| Accession Number | H06234 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) George Holmes Thornton, 4th Pioneer Battalion from ...
Description
Studio portrait of Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) George Holmes Thornton, 4th Pioneer Battalion from Tweed Heads, NSW. A 36 year old engineer prior to being appointed a 2nd Lt on 28 July 1916, he embarked for overseas with the 7th Reinforcements from Brisbane, Queensland aboard HMAT Kyarra (A55) on 17 November 1916. After a short period in England, he proceeded to France in June and was promoted to Lieutenant (Lt) on 13 September 1917. He was awarded a Military Cross (MC) for his work as the Battalion Transport Officer between February and August 1918. When the unit was actively engaged on works on forward defences and roads etc, he ensured a sufficient supply of material and on several occasions personally delivered material under circumstances of severe difficulty and danger. After being taken ill on 21 August 1918, he was invalided to England and following his recovery, resumed duty with the 4th Pioneer Battalion in England in March 1919. Lt Thornton was also awarded the Croix de Guerre French Palm Leaf and arrived back in Australia on 29 February 1920.