Thomas Henry DODDS MID, DSO

DODDS, Thomas Henry

Service Numbers: Not yet discovered
Enlisted: Not yet discovered
Last Rank: Captain
Last Unit: 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen
Born: Gateshead, County Durham, England, 11 November 1873
Home Town: Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland
Schooling: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Occupation: Soldier
Died: Camberwell, Victoria, Australia, 15 October 1943, aged 69 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Melbourne
Columbarium: Pittosporum, Wall 2AA, Niche 154
Memorials:
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Boer War Service

1 Oct 1899: Involvement Captain, 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen
6 Mar 1901: Embarked Australian and Colonial Military Forces - Boer War Contingents, Captain, 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen, AWM Boer War Unit Details, Murray p. 488 notes 5th QIB embarked at Pinkenba 6 Mar 1901 aboard Templemore arriving Port Elizabeth 1 Apr 1901.
5 May 1902: Discharged Australian and Colonial Military Forces - Boer War Contingents, Captain, 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen, AWM Boer War Unit Details, Murray p. 491 notes 5th QIB embarked at Cape Town 27 Mar 1902 aboard St Andrew returning to Australia arriving Brisbane 30 Apr 1902, disbanded 5 May 1902.
29 Jul 1902: Honoured Mention in Dispatches
31 Oct 1902: Honoured Companion of the Distinguished Service Order

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Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

DEATH OF MAJ-GEN T. H. DODDS.
The death occurred suddenly at his home, 24 Currajong av, Camberwell, yesterday, of Maj-Gen T. H. Dodds, CMG, CVO, DSO, at the age of 69. Although born in England he was one of Australia's most distinguished soldiers. He came to Brisbane when only 10 years old, and with the exception of his years on service in South Africa and France, spent the rest of his life in Australia. He received his education at Normal School, Brisbane, and entered the Education Department in 1888. Enlisting as a private in the Queensland Volunteers, he quickly obtained his commission, and served in the South African war with the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen, of which he became Captain and Adjutant in 1901. He was mentioned in despatches, and awarded the DSO and the Queen's Medal with 5 clasps the following year.
Returning to Australia he transferred to the permanent forces in 1906, and was appointed general staff officer at Army HQ and secretary to the War Railway Council in 1911. He was Assistant Adjutant-General at Army Headquarters from 1911 to 1914. From 1914-16 he was Adjutant-General and Military Secretary, and in 1916-17 became Extra Member of the Military Board, being promoted Lt-Col in 1915 and Col in 1917, when he left for service overseas. He became Adjutant-General to the AIF in France and Belgium until 1919, becoming Brig-Gen in 1918. Again mentioned in despatches, he was created a CMG. His next appointment was Commandant at Australian HQ in London, and on his return to Australia in 1920 he was appointed Military Secretary at Army HQ, in which post he remained until 1924 when he went to England as Australian representative on the Imperial General Staff.
Returning to Australia in 1926 he became Base Commandant in NSW and Commander of the 1st Div, AMF, retaining the latter post until 1929, when he was appointed Adjutant-General and Second Member of the Military Board, in succession to Maj-Gen J. H. Bruche. He was promoted to Maj-Gen in 1930. In 1920 he was deputy director-general for the visit of the Prince of Wales (now Duke of Windsor), and was ADC to the Governor-General, Lord Stonehaven, from 1927-30. He retired after 42 years' service on Armistice Day, 1934, but was actively interested in affairs of the RSL, of which he was Federal treasurer for some years.
Maj-Gen Dodds is survived by his widow and 2 daughters, Mesdames Derek Hall and Roy Tudor. His only son, Lt-Col Norley Dodds, died while on service during the present war. After a service at St Mark's Church of England, Camberwell, at 10am Monday the funeral will leave for Springvale Crematorium. Funeral arrangements are in the hands of Le Pine and Son.

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