Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Name: William George Thompson
Service Number: 2650
Place of Birth: Sydney
Date of Birth: Not available
Place of Enlistment: Sydney
Date of Enlistment: 14 September 1916
Age at Enlistment: 24 years 6 months
Marital status: Married
Next of Kin: Wife – Gertrude Mary Thompson
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: Church of England
Rank: Private


Biographical details;
William left Sydney on board HMAT A24 Benalla on 9 November 1916 and upon arrival in England his unit was sent to the 10th Training Battalion at Derrington. He was courtmartialled at Larkhill on 2 April, receiving 24 days detention for having knowingly“signed false reports”. His unit was sent to France on 22 May. William, sustained a gunshot wound to the left hip and face whilst in action at Zonnebeke, Belgium, for which he was sent to England for treatment on 31 October, being admitted to King George Military Hospital. On 3 January 1918 he was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital and then discharged to furlough on 16 January, prior to reporting to Weymouth Camp on 30 January. William was then appointed temporary quartermaster as a sergeant.
Special Inquiry Officer W.H. Cooke stated that Gertrude Thompson stated she was not married to Thompson, though she had lived with him for 5 years. She was aware that William had married Florence May Scard at Portland, England on 24 October 1918.
William returned to Australia on board RTA Konig- in – Luise and was discharged on 25 September 1919 as medically unfit due to a fracture of the lower jaw(1).
Fruit Block Details:
William George Thompson occupied the 19.5 acres of Block 272 on 1 December 1921. The block was situated on the corner of Trenaman road and Lehmann road. He grew sultanas, doradillos, currants, gordos and mixed trees. William built a house on the property, consisting of three rooms with a front verandah, concrete walls, a lean -to at the back. The roof was made of galvanized iron. Upon completion the house was valued at 350 pounds(2).
Other Anecdotal Information:
William George and Minnie Florence Thompson had two children, Leslie Charles born 13 April 1923 and Bessie Florence born 11 May 1924. Both children were born in Berri(3). Their son Able Seaman Leslie Thompson ( a survivor of HMAS Canberra)visited William and Minnie during his World War two service(4)
William George Thompson died at Ottaway on 16 June 1969, aged 78(5)
References:
1.National Australian Archives: B2455; Thompson W G; Barcode 1836555.
2.Barmera Berri Council, Berri Barmera & Districts Local History Collection.
3. South Australian Births, Deaths & Marriages Records.
4. Barmera Berri Council, Berri Barmera & Districts Local History Collection.
5. South Australian Births, Deaths & Marriages Records..