Thomas Keane

Thomas Keane (Service No 7401) was born in Sydney, however his name on the Keiraville Primary School Honour Roll suggest he attended that school in the Illawarra as a child.

In 1912 Thomas married Catherine Cook at Woonona, N.S.W. and they went on to have 4 children. 

When he enlisted at the age of 29, Thomas and Catherine lived at Keiraville, N.S.W. and Thomas worked as a tram conductor; Thomas had also served 18 months in the Militia with an artillery unit.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A34 Persic with14 Battery, Field Artillery Brigade 5 on 18th November 1915.  He arrived in Egypt on 21st December 1915 and was sent  on to France on 28th March 1916, and saw service on the Western Front in France and Belgium.

On 1st August 1916 Thomas was promoted to Corporal.  

On 4th August 1916, while taking part in fighting at Pozieres, Thomas showed such courage and gallentry of duty (valuable services in establishing and maintaining communication) that he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.  For his actions, Thomas was awarded the Military Medal on 27th October 1916. (Gazetted in Commonwealth Gazette No 62 dated 19th April 1917). 

On 24th August Thomas was wounded in action and evacuated to hospital for treatment to a gun shot wound to his left hand, and returned to his unit on 18th October 1916.

Thomas was wounded a second time, on 9th December 1916, and evacuated to hospital in England for treatment of a gun shot wound to his forehead.   He returned to his unit on 12th April 1917.

On 29th October 1917, Thomas was wounded a third time when he was gassed and wounded in the back.  Once again he was evacuated to England for treatment.

Thomas was returned to Australia in February 1919 and discharged on 21st July 1919.