Thomas William LEA

Regimental number1229
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCanistermaker
AddressOrmiston, Kirribilli Point, North Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, T J Lea, Ormiston, Kirribilli Point, North Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date4 March 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name17th Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/34/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A32 Themistocles on 12 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll17th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 24 August 1918
Discharge date4 March 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Embarked from Australia, 12 May 1915.

Proceeded from Egypt to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli, 16 August 1915.

Evacuated from Gallipoli on HS 'Gloucester Castle, to Malta, 1 October 1915 (dysentery), and admitted to St George's Hospital. Transferred to England on board 'Braemer Castle', 26 October 1915; admitted to Beaufort War Hospital, Fishponds, Bristol, 4 November 1915.

Taken on strength, Abbeywood, 14 April 1916. Found guilty, 19 April 1916, of being absent without leave, 7 March-5 April 1916: awarded forfeiture of 61 days' pay. Found guilty, 4 July 1916, of being absent without leave, 6 May-4 July 1916: awarded forfeiture of 60 days' pay. Admitted to Bulford General Hospital, 4 July 1916 (scabies); discharged from hospital, 1 August 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France, 7 October 1916. Admitted to 18th General Hospital, Camiers, 10 October 1916; transferred to 51st General Hospital, Etaples, 23 November 1916; returned to duty, 9 December 1916, after 61 days' treatment for venereal disease. Rejoined 17th Bn, 23 January 1917. Found guilty, 26 June 1917, of being absent without leave, 24-25 June 1917: awarded 168 hours Field Punishment No. 2 and forfeiture of 2 days' pay.

Moved with unit to Belgium, 3 January 1918.

Admitted to New Zealand Stationary Hospital, Wisques, 20 February 1918; transferred to 39th General Hospital, Le Havre, 24 February 1918. Released to Australian Infantry Base Depot, 5 April 1918, after 45 days' treatment for venereal disease.

Transferred to England, 17 July 1918. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Medic', 24 August 1918; disembarked Sydney, 9 October 1918; discharged, 4 March 1919.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death21 June 1961
Age at death66