Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Amelia Louisa Hinds and John Coutts Myles.

Amelia married William Thompson in 1892 

Next on kin given as his brother Quinton Hardy Thompson of Childers, QLD.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

The Late Private Chester Thompson.
It was our mournful duty a few weeks ago to announce that Private Chester Thompson had made the supreme sacrifice, having been killed in action in  France (says the Late (Q.) 'Recorder'). Since then, a letter has been received by his relatives in Childers from a comrade in arms, Sergt. H. C.  Brainwood, 1st Battalion, A.I.F., which has awakened sad but proud memories. Pathetic interest attaches to the fact that enclosed with it was the deceased soldier's identification disc, bearing his name and regimental number, and a new set of his battalion colors, which the Fates had willed he  should never wear. Chester enlisted from New South Wales, and the poignant note of regret in his brother soldier's letter, from which we are privileged  to be able to make the following extract, shows how highly he was esteemed. It is addressed to Mr. Thompson, and says: — 'It is with a sad heart I pen you these few lines to let you know how your son, Chester, was killed. It was on the afternoon of 22nd July (the letter is dated 24/6/'16), when a terrific bombardment was opened upon our trenches. Chester, with five other men, was sitting in a dug-out under the parapet, when a shell from a big trench mortar landed right in front of the dug-out and burst all over them, killing three and wounding another. I was Chester's best mate, and he mine, in the  battalion. We came over together, and it has broken me up to think that I have lost him. He was a good soldier, who did his duty well, and one of the  Most respected lads in the battalion. . .
He was laid to rest at Fleurbaix, near Armentieres. I was one of those who carried him to the grave side, laid him down, and covered him over. . . . In  closing, I must send you our deepest sympathy for the loss of a good son and comrade.”
(In a brief missive to us, Mrs. Higgins, a sister of the late Private Thompson, informs us that Chester had his thigh smashed and died within an hour  after being wounded. Three other brothers are at present in uniform, two, holding commissions, one in the navy, and the other with the army in France.