Road, Camberwell.
Family notices in the Argus show that his parents were Arthur and Maud Ella Thomas (nee Meadowcroft).
He received his decorations as a member of the 3rd Division Signal Company Engineers Attached 8th Field Artillery Brigade. His recommendation for the Military Medal reads as follows:
On the 2nd. April, 1918, in the vicinity of VAUX-SUR-SOMME, the telepone lines from Bde.Hd.Qrs. to batteries were cut in numerous places. This man showed great courage and determination and disregard of personal saftey in effecting repairs under considerable enemy shell-fire and keeping up communication with the batteries during an important period.
And his recommendation for Bar to Military Medal reads:
On 24th April, 1918, between the junction of the Rivers ANCRE and SOMME, this Sapper did splendid work on the Telephone Lines. The enemy put down a very heavy bombardment of Gas and H.E., and all lines between Brigade H.Q. and Batteries were immediately cut. Sapper THOMAS worked for 8.5 hours, trying to get a communication with Batteries, during the whole of which period he was subjected to very heavy shell fire, and for the most part worked in his Gas mask. His work and grit were of such a high standard that two Battery Commanders recommended him.
He displayed thoughout the greatest courage and energy, a total disregard for his personal safety, and the utmost devotion to duty.
Ancestry tells us that he married Amanda B Johnsstone in 1922.