France and Flanders

Discussion in 'World War 1' started by liverpool annie, Dec 28, 2008.

  1. liverpool annie

    liverpool annie New Member

  2. John

    John Active Member

    Private THOMAS DOYLE M.M.

    Thomas enlisted in the army on the 23/1/1916 at West Maitland Nsw. He embarked the " Hororatu "
    2/5/1916 with the 34th Battalion. He disembarked at Plymouth, England, 23/6/1916.
    He was sent to Belgium as a reinforcement with the 20th Battalion 7/10/1916.
    In November 1916 he was returned to England suffering from Trench feet. His servce record at the archives are worth reading as Thomas seemed to get into a bit of trouble when he broke out of hospital and was charged with being AWL. In May 1917 returned to his unit in France. On the 20/9/1917 he suffered a shell wound to his neck while in action, and was taken to hospital in Belgium.
    On 14/10/1917, Thomas was awarded a Military Medal.(This was gazetted in London, 12/12/1917)
    Thomas rejoined his unit in France after his wound had healed in March 1918. While in action at Hangard Wood on 7/4/1918, he was reported as missing in action but later this was changed to killed in action. An inquiry by the Battalion officers found that it was definitely proved that Pte. Thomas Doyle along with Lt. Blair and CSM Woof were killed by a shell just as they left their trench for the advance against the Germans.
    Thomas Memorial details -- 26 Villers Bretonneux - France and panel 91 in the Commemorative area at Australian War Memorial.

    Thomas Military Medal reccomandation reads ++

    " At Hanebeke Wood on 20/9/1917, although but a youth, this soldier showed a great example of enterprise and courage. He encouraged those around him by his spirit and behaviour and when they hung back before a machine gun behind a block house, he roused them to follow him and take the gun.
    He rushed forward on this and other occasions when temporary checks were likely to occur and helped to ensure the success of the attack by his magnificent dash and coolness under heavy fire."
     

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