Herbert Ernest THOMAS

Herbert (Herb) enlisted on 9 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 2 Section, “A” Platoon. He was a member of the defence of Dili Aerodrome on the night 19/20 Feb 1942, when the Japanese first landed and was wounded in the foot on 21 Feb 1942. Herb embarked at “BETANO” for Darwin aboard the “KURU” on 2 Sept 1942 as a Private and after medical treatment was discharged 30 Dec 1942. 

Herb re-enlisted on 9 Mar 1943 and was given service No WX22356. He attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 23 Aug 1943, was promoted Acting Corporal on 1 Nov 1943 and reverted to Private on 2 Feb 1945. He joined the 2/2nd on 26 Jun 1945 and after reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper. Herb transferred to 130th Australian General Hospital on 19 Oct 1945 and embarked for Morotai aboard LST 419 on 10 Dec 1945 and then embarked for Japan aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 22 Feb 1946. He transferred to 20th Australian Field Ambulance on 12 May 1946 and to H.Q. 34th Australian Infantry Brigade on 10 Jun 1946.

He returned to Australia aboard "KALIMBA" on 13 Nov 1946 and was discharged on 18 Feb 1947.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific" and "JAPAN".