Thomas Gibson

Thomas Gibson (Service No 4039) was born in Thirroul, N.S.W. in 1888.  In 1914 he married school teacher Bessie Johnson, at Bulli, N.S.W.

At enlistment Thomas was 28 years old, employed as a school teacher, and he and Bessie had 2 children.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A40 Ceramic with 30th Battalion 10th Reinforcement on 7th October 1916, and the troops arrived in England on 21st November 1916.

On 9th February 1917 Thomas joined the battalion in France and saw service on the Western Front.

He was wounded in action on 18th September 1917 and treated for gas poisoning, returning to duty on 12th December 1917.

On 30th September 1918 Thomas was wounded a second time. He was evacuated to England for treatment of gun shot wounds to his face.  As a result of his injuries, he was declared totally blind.  Thomas decided to remain in England to gain skills which would allow for him to gain work in the future.

He finally returned to Australia in February 1921 and was discharged medically unfit from the AIF on 6th May 1921.

Thomas was the last Bulli soldier to return and was lauded at numerous welcome home celebrations.  He was actively involved in the community; he served as an alderman for a total of 19 years - on the Bulli Shire Council &  with the City of Wollongong Council.  After the war he trained as a physiotherapist, and was a member a number of local organisations, including the Returned Services League (R.S.L.).

Thomas' service is commemorated on the Thirroul Public School Honour Roll as well as at the Thirroul Woodward Memorial Park. 

Thomas Gibson Park in Thirroul is named after him.

Thomas' brother, Albert Gibson  (Service No 19579) also served.