The AIF Project

William Thomas THOMSON

Regimental number349
Place of birthDimboola Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressDimboola
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinMrs J N Thomson, Dimboola
Enlistment date26 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name29th Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/46/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal RollMGDtls
FateReturned to Australia 19 February 1919
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)*Noted William Thomas NR
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Selecting the route with great skill and judgment, he led a fighting patrol which was sent forward to attack an enemy post and obtain identification. When the enemy wire was encountered he broke his way through with his hands, and led the rush on the post. Though wounded, he continued to fight, and captured one of the enemy. Though exhausted with loss of blood, he was the last man to leave the position, and with great courage covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the party. On the same evening he, with a N.C.O. volunteered to bring in a wounded officer, whom they reached after crossing some 600 yards of ground swept by machine gun fire, and brought back safely to the R.A.P., having carried him about a mile under fire. He set a fine example of courage and endurance to all his comrades.'.
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

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