'For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. Having taken command of the company at very short notice, he led his men with great ability in an attack, and captured the first and second lines of enemy trenches in spite of determined resistance and hand-to-hand bayonet fighting. On reaching the objective, he personally led a patrol forward and drove away the enemy who were harrassing the work of consolidation. His calm and cheerful demeanour had a great effect on his men, who had, suffered heavy casualties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 4 March 1919

Date of birth	11 June 1888
Religion	Methodist
Occupation	Woolclasser
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	27
Next of kin	Father, H Thomas, 41 Clarence Street, Geelong West, Victoria
Enlistment date	12 June 1915
Rank on enlistment	Lieutenant
Unit name	29th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/46/2
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 14 March 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Lieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll	29th Battalion
Promotions	Lieutenant Unit: 29th Battalion Promotion date: 25 November 1916
Fate	Returned to Australia 4 July 1919
Medals	Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. Having taken command of the company at very short notice, he led his men with great ability in an attack, and captured the first and second lines of enemy trenches in spite of determined resistance and hand-to-hand bayonet fighting. On reaching the objective, he personally led a patrol forward and drove away the enemy who were harrassing the work of consolidation. His calm and cheerful demeanour had a great effect on his men, who had, suffered heavy casualties.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 4 March 1919
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Edward THOMAS