The AIF Project

Thomas James CONLON

Regimental number4271
Place of birthPetersburgh, South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarmer
AddressWilkawatt, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Height5' 7"
Weight196 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs Jane Conlon, Wilkawatt, South Australia
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date26 September 1916
Place of enlistmentAdelaide, South Australia
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name32nd Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/49/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A19 Afric on 7 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 19 August 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At PLYGON WOOD near HOOGE on the night of the 29/30th September 1917 No. 4271 Private T.J. CONLAN OF 'C' Company 32nd Battalion A.I.F. displayed great gallantry and disregard of danger whilst acting as a Company Stretcher Bearer. During an exceptionally heavy bombardment he walked around his company area searching for wounded in the shell holes. He refused to take any shelter, saying that his duty was to save the wounded. He was successful in finding some wounded men who otherwise would heave probably been killed by the barrage. His example inspired all ranks who saw him at his work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Discharge date27 November 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Adelaide, 16 November 1916; disembarked Plymouth, 9 January 1917.

Marched into 8th Training Bn, no date stated.

Proceeded overseas to France, 5 April 1917; marched 5th Australian Divisional Base Depot, Etaples, 7 April 1917.

Proceeded to unit, 8 April 1917; taken on strength of 32nd Bn, in the field, 12 April 1917.

On leave to Paris, 29 January 1918; rejoined unit, 9 February 1918.

On leave to United Kingdom, 7 March 1918; rejoined unit, 24 March 1918.

On leave to Paris, 22 November 1918; rejoined unit, 3 December 1918.

On leave to Desvres, 29 January 1919; rejoined unit, 20 February 1919.

Proceeded to England for return to Australia, 5 April 1919; marched into No 2 Group, Sutton Veny, 22 April 1919.

Marched out of No 2 Group, 25 April 1919, and to report to Demobilisation Depot, London,.

Granted extension to leave, 28 April 1919; granted leave with pay from 29 April 1919, until 29 July 1919, to work on the farm of J.J. Murray, Ballough, Kilmanagh, Kilkenny, Ireland.

Reported to Australian Imperial Force Headquarters, London, 29 July 1919.

Marched into No 2 Group, 31 July 1919, and granted leave the same day.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Ajana', 19 August 1919; disembarked Sydney, 9 October 1919; discharged Adelaide (termination of period of enlistment), 27 November 1919.

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death14 October 1961
SourcesNAA: B2455, CONLON Thomas James

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