Thomas Henry Marshall

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 24/07/2015 - 15:33

First Name:

Thomas

Middle Name:

Henry

Last Name:

Marshall

Date of Birth:

Saturday, August 17, 1895

Mother's Name:

Elizabeth Marshall

Father's Name:

Thomas Marshall

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, August 12, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Sergeant

Unit:

13th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

Military Medal

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Friday, February 15, 1985

Details:

Thomas Marshall (Service No 3382) was born in Neath, Wales. At the time of enlistment he was a single 20 year old wheeler from Thirroul.

He embarked on HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 13th October 1915 with 11th Reinforcements, 13th Battalion. It is unclear if he served at Gallipoli but he would have met up with an old friend in Egypt,John Riordan, as they were in the same battalion. He also saw service on the Western Front and was present when Riordan was killed, as he gave evidence to the enquiry into Riordans death, stating they were friends from home.

On 25th October 1916 he was awarded the Military Medal. The citation reads: For conspicuous coolness and courage during the operations north west of POZIERES, 29th to 31st August, 1916. After the attack on night 29th/30th August, 1916, when the troops were rather disorganised and suffering from the severe weather conditions, Corporal MARSHALL volunteered to hold, and held, a most dangerous forward bombing post. This was a most dangerous work which only the bravest of men would undertake.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62; Date: 19 April 1917

On 8th August 1916 Thomas was promoted to Sergeant in the field. On 28th March 1917 he was admitted to hospital ill as he had contracted trench fever.

Henry returned to Australia in June 1919 and was discharged on 4th August 1919.
There is a note on file indicating he served in World War 2

Sources:

NAA: B2455, MARSHALL THOMAS HENRY