The AIF Project

Thomas William SMITH

Regimental number2016
Place of birthSouth Australia
SchoolPublic School, South Australia
ReligionMethodist
OccupationClerk
AddressBordertown, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinMother, Mrs. Ann Smith, Cillcoona, Bordertown, South Australia
Enlistment date16 October 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name9th Light Horse Regiment, 14th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/14/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A69 Warilda on 10 February 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll14th Field Ambulance
FateKilled in Action 30 September 1918
Place of death or woundingHindenberg Line
Age at death28
Age at death from cemetery records28
Place of burialTincourt New British Cemetery (Plot V, Row F, Grave No. 19), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
183
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Thomas and Mary SMITH, Creecoona Estate, Bordertown, South Australia
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night 19th/20th June 1918, East of BUIRE, SUR L'ANCRE, a raid was made by 58th Battalion. A.I.F. This resulted in heavy shelling in the vicinity. It was particularly heavy in BUIRE and at the Regimental Aid Post East of the town. Private SMITH was in charge of the squads of bearers carrying wounded from this R.A.P. to the Motor Loading Post West of BUIRE. It was necessary to carry the wounded through the town and although the carry was a long one and the shelling continued for 8 hours, Private SMITH carried on the whole time, assisting, directing and encouraging the bearers, without any regard for his own safety. It was almost entirely due to his great courage and devotion to duty that such a large number of wounded was evacuated in so short a time. He set a fine example to his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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