| Regimental number | 1578 |
| Place of birth | Georgetown, Tasmania |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Address | Georgetown, Tasmania |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 23 |
| Height | 5' 8" |
| Weight | 157 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs H Kestles, Georgetown, Tasmania |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
| Place of enlistment | Cairns, Queensland |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 9th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A49 Seang Choon on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 9th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli TEmbarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Fiorce, Gallipoli, 26 July 1915; taken on strength, 9th Bn, Gallipoli, 30 July 1915. Admitted to 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 6 September 1915 and transferred to Mudros; transferred to HS 'Assaye', Gallipoli, 8 September 1915; arrived Alexandria, 11 September 1915, and admitted to 17th General Hospital (fever: severe). Transferred to Enteric Convalescent Camp, Port Said, 6 October 1915. Commenced return to Australia from Suez on board HT 'Karoola', 4 November 1915 (enteric fever); disembarked Brisbane, 8 December 1915, and admitted to 6th Australian General Hospital; under treatment for enteric untril 3 February 1916, when he disappeared. Court of Enquiry held at 6th Australian General Hospital, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, 15 September 1916, found that Kestle had been illegally absent since 3 February 1916, and recommended that he be posted as a deserter. Arrest warrant issued, 15 September 1916, on the grounds of desertion. Ruled ineligible to receive war medals. Discharged, 22 July 1920, in consequence of desertion, being illegally absent from 3 February 1916. |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, KESTLES Thomas Henry |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
