THOMAS, Percy
(Service number 26/1053)
| First Rank | Rifleman | Last Rank | Rifleman |
|---|
Birth
| Date | 22 May 1893 | Place of Birth | Temuka |
|---|
Enlistment Information
| Date | Age | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Address at Enlistment | |||
| Occupation | Grocer | ||
| Previous Military Experience | |||
| Marital Status | |||
| Next of Kin | Mrs H. THOMAS (mother), Temuka | ||
Military Service
| Served with | NZ Armed Forces | Served in | Army |
|---|
Embarkation Information
| Body on Embarkation | New Zealand Rifle Brigade | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit, Squadron, or Ship | 1st Reinforcements, 4th Battalion | ||
| Date | 5 February 1916 | ||
| Transport | Ulimaroa or Mokoia or Navua | ||
| Embarked From | Wellington | Destination | |
| Other Units Served With | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Unit Served With | Rifle Brigade | ||
Military Awards
| Campaigns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Medals | |||
Award Circumstances and Date
No information
Prisoner of War Information
| Date of Capture | |
|---|---|
| Where Captured and by Whom | |
| Actions Prior to Capture | |
| PoW Serial Number | |
| PoW Camps | |
| Days Interned | |
| Liberation Date |
Death
| Date | 3 March 1964 | Age | 70 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Place of Death | Timaru | ||
| Cause | |||
| Memorial or Cemetery | Temuka Cemetery | ||
| New Zealand Memorials | |||
Biographical Notes
Percy Thomas was one of three sons of Henry and Agnes (née Whittington) Thomas, of Temuka, who served in World War One. Along with his siblings Percy attended Temuka School.
The Timaru Herald carried a report on 26 June 1919 of his arrival home from the war:
"On Tuesday a welcome was tendered to Privates P and R. Thomas by the Maoris of Arowhenua Pa in the Maori Hall. There was a good attendance considering the unfavourable weather conditions, and among those present was 1st Lieutenant H. Pohio, of the Pioneer Battalion. Excellent music was provided by Master Torepe and Misses Hopkinson and Gray while extras were kindly played by Mr Len Donnithorne. Mr Rehu acquitted himself efficiently as M.C. A bountiful supper was supplied by the ladies, after which the presentation of gold medals to the guests of the evening took place.
Mr J. Paiki apologised for the absence of the chairamn (Mr H. H. Torepe) who was away from the district, and called on Mr Gunnion, Mayor of Temuka to make the presentations. Mr Gunnion warmly eulogised the work of the boys at the front, and said that on "behalf of their Maori friends he was very glad to present them with well-deserved gold medals."For They are Jolly Good Fellows" was sung, after which Private Percy Thomas, on behalf of his brother and himself, heartily thanked their Maori friends for their kindness.
Dancing was then resumed and continued for several hours. The social was successful and reflected much credit on the organisers, Messrs J. Paiki and W. Torepe and their willing helpers."
Sources
Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [04 November 2016]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [04 November 2016]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [04 November 2016]; Temuka Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [04 November 2016]; SCroll web submission by T Brosnahan, 26 October 2017
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