Thomas James Rubenach

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Mon, 25/05/2015 - 13:53

First Name:

Thomas

Middle Name:

James

Last Name:

Rubenach

Mother's Name:

Sarah (nee Taylor)

Father's Name:

James Rubenach

Date Enlisted:

Saturday, July 31, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

15th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Wednesday, June 11, 1919

Place of Death:

At sea

Cause of Death:

Tuberculosis

Details:

Thomas James Rubenach (Serial No 3427) was born at Yallah about 1892 and attended school at Dapto. He was described as a single 23 year old blacksmith who enlisted in Brisbane. Thomas embarked on HMAT A48 Seang Bee on 21st October 1915 with 11th Reinforcements, 15th Battalion. On 16th March 1916 he was transferred to the 4th Pioneer Battalion.

On 26th May 1917, while moving 20 foot girders, he crushed his fingers and was admitted to hospital for treatment. An enquiry found this to be an accident. He was then taken on strength by 4th Machine Gun Battalion and saw service on the Western Front. On 19th October 1917 he received a concussion. Thomas was admitted to hospital ill, in May 1919, where it was discovered he had tuberculosis.. While returning to Australia on 11th June 1919, at 3 45 pm, he died.

Thomas was buried at sea in the Great Australian Bight with full military honours.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, RUBENACH THOMAS JAMES