Thomas FUSSELL

Regimental number9685
Place of birthWaterfall New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationTramway employee
AddressMarrickville, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs Mary Ann Fussell, Edinburgh Road, Marrickville, New South Wales
Enlistment date2 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameField Ambulance 8, Reinforcement 4
AWM Embarkation Roll number26/51/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A15 Star Of England on 8 March 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll12th Field Ambulance
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Meritorious Service Medal (Altered from Military Medal)


Recommendation date: 1 January 1919

FateReturned to Australia 2 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 18th September 1918 between the hours of 6.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. in attack on enemy position (Outpost of Hindenburg Line) near VENDELLES North of VERMAND and East of ST. QUENTIN. This man was attached to R.M.O. 45th A.I. Battalion for the attack. Just after Zero while the Battalion was attacking and Headquarters were advancing over open country enemy S.O.S. barrage opened and caught them inflicting numerous casualties. Every Headquarter Officer except R.M.O. was hit and eight out of 16 Ambulance Stretcher Bearers were hit. Private Fussell showed the utmost bravery and disregard for personal safety in dressing the wounded under heavy fire and removing them to shelter. When all the wounded lying in sight had been attended to he searched the ground around finding several more and dressing them. After this he rejoined the Battalion and with Private TANCOE continued to set a fine example of courage and self sacrifice.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal