The AIF Project

John Ellis THOMPSON

Regimental number1035
Place of birthBrisbane Queensland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCustoms clerk
AddressMcIlwraith Avenue, National Park, Coorparoo, Brisbane, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs Amelia Thompson, McIlwraith Avenue, National Park, Coorparoo, Brisbane, Queensland
Enlistment date5 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name42nd Battalion, Machine Gun Section
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/59/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 5 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll41st Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 20 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On 29th September, 1918, during operations South of BONY, when approaching the Hindenburg Line, Sergeant THOMPSON'S Platoon Commander became a casualty. Sergeant THOMPSON immediately took charge of the Platoon, and reorganised the men who had become scattered owing to the heavy enemy shell-fire. He then led them on, and took up his position with his Company. Later at MALAKOFF he again showed great ability and leadership in bringing his Platoon through heavy Machine Gun and Artillery fire, and dug in near the Hindenburg Line. His courage and coolness under fire set a splendid example to his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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