Thomas ECCLES

Regimental number877
Place of birthYass New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressDalkeith, Bowning, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, William Eccles, Dalkeith, Bowning, New South Wales
Enlistment date17 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name30th Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/47/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A72 Beltana on 9 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll30th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Altered to Military Medal)


Recommendation date: 16 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 8 April 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack and capture of Joncourt, on 1 October, 1918. He kept his battalion commander well posted with the situation in front, continually moving along the entire company front and to flank units, co-operating in the attack under heavy shell and machine gun fire. He obtained information of first importance from these units, and insured their prompt delivery to his company commander. His energy was untiring throughout the whole of the operations.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20
Date: 19 February 1920

Military Medal

'At BROODSEINDE RIDGE east of YPRES on the night of 12th/13th instant, No. 877 Lance Sergeant ECCLES conducted a stretcher party back to the R.A.P. and was returning with the party through difficult swampy country when they were dispersed by a heavy artillery barrage which wounded three of the party. Lance Sergeant ECCLES gathered together and reorganised them, returning to the aid post with the wounded men. During the whole operations this N.C.O. was conspicuous for his courage and devotion to duty. He was slightly wounded on the left shoulder on the night of 9th instant when his company were effecting their relief and although requested to go to the aid post he refused and remained on duty, going out of the line with his company on the night of 13th idem. I consider his fine example of devotion to duty worthy of special recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death19 July 1988
Age at death94
Place of burialBowning Cemetery, New South Wales