THOMAS, Charles Edward
| Service Number: | 266 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 15 August 1914, Original of MG Section |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Machine Gun Company |
| Born: | Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, 16 December 1894 |
| Home Town: | Launceston, Launceston, Tasmania |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Fitter and Engineer |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 15 Aug 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 266, 5th Infantry Battalion, Original of MG Section | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Oct 1914: | Involvement Private, 266, 5th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '8' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Orvieto embarkation_ship_number: A3 public_note: '' | |
| 21 Oct 1914: | Embarked Private, 266, 5th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Orvieto, Melbourne | |
| 12 Mar 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 5th Infantry Battalion | |
| 13 Mar 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 2nd Machine Gun Company | |
| 12 Sep 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 2nd Machine Gun Company |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Stephen Brooks
Charles Edward Thomas had two brothers killed during the war, 1650 Pte. Harry David Thomas 12th Battalion AIF was killed in action 4 June 1916 and 5190 Pte. Herbert William Thomas 4th Machine Gun Company was killed in action at Bullecourt 11 April, 1917.
Charles Thomas enlisted with the 5th Battalion and served at the Anzac Landing. He was quickly promoted to Corporal and Sergeant during May 1915. He was wounded in action by a shell at Gallipoli during July 1915 and evacuated suffering with shock and back injuries.
During March 1916 he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and transferred to the 2nd Machine Gun Company. He was promoted to Lieutenant during September 1916.
Recommended for a Military Cross on 8 October 1916, with the 2nd Machine Gun Company as a Second Lieutenant, for his consistency and devotion to duty. He proved himself to be a thorough leader of men under all circumstances and under fire, in action he was always been most calm and brave and a fine example to his men who were always his first consideration.
Recommended a second time for a Military Cross during September 1917 in Belgium for outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty whilst in charge of 6 machine guns and his coolness and energy in looking after the men whilst under heavy shell fire.
On both occasions he was only awarded a Mention in Despatches.
Thomas faced three court martials for generally mucking up during late 1917 and 1918, and was dismissed from Her Majesty’s service and returned to Australia 24 August 1918.
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