Thomas Henry KESTLES

Regimental number1578
Place of birthGeorgetown, Tasmania
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
AddressGeorgetown, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Height5' 8"
Weight157 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs H Kestles, Georgetown, Tasmania
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date31 January 1914
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll29 December 1914
Place of enlistmentCairns, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name9th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A49 Seang Choon on 13 February 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll9th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 4 November 1915
Discharge date22 July 1920
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.
SourcesNAA: B2455, KESTLES Thomas Henry