'On the 20th August 1918, whilst reclaiming a 70' well, a N.C.O. of this unit was overcome by foul air, and fell to the bottom of the well. Sappers 4087 John Charles UNDERWOOD and 7501 Thomas Hector Bruce GOLLAN, being fully aware of the extreme risk they were taking, unhesitatingly entered the foul air and, after great difficulty, brought the unconscious man to the surface. Through the gallantry and untiring efforts of these sappers. Underwood and Gollan, the life of Corporal Starr was saved.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113
Date: 6 October 1919

Regimental number	7501
Place of birth	Warwick Queensland
Religion	Church of England
Occupation	Coal miner
Address	Tannymorel, Queensland
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	22
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs A Gollan, Nundah, Brisbane, Queensland
Enlistment date	4 June 1917
Rank on enlistment	Sapper
Unit name	April 1917 Reinforcements
AWM Embarkation Roll number	16/15/3
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 8 August 1917
Rank from Nominal Roll	Sapper
Unit from Nominal Roll	2nd Tunnelling Company
Fate	Returned to Australia 17 July 1919
Medals	Meritorious Service Medal 'On the 20th August 1918, whilst reclaiming a 70' well, a N.C.O. of this unit was overcome by foul air, and fell to the bottom of the well. Sappers 4087 John Charles UNDERWOOD and 7501 Thomas Hector Bruce GOLLAN, being fully aware of the extreme risk they were taking, unhesitatingly entered the foul air and, after great difficulty, brought the unconscious man to the surface. Through the gallantry and untiring efforts of these sappers. Underwood and Gollan, the life of Corporal Starr was saved.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113 Date: 6 October 1919
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal