The AIF Project

Thomas Henry BRITTON

Regimental number377
Place of birthBlack Hall, Dublin, Ireland
ReligionMethodist
OccupationStation hand
Addressc/o Mr W Kennedy, East Greta, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Height5' 10.5"
Weight160 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs Elizabeth Britton, 4 St John Grove, Richmond, Surrey, England
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date24 February 1916
Place of enlistmentWest Maitland, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name34th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/51/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 2 May 1916
Age at death from cemetery records26
Place of burialSt. Sever Cemetery (Plot B, Row 3, Grave No. 2), Rouen, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
123
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: John and Elizabeth BRITTON. Native of Dublin, Ireland
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his platoon in an attack in the face of heavy machine gun and rifle fire. He inflicted many casualties on the enemy, and captured two machine guns. Later he organized a party, and, in face of heavy fire, brought in all dead and wounded. By his splendid example of courage he helped to carry the assault to a successful issue.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Sydney on 'Hororata', 2 May 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, from 'Aragon', 23 June 1916; promoted to Corporal in 34th Battalion; 15 September 1916. Proceeded to France through Southampton, 21 November 1916.

Admitted to 10th Field Ambulance, 24 February 1917, and transferred to 9th Field Ambulance (shrapnel wound, left auricle); discharged to duty, 24 February 1917; rejoined unit, 25 February 1917; moved out to anti gas, 19 March 1917; marched in from anti gas, 24 March 1917; moved out to Divisional School, 5 April 1917; joined No 4 Officers Cadet Bn, Oxford, 7 June 1917; appointed 2nd Lieutenant and posted to General Infantry Reinforcements, 27 September 1917. Proceeded to France through Southampton, 14 October 1917; marched into 3rd Australian Divisional Base Depot, Havre, 15 October 1917; marched out to field, 18 October 1917; taken on strength of 34th Battalion, 22 October 1917; detached to Brigade School, 26 November 1917; rejoined unit from detachment, 2 December 1917; promoted to Lieutenant, 28 December 1917. Awarded Military Cross, 23 May 1918, 'for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his platoon in an attack in the face of heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. He inflicted many casualties on the enemy and captured two machine guns. Later he organised a party, and, in face of heavy fire, brought in all dead and wounded. By his splendid example of courage he helped to carry the assault to a successful issue'.

Admitted to 10th Field Ambulance, 2 June 1918, and transferred to 5th Casualty Clearing Station, 3 June 1918; to Ambulance Train, 3 June 1918; transferred to 8th General Hospital, Rouen, 4 June 1918 (gun shot wound, ankle).

Died from wounds received in action, France, 21 June 1918. Buried at St. Sever Roune, France, 22 June 1918.

Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
SourcesNAA: B2455, BRITTON Thomas Henry

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