Edward THOMAS

Regimental number2469
Place of birthShropshire England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarm labourer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinThomas Thomas Hembles, Toolquay, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, England
Enlistment date16 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll15 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name23rd Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/40/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT RMS Osterley on 29 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll23rd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 25 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as stretcher bearers during the action near BULLECOURT on 3rd May 1917. These men [THOMAS, 1961 O. RIX, 3846 C.E.S. HARRIP, 3768 F, BYRNE and 2719 J. MOAR] worked with a most praiseworthy endurance for many hours under shell and Machine Gun fire to assist their wounded comrades, and by their fearless conduct inspired others. The last mentioned two men were wounded during this work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917