The AIF Project

Thomas James McGOVERN

Regimental number3593
Place of birthAdelaide South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationJockey
AddressTickera, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinSister, Mrs Elizabeth Regan, Folkestone Street, Brighton, South Australia
Enlistment date14 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name32nd Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/49/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A70 Ballarat on 12 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 16 March 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in South Australian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'During the night attack on night of 28th/29th July 1918, astride the BRAY-CORBIE Road Sergeant McGOVERN exhibited great bravery and devotion to duty. Sergeant McGOVERN displayed splendid dash and initiative throughout the attack and rendered his company valuable assistance. His work with the platoon while getting into a difficult position for jumping off was excellently done and during the attack he displayed great powers of command particularly in closing up a gap in the company lines and in dealing with a Bosche strong point which necessitated working partly in our own barrage. Sergeant McGOVERN, though severely wounded in the arm continued to carry on for a time but finally had to give in owing to the extreme severity of the wound which resulted in the loss of an arm. His splendid example and heroic conduct has become a by-word among the men under his command and is worthy of the highest prise and recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death19 February 1969

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