Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas Bourke was born on the 1st May 1885, Port Augusta and was most likely christened since he was a Roman Catholic. His parents were John Bourke and Jane Bourke (Harrigan). Jane died when Thomas was only 4 years old in 1889. Years later, Thomas Bourke moved to Bordertown where he took up the occupation of a Railway Porter, most likely at Border Town railway station. On the 20th July 1916, aged 32, Thomas decided to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. Thomas embarked from Adelaide on board the HMAT A688 just one month later. He joined the 5th reinforcement of the 48th battalion, comprising of at least 153 South Australians and Western Australians. The 48th battalion was raised in Egypt and nicknamed the 'Joan of Arc' because there were a number of members of the same family. The 48th battalion's first battle was Poziers. Their task was to defend ground that had been captured and they had to enter the firing line between 5-7 and 12-15 of August 1916. Thomas, however, did not fight in this battle because he was still in Australia at this time. His first battle was most likely in 1917, at Bullecourt, France. His next was probably the battle of Passchendaele, Belgium. In Belgium, they were forced to withdraw with heavy casualties but Thomas Bourke still survived. It is said that in neither battles did the 'Joan of Arc' have a lack of courage or skill. The 48th battalion rotated in and out of the front line throughout 1917-1918. In spring 1918 they played a crucial part in blocking the main road into Amiens, however, Bourke may or may not have fought in this battle. Nevertheless, he returned home safely on the 1st of February 1918. Thomas also had a wife named Lilian Jane Bourke who lived on 30 Percy Street, Prospect. This is not where he lived so they may have lived separately, she may have lived there while he was at war or she may have lived there after his death. There is no evidence that points to any one of these theories. Thomas Bourke passed away for unknown reasons at the respectable age of 68 on the 6th March 1954. He was buried in the West Terrace cemetery in Adelaide.