Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Corporal G. D. Thompson, 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Artillery, Australian Imperial Force, later Lieutenant in the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1063 Cpl. G. D. Thompson. 4/Lt: T.M. By: Aust: A.) very fine £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 8 December 1916. The original recommendation states:

‘North West of Pozieres. I wish to recommend Thompson for distinction. During the period the Battery was in the trenches Thompson showed great ability and bravery. On the 8th August, the night of the attack by the 15th Battalion, he handled his men splendidly, and after having completed his firing he then remained at his gun through exceedingly heavy enemy barrage, and obtained the position of the advanced line of 15th Battalion and enemy position, thus enabling me to use my gun. His conduct throughout was most distinguished.’

George Dominic Thompson was born in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1893. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 1 October 1914. Thompson was posted to the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion, and served with them in Gallipoli before being evacuated to Mudros due to illness, 24 August 1915.

Thompson advanced to Corporal in June 1916, and transferred to the 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Artillery the same month. He served with the Battery in the French theatre of war from July 1916, and distinguished himself on the Somme during the following month. Thompson advanced to Sergeant in November 1916, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion in May 1918. He served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war and advanced to Lieutenant in July of the same year.

Thompson returned to Australia in January 1920, and was discharged in March of the same year.