Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"OBITUARY. MR. PATRICK LUKE THORNTON

Quite a gloom was cast over the railway staff, when it was learned that one of their number, Mr. P. L. Thornton, of Mitchell street, Benalla, had passed away on Sunday morning. "Barney," as he was popularly known, had been, ailing for some time, and several weeks ago had been granted sick leave. He gradually grew, weaker and weaker, and finally was compelled to take to his bed. Has indominitable spirit prevailed throughout, and as recently as Thursday last he signed his usual pension papers. However, the protracted suffering so weakened him that he was unable to fight any longer, and passed away quietly as stated. Death was due to Phthisis and exhaustion. From those who knew him intimately his death will remove one of the staunchest of comrades. A strict disciplinarian, yet imbued with that kindly spirit that made him respected by all. Born at Fryerstown, Victorian, on March 6th, 1871, the deceased would have been 53 years of age next month. He was the third son of the late Inspector Bernard; (Victorian railways)
and; Mrs. Thornton, of Fryerstown, both of whom predeceased him many years ago. It was only natural that Mr. Thornton should take up duty in the railway, and commencing at the bottom, he gradually worked his way up the ladder, until he was special leading shunter at the Melbourne yards. Having obtained a certificate as a goods guard, he transfered to Bendigo to ensure quicker promotion. Subsequently he came to Benalla about three years ago, but owing to ill-health, instead of being appointed as a passenger guard, he accepted the position of head porter. It was this position that he made himself beloved to his staff, and many a traveller has cause to remember this genial officer. 

Mr. Thornton has always done his duty honestly and painstakingly, and it was not surprising, therefore, to find him in khaki, when the great call was sounded. Enlisting in the 23rd Battalion, he served for about 3 years abroad, seeing service in France. Here he was badly gassed, and there is not the slighest doubt that this trouble hastened the end. He was a big strapping type of manhood when he enlisted, and those who saw him of recent years could hardly recall their old acquaintance. His wife, Margaret M. Thornton, four daughters (Eileen, Dorothy, Ellen, and Ursula), and three sons (Cornelius, Patrick and Alexander), survive him, and to them is extended the sympathy of a host of railway friends gathered during his 34 years service. The funeral takes place to-day at 2 p.m., and Mr. P. W. Ryan has charge of the funeral arrangements. The Rev. Father O'Reilly will officiate at the graveside, and representatives of all branches of the railways, and the returned soldiers will be present." - from the Benalla Standard 26 Feb 1924 (nla.gov.au)

"OBITUARY. MR. PATRICK LUKE THORNTON

Quite a gloom was cast over the railway staff, when it was learned that one of their number, Mr. P. L. Thornton, of Mitchell street, Benalla, had passed away on Sunday morning. "Barney," as he was popularly known, had been, ailing for some time, and several weeks ago had been granted sick leave. He gradually grew, weaker and weaker, and finally was compelled to take to his bed. Has indominitable spirit prevailed throughout, and as recently as Thursday last he signed his usual pension papers. However, the protracted suffering so weakened him that he was unable to fight any longer, and passed away quietly as stated. Death was due to Phthisis and exhaustion. From those who knew him intimately his death will remove one of the staunchest of comrades. A strict disciplinarian, yet imbued with that kindly spirit that made him respected by all. Born at Fryerstown, Victorian, on March 6th, 1871, the deceased would have been 53 years of age next month. He was the third son of the late Inspector Bernard; (Victorian railways)
and; Mrs. Thornton, of Fryerstown, both of whom predeceased him many years ago. It was only natural that Mr. Thornton should take up duty in the railway, and commencing at the bottom, he gradually worked his way up the ladder, until he was special leading shunter at the Melbourne yards. Having obtained a certificate as a goods guard, he transfered to Bendigo to ensure quicker promotion. Subsequently he came to Benalla about three years ago, but owing to ill-health, instead of being appointed as a passenger guard, he accepted the position of head porter. It was this position that he made himself beloved to his staff, and many a traveller has cause to remember this genial officer. 

Mr. Thornton has always done his duty honestly and painstakingly, and it was not surprising, therefore, to find him in khaki, when the great call was sounded. Enlisting in the 23rd Battalion, he served for about 3 years abroad, seeing service in France. Here he was badly gassed, and there is not the slighest doubt that this trouble hastened the end. He was a big strapping type of manhood when he enlisted, and those who saw him of recent years could hardly recall their old acquaintance. His wife, Margaret M. Thornton, four daughters (Eileen, Dorothy, Ellen, and Ursula), and three sons (Cornelius, Patrick and Alexander), survive him, and to them is extended the sympathy of a host of railway friends gathered during his 34 years service. The funeral takes place to-day at 2 p.m., and Mr. P. W. Ryan has charge of the funeral arrangements. The Rev. Father O'Reilly will officiate at the graveside, and representatives of all branches of the railways, and the returned soldiers will be present." - from the Benalla Standard 26 Feb 1924 (nla.gov.au)