Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born in the Silver City of Broken Hill on the 16th September 1907, Thomas’s parents Mr and Mrs W. Scott could not have predicted the distinguished service Thomas would give to Australia as a soldier and high-ranking army officer in both the 2/48th Battalion as Captain and 2/32nd Battalion as Lieutenant Colonel. (He would also work as a company manager and flour miller.)
Thomas moved to live at Glenelg and very quickly became part of the local Sailing Club, holding a variety of positions including secretary and treasurer. Over the 1920’s conducting regular balls were feats of organisation, creativity and elaborate suppers for many clubs and institutions. In 1925, Thomas became a member of the 27th Battalion B Company, talented and enthusiastic and thereafter holding a number of roles including Sergeant, Warrant Officer and Lieutenant. In the ensuing years he was regularly involved in rifle shooting practices and competitions, often winning prizes.
With the Duke of Gloucester visiting in October ’34, extensive rehearsals by the military were undertaken. The Duke was met at Adelaide Railway Station with a guard of honour from the 10th/50th Battalion with Lieutenant Scott as second in command of the proceedings. Just two months later, he was promoted to Captain. At a similar time, approval was given for the conversion of the 27th Battalion to a kilted Scottish Regiment in time for the New Year’s Eve Ball, held at the Palais, which was hugely popular. Thomas was on that organisational committee, but because of demand, numbers of invitations had to be limited.
In ’35 Thomas and Freemantle born Gladys Hinde married in Perth in ’35 and the two were frequent attendees at social functions.
With the effects of WWI still felt, military soldiers continued to train for any further potential conflict. As gas had been the cause of lasting health issues, being able to don, wear and shoot were skills that, despite being uncomfortable, were regularly practiced. This included a Glasgow Trophy Shoot in June ’37 held at the Port Adelaide Shooting Range. Lieutenant Thomas was in charge of the 27th Battalion. At the appearance of the target, he had to give clear, correct fire orders, despite the smothering effect of commands through the masks. This task was made more complex as some of the targets were not to be fired upon. A rotation of men in the Lewis Gun section was designed to emulate possible casualties as the exercise continued for two minutes.
The following year, an annual competition was held for the South Australian Volunteer Officers' challenge shield at Port Adelaide. The 27th Battalion No. 1 team, made a total of 345 in a one-round contest which consisted of ten shot application over 500 yards. The winning team included Thomas. That year also saw the opening of extensions to the 27th Battalion Drill Hall at Keswick, with frontage to Anzac Highway. It included accommodation for headquarters offices, a sergeants' mess on the ground floor, officers' mess, lecture room, and library on the upper floor. With that announcement came a further step in Thomas’ career, to assistant quartermaster. To celebrate the new hall, a New Year’s Eve ball was held, with Thomas also holding the role of Publicity Officer for the Militia Forces Club Union.

By September ’39 Thomas assumed full time duty with the 27th Battalion and within twelve months was seconded to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. With the declaration of war, businesses and individuals all were anxious to support the armed forces. Department Store, John Martins offered their ballroom for the 2/48th Battalion to host their October ball, with proceeds to go to the purchase of drums for the battalion band. That same month the Keswick Barracks Military authorities announced the officers who would be appointed to lead the 2/48th. They included Major G. J. Bull formerly at 3/23rd Light Horse Regiment to be Company Commander; Capt. T. H. Scott of the 27th Battalion, to be Captain and Quartermaster Capt. F A. G. Tucker of the 27th Battalion. The men sailed on the Stratheden in November ’40 arriving the following month in the Middle East. In March ’41, with the move of Captain Bishop to 9th Division Headquarters, Captain Scott was appointed adjutant in his place. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan observed that ‘The unit was to owe much to his quiet and firm efficiency in the days to come’. Early under Thomas’ leadership, the 2/48th made thorough reconnaissance of the approach from the plain to the escarpment at Filzi.

The following month, Thomas was part of the reconnaissance group, including tank officers, who were involved in a large scale attack on Hill 209 on the 22nd April. By September ’41 he had become Major Thomas. Soon after, in November Thomas was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 2/32nd Battalion and was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service in April ’42, during the Lae-Finschhafen campaign.
In September ’43 Thomas was wounded in action as the 2/48th arrived in New Guinea, but chose to remain on duty, as did SX8133 Corporal Bryan Holmes. As they were landing on Red Beach via Landing Craft Infantry, a lone Japanese fighter bomber strafed the troops, catching those to the left. Those to the right had a little protection, and received shrapnel wounds, resulting in unwelcome, short lived hospital visits with the two discharging themselves.
In March ’45 Lieutenant Colonel T.H. Scott of Glenelg received an award for Distinguished Service and was appointed second in command of the 2/48th Battalion in the Middle East campaign. The citation read; ‘Lt-Col. Scott displayed marked ability and determined leadership as commander of a battalion in the Lae-Finschhafen operation. His efficient handling or his command led to the destruction of large numbers of the enemy. He continually operated with his most forward troops, thus enabling the rapid utilisation of Information gained by reconnaissance. His conduct was a source of inspiration to the men under his command."

Following a brief return to Townsville in February ‘44, the following year Thomas was honoured with a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in March then returned to Morotai for the closing stages of the war, relinquishing command of the 2/32nd Battalion to be attached to Headquarters. Having served with distinction in such a range of war zones, the effects on his physical health became more evident with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. He was finally discharged on the 30th April ’46.
Aged 71, Thomas died on the 14th May ’79 at Glenelg. He was buried in the Centennial Park Cemetery, appropriately in the Derrick Garden of Remembrance, Tree Bed 20, Position 16.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes, SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.