The AIF Project

Reginald Thomas THORNTON

Regimental number644
Place of birthMuswellbrook New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGrazier
AddressThorndale, Spring Creek, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinFather, S L Thornton, Thorndale, Muswellbrook, New South Wales
Enlistment date24 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 1, Brigade Ammunition Column
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/29/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A8 Argyllshire on 18 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 8 October 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'At POLYGON WOOD on the 7th October 1917. A section of Guns was shelled by a 4.2" enemy Gun. The third shot hit the Gun and ignited the ammunition alongside Sergeant THORNTON (who was in charge of the Gun) was some distance away but at once ran over and carried one of the detachment who had been knocked over by the shell to some distance away - and returned to the Pit and extinguished the burning ammunition - with the result that only a few rounds were destroyed. This conduct is typical of this N.C.O. under all conditions.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Bar to Military Medal

"On 19th October 1917, when the 1st Australian Battery was in action near POLYGON WOOD East of YPRES an enemy shell scored a direct hit on one of the guns and detonated ammunition alongside. This N.C.O. with Sergeant Baker and Gunner Taylor at once ran up and extinguished the ammunition although the amount burning was considerable, and the battery was still being heavily shelled (100 rounds were detroyed). By his courage and promptness a great deal of ammunition was saved and several of the guns which meant so much as this ammunition was only placed in Battery Postion at great fatigue and risk to drivers and horses; and the saving of this ammunition kept the battery properly supplied and thereby in action.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 110
Date: 25 July 1918

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