Thomas John PERKINS

Regimental number2562
Place of birthBrandale, Tasmania
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBank clerk
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Height5' 8.25"
Weight143 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs A.F. Perkins, Maitland Street, Launceston, Tasmania
Previous military serviceServed in the 23rd Company, Army Medical Corps.
Enlistment date5 December 1914
Place of enlistmentClaremont, Tasmania
Unit name1st Australian Clearing Hospital, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number26/102/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 25 February 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Lieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 9 December 1918
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Chuignes, on 23rd August, 1918, when the company was held up and both flanks were in the air. He patrolled across under heavy fire and got in touch with the battalion on the left; then, after repelling an attack, he out-flanked the enemy and took fifteen prisoners and two machine guns. Later, he led a patrol into the village, bringing back useful information. His energy and courage were a fine example to his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Discharge date30 May 1921
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Taken on strength, 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station, Anzac, Gallipoli, 15 August 1915.

Disembarked Alexandria, 21 January 1916 (general Gallipoli evacuation).

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 29 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 3 April 1916.

Admitted sick to 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 4 April 1917 (measles); discharged to duty, 17 April 1917, and rejoined unit same day.

Detached to 1st Anzac School, 5 October 1917.

Reported to No 6 Officerss' School, Oxford, 9 November 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France, 9 May 1918; taken on strength, 4th Bn, in the field, 14 May 1918.

Detached to XV Corps School, 14 June 1918; rejoined Bn, 28 June 1918.

Wounded in action, 10 September 1918 (gun shot wound, abdomen: penetrating; right arm), admitted to 9th Australian Field Ambulance, and transferred same day to 5th Casualty Clearing Station ('dangerously ill'); to Ambulance Train No 16, 24 September 1918, and admitted to 8th General Hospital, Rouen, 25 September 1918 (right arm amputated); transferred to England, 28 September 1918, and admitted to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, 29 September 1918 (wounds: severe).

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Argyllshire', 9 December 1918; disembarked Melbourne, 1 February 1919, for onward travel to Tasmania; appointment terminated (discharged), 30 May 1921.

Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsName does not appear on Embarkation Roll.
Date of death21 October 1960
SourcesNAA: B2455, PERKINS Thomas John