Isaac Thompson

Isaac Thompson (Service No 373) was born in Durham, England, and came to Australia in September 1910.

When Isaac enlisted at the age of 27, he was single, worked as a miner and lived at Corrimal, N.S.W.

Isaac embarked from Sydney on HMAT A40 Ceramic with A Company, 18th Battalion on 25th June 1915.  When the troops arrived on Gallipoli on 16th August 1915, Isaac carried the rank of Corporal, having received his promotion during the long journey, on 7th August.

He was wounded in action on 27th August and evacuated to hospital for treatment of gun shot wounds to his leg and left hand.

On 4th October 1915 Isaac was promoted to Sergeant, and returned to Gallipoli on 12th October 1915.  On 29th October he was admitted to hospital sick on Gallipoli, returning to the fighting on 8th November 1915. 

Following the evacuation of Gallopoli,when the troops were sent back to Egypt, Isaac was transferred to 5th Machine Gun Company.   This Company was sent to France on 23rd March 1916.

Isaac was wounded in action on 29th July 1916, but was able to remain on duty.  On 8th November was awarded the Military Medal for his actions at Pozieres.  The citation for his Military Medal reads 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When at Munster Alley, Pozieres, on the night of 28/29 th July he gallantly rushed out into No Mans land to rescue a wounded comrade. Although wounded himself, he brought the man in and later refused to leave his gun till ordered to do so.'

On 1st January 1917 Isaac was admitted to hospital sick but rejoined his unit on 19th January 1917. 

On 24th February 1917 he was wounded in action and admitted to No 1 Australian General Hospital for treatment of shrapnel wounds to his right leg.  Isaac developed gangrene and died on 27th February 1917.

He is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France: Block O, Plot IV, Row J, Grave 8.