Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas Richard Henderson was born in Albert Park on 15.8.1880.    He was the son of Thomas Hope & Marion Henderson, of “Euroma”, McKenzie St, Bendigo.   His father, Thomas Hope Henderson, was formerly a part owner of the Beehive Stores.   The Stores later passed into the ownership of the Henderson family, and Robert Oswald Henderson was appointed managing proprietor.   Thomas Richard Henderson was the younger brother of Robert Oswald Henderson.                                          

Thomas Richard Henderson was a Presbyterian and had been educated at St Andrews College, Bendigo.   By profession he was an Agriculturalist and was un-married.     Previous to his enlistment for active service abroad he had completed many years of service in militia units of the Commonwealth Military Force: as a member of the 5th Bn Infantry, qualifying at a competitive examination for a commission on 16.5.99; followed by 12 years’ service in the 8th AIR.    He resigned his commission on 28.2.1911.   

Thomas Richard Henderson Enlisted in the A.I.F. on 31 March, 1915, at the age of 34 years & 7 months.    He was appointed to the 15th Reinforcements for the 5th Battalion.

“Two members of well known Bendigo families, Messrs. T. R. Henderson, and L. Marks, left Bendigo on Wednesday for Melbourne to join the Australian Expeditionary Forces at Broadmeadows.   Mr Henderson, who is a son of Mrs. T. H. Henderson, of M’Kenzie-street, and brother of Major R. O. Henderson, of the Beehive, was several years ago in command of a local battalion of Senior Cadets, . ."[Bendigonian   13 April 1915]

Life in the ranks did not appeal to him and he was reported as a Deserter on 15.5.15.  No other details of this incident are included in his Service Record.    On 19.7.15 he applied for a Commission in the AIF.   The application was successful and he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant and posted to the 8th Reinforcements for the 22nd Battalion.

He embarked for overseas on 7.3.16 per HMAT “Wiltshire”.   On 16.3.16 he was admitted into the hospital on the “Wiltshire” suffering from an abscess on the right breast.   He was transferred to No 8 Australian General Hospital in Fremantle, W.A., where the abscess was opened under local anaesthesia.    A Medical Board was assembled to examine his state of health.    The Board found that he was suffering from an abscess of the breast, with consequent Toxaemia.    The toxaemia had been aggravated to a certain extent by the use of alcohol.    On 31.3.16 the Medical Board determined “this officer was admitted suffering from abscess of the breast and alcoholism.   The abscess of the breast is now healed.   He has on two occasions since admission to No 8 AGH been absent without leave and returned intoxicated.   His general condition is not satisfactory.   Tongue furred, tremulous.   Not likely to be an efficient officer.   Recommend discharge as permanently unfit.   No pension.”

The Discharge was approved on 29.4.16.

Thomas Richard Henderson subsequently travelled to Canada, and, having presumably dealt with his alcoholism, enlisted for service in the Canadian Expeditionary Force.    On 3.7.16 he was appointed to the 197th Overseas Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) and allotted Service No. 913592.   

After some time spent in training, during which time he attained the rank of Acting Regimental Sergeant Major, he embarked for overseas in January, 1917, on board HMT “Scandinavia”.     He disembarked in England, and was appointed to the 11th Battalion at Shornecliffe as A/RSM (7.2.17).    He reverted to the ranks on 23.5.17 being surplus to establishment, and on 16.6.17 was appointed to the 27th Battalion Canadian Infantry, the Battalion known as “City of Winnipeg.”    The Battalion embarked for France the same day.  

On 12.7.17 he was promoted to Lance Corporal, and promoted to Corporal on 22.8.17.   Promotion to Sergeant followed, on 9.3.18.      On 13.3.18 his Service Record noted that he had been awarded the Military Medal.     No details of the circumstances of this award were included in his Service Record.(Promulgated London Gazette on 23.3.18   Vol 30 Ref 2004-01505-5 Item no 66175)

“Corporal T. R. Henderson, younger brother of Lieutenant-Colonel R. O. Henderson, D.S.O., has been awarded the Military Medal.   Corporal Henderson was a well-known figure as an officer in local military circles prior to the war, particularly in connection with the Senior cadets.   He went to Canada in 1915, and enlisted there as a private.   His military knowledge gained him quick promotion, and as a sergeant-major he was utilised for several months training recruits.   He went across to England early in 1917, and was offered similar rank and duties there, but he preferred to go to the front as a private.   As such he joined the 27th Battalion, and rose to the rank of corporal.   The news of the distinction he has gained has just reached Bendigo.”      [Bendigonian   28 February 1918]

“Mr Thomas Henderson, . . . , is at present on active service with the Canadian forces.   He holds the position of Regimental Sergeant-Major in the 27th Canadian Regiment, and has been awarded the Military Medal.”     [Bendigonian   10 October 1918]

On 5.7.18 Sgt Thomas Richard Henderson was Promoted to Warrant Officer Class II and appointed Company Sergeant Major.    He embarked for England on 17.9.18 in order to work for a commission and was posted to the Manitoba Regimental Depot at Seaford.   On 20.9.18 he was attached to the 1st Reserve Battalion.    After the Armistice he was posted to the 11th Reserve Battalion, and embarked for return to Canada on 17.1.19.  

“Members of the Beehive Staff who Served in the Great War”: Larna Malone

Thomas Richard Henderson Married Mary Moselle Broughton at Cremorne, Sydney, on 14th August 1920.