John Patrick THOMAS

Regimental number1572
Place of birthForbes New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationTeacher
AddressSouth Forbes, Forbes, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, R Thomas, South Forbes, Forbes, New South Wales
Enlistment date9 April 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name20th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/37/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 6 June 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll20th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: INF20
Promotion date: 2 February 1918

Lieutenant


Unit: INF20
Promotion date: 18 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'In the attack on the 8th August, 1918, east of Villers Bretonneux, coming under heavy fire from a nest of machine guns, he rushed in and drew the fire of the post while another of his men rushed in from the other side. He knocked one of the enemy down with his fist, and rushed into the post, shortly afterwards followed by his men. This post yielded 50 men and six machine guns, which, without his splendid example of courage and spirit, would have held up a phase of the attack at a very critical moment.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Other detailsMedals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal