The AIF Project

John Charles THOMSON

Regimental number2845
Place of birthCollingwood Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationEngineer
AddressThornbury, Victoria
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinWife, Mrs Florence C Thomson, 112 Rossmoyne Street, Thornbury, Victoria
Enlistment date25 July 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name57th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/74/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71 Nestor on 2 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Divisional Signal Company
FateReturned to Australia 7 February 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For bravery and devotion to duty. This man is a member of No. 4 Section of this Company, attached to 15th Australian Infantry Brigade. During the attack on the VILLERS BRETONNEUX front on 8th August 1918, he was engaged as linesman and did excellent work in laying and maintaining cables. Owing to the extent of the advance, the number of linesmen available was very limited. Sapper THOMSON was out on the lines during the night of 7th/8th and the whole of the 8th August without any rest. His work, particularly during the day, had to be done under heavy enemy shell fire. He never hesitated to go out whenever necessary. He was a member of the Brigade forward Signal party and by his enthusiasm and devotion to duty, was an excellent example to those working with him. It was largely due to his untiring exertions that communications between Brigade and Battalions were successfully maintained throughout the attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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