Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

BRAVE IN BLUE
Distinguished Conduct Medal
For gallantry in the field
Mounted Constable Thomas Clinton Gunn DCM 5506
Seymour Police Station
Traralgon, Victoria born Constable Thomas Gunn interrupted his 32 year Victoria Police service to enlist, on 28 June 1915, in the A.I.F. Being assigned the rank of Bombardier with the Field Artillery Brigade, Battery 11, Thomas Gunn embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 18 November 1915.
Previously a storeman, Tom Gunn joined the Victoria Police Force on 30 September 1909, to be sent to Russell Street on 25 November 1909. Victoria Police Veteran Sergeant Mal Grant 12758 [Retired], in his ‘They served in blue, khaki and blue’ –
“Staying at Russell Street only a few months before being sent to Kerang for mounted duties, over the next four years, Tom Gunn had a number of transfers to numerous Western District stations.
“Arriving at Campbellfield, on 13 April 1915, Tom Gunn was involved in duties at the military camp. Transferring, two months following, to Seymour for military duties. Presumably the military duties were of such nature that Tom Gunn resigned, on 3 July 1915, to join the Australian Expeditionary Forces.”
Promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major while on active service, during General Birdwood's visit, Tom Gunn was decorated with the Distinguished Conduct Medal, won by him at Esterford [Belgium] during the last advance of the war.
Warrant Officer [Class 1] Thomas Gunn DCM
11th Battery, A.F.A., A.I.F.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Recommended by H W Riggall, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting C.B.A., 2nd Australian Division
Recommendation –
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty – this N.C.O. has been Battery Sergeant Major of 11th Battery for the period from February to November 1918 and has repeatedly been called upon to take charge of battery lines due to the shortage of officers.
On 1 October 1919, at Hargicourt, the battery wagon lines were heavily shelled by high velocity guns. This N.C.O. organized the removal of all horses from the lines at once regardless of the heavy shelling, remaining until every man and horse was in safety, eventually leading the last four horses away
His coolness and gallantry set a splendid example and doubtless saved casualties.
He again showed great gallantry at Busigny, on 16 October 1919, when in charge of the forward wagon lines during the advance. The lines were heavy shelled with Blue Cross gas shell. This N.C.O. had all his men and horses removed to a place of safety and, although himself suffering from gas poisoning, remained on duty and controlled the ammunition supply at a most difficult time.
Throughout the whole of the period under review this N.C.O. has been a tower of strength to the Battery and by his gallantry and example whether at the guns or wagon lines, has been instrumental in maintaining the morale and the spirit de corps of the unit during a most trying period.’
Charles Rosenthal, Major-General, Commanding Second Australian Division
4th AFA, 2nd Australian Division, Australian Corps,
The "Gazette" notice of the occasion reads: "On the 1st October 1918, at Haigicourt, the battery wagon lines were heavily shelled. He organised the removal of all horses from the lines, and remained until every man and horse was in safety, eventually leading the last four horses away himself.
He again showed great gallantry at Busigny, on 16 October 1918, under similar conditions, although himself suffering from gas poisoning."
Returning to Australia, on 15 May 1919, Thomas Gunn re-joined Victoria Police, in September 1919, transferring to Sale 12 months following.
Taking charge at Dunkeld in June 1921, Mounted Constable Gunn returned to Melbourne seven years following to take up promotion to senior plainclothes constables’ duty at Russell Street.
Promoted to sergeant, Thomas Gunn remained in Bairnsdale until farewelled, in January 1938, to take charge of Camberwell. On behalf of the bench, Mr. Frank Holloway, J.P., remarked Sergeant Gunn had not only been a capable police officer, but an esteemed citizen, assisting many in situations in the town. In the course of his court duties, if the sergeant had erred in any direction, it was on the side of leniency. It was rather a good fault, as the function of the police was not to punish crime, but to prevent it.
Commenting on behalf of the bar, Mr. J. T. Strachan, concurred with all that had been said regarding Sergeant Gunn's good qualities and his conduct of cases before the court. There was never any bias in the manner Sergeant Gunn presented a case, and his simple method of submitting the facts and his practice of not taking a case into court unless it was worthy of being presented testified to his ability as a police officer.
In replying, Sergeant Gunn said he fully appreciated the kindly sentiments expressed. In regard to police duties, he had always endeavoured to follow the maxim laid down by the late Justice Madden and the late Justice Hood, “It was not the duty of a constable to gain a conviction, but to place all the facts, for and against an accused person before the court”. He had enjoyed his stay in Bairnsdale. He always believed that a police officer should give his assistance in civic affairs and had endeavoured to do his share in that respect. He had worked in harmony with members of the bench, officials of the court and the bar.
Appreciating the work of the deputy coroner, Mr. Frank Holloway, with whom he had been on several long journeys, Tom Gunn felt that Bairnsdale was fortunate in having men of such calibre to officiate as honorary justices on the bench. He had also had a long association with members of the Press and wished to express appreciation of the services given by them in any matters where co-operation was desired.
Resigning, in 1942, as sergeant in charge of Camberwell police station, 52 years-of-age, Thomas Clinton Gunn, was described as “exemplary” in his police record, he shone in roles of leadership and many looked to him as a figure of authority and strength both as a police officer and soldier.
Seventy-seven years-of-age Victoria Police Veteran Sergeant Thomas Clinton Gunn DCM passed away at Mont Park in 1966, to rest in eternal peace in Plot No. 309277, GIS Location FMP-RCU-17622, Roman Catholic U at the Fawkner Memorial Park, Reference No. 1697024.