FAMILY LIFE

Thomas Hilary Considine was born 27th July 1891 in Grafton, son of Matthew & Margaret (Egan) Considine. He was one of 7 children. His brother, Patrick, enlisted on 2^nd September 1915

APPLICATION

Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914, and both Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher pledged full support for Britain. Britain was Australia’s closet ally, best trading partner and the source of most of Australia’s immigrants. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm.

There were many reasons why Australian men volunteered to join the forces- the pay was good (5shillings per day), they shared Britain’s values & culture, they thought it would be an adventure and family or friends had joined and they thought they should go as well.

Thomas was single butcher, eager to do his bit. He travelled to the Showground camp in Sydney on 9^th September 1914 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Matthew, of Stokers Siding.

His medical showed he was 23 years 3 months old, 5ft 9 ½ inches tall (1.76m), weighed 158 lbs (72kgs), with a fair complexion, blue eyes & light brown hair.

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Thomas “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Thomas Hilary Considine, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” He was Roman Catholic and had a 4 vaccination scars.  He was enlisted as a driver into the 1st Field Artillery Battery with service No 2460

TRAINING KENSINGTON RACECOURSE CAMP (SYDNEY)

The brigade began assembling and conducting basic training here shortly after enlistment. The site had been rapidly converted into a military training camp by early August 1914.

TRAINING LIVERPOOL CAMP

Artillery units also moved here for larger-scale drills and field exercises in the lead-up to embarkation.

FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADES

A Field Artillery Brigade (FAB) in World War I was responsible for providing indirect fire support to infantry units. Its primary role was to bombard enemy positions—trenches, strongpoints, machine gun nests, and advancing troops—before, during, and after infantry assaults

WHAT THEY DID IN BATTLE:

·      Preliminary bombardments – softening enemy defences before an infantry attack.

·      Creeping barrages – timed artillery fire that advanced just ahead of the infantry.

·      Counter-battery fire – targeting enemy artillery to reduce their ability to fire.

·      Defensive fire – firing on enemy troops advancing toward Australian lines.

·      Harassing fire – night shelling of roads, supply lines, and enemy rest areas.

Artillery was the dominant arm of WWI due to the static nature of trench warfare, and men like Thomas Considine would have worked under immense pressure, often in exposed positions near the front lines.

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

HMAT Argyllshire left Sydney on 18 October 1914, carrying the 1st Field Artillery Brigade. The usual route was via Fremantle, then across the Indian Ocean to Suez, Egypt. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

DECEMBER 1914 – FEBRUARY 1915: EGYPT (MENA CAMP, NEAR CAIRO)

The 1st Field Artillery Brigade trained intensively at Mena Camp, in the shadow of the pyramids.

Focus of training:

·      Gun drills with 18-pounder field guns

·      Signals and communications

·      Horse management and team driving

·      Tactical deployment and range-finding

·      Built fitness and discipline for eventual deployment to Gallipoli

Over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. Conditions were harsh and often criticized by the Australian troops training there. Temperatures during the day could be extremely hot. The area was dusty and sandy, with frequent sandstorms. These made daily life and drills difficult and unpleasant

Soldiers lived in canvas tents with minimal protection from the elements. There was little shade or comfort. Latrines and hygiene facilities were basic and sometimes inadequate. Flies and other insects were a constant problem. Rations were repetitive and not always sufficient in quantity or quality. Complaints about the food were common. Despite the conditions, training was rigorous—drills, route marches, musketry, and entrenching were conducted daily. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons. 

Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. All day long, in every valley of the Sahara for miles around the Pyramids of Giza were groups or lines of men advancing, retiring, drilling or squatted near their piled arms listening to their officer. For many of the battalions many miles of desert had to be covered in the morning and evening to and from their allotted training areas. At first, to harden the troops, they wore full kit with heavy packs. Their backs became drenched with perspiration, and the bitter desert wind blew on them as they camped for their midday meal and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause. Mena Camp was a place of tough acclimatization, designed to prepare the men for combat in Gallipoli. It was physically uncomfortable, with limited resources, but it played a critical role in transitioning a civilian army into one ready for war. This training carried on until April

TRANSFERRED TO 2^ND BATTERY FEBRUARY 1915

On 22^nd February 1915 Thomas was assigned to a working gun crew as part of the 2nd Battery, within the 1st FAB. This would mean:

·      He trained and fought with that battery from that point onward.

·      He helped operate, maintain, and fire the artillery.

·      He may have been involved in horse teams, ammunition transport, range finding, or gun-laying, depending on his role.

APRIL – EARLY MAY 1915: GALLIPOLI LANDINGS

On 25 April 1915, the infantry of the 1st Australian Division landed at Anzac Cove. The terrain at Anzac was too steep and broken for most artillery, so only mountain guns and howitzers could be landed initially. 2nd Battery remained on ships off the coast or was kept in Egypt briefly as artillery was not landed in force until May.

MAY – JULY 1915: CAPE HELLES AND ANZAC POSITIONS

The 2nd Battery was gradually brought ashore as roads and artillery positions were established. The 1st FAB was split—some batteries (including the 2nd) supported:

·      The British at Cape Helles (from late May) The Anzac sector (supporting Quinn's, Lone Pine, and other ridgelines)

Once ashore, they:

·      Set up gun pits on slopes and ridgelines Provided indirect fire to support infantry attacks and defend positions Operated under dangerous conditions, facing enemy counter-battery fire

Gun positions were cramped, hard to dig in, and often under direct observation by Turkish artillery. Ammunition shortages were common & casualties occurred not just from enemy fire, but also heat, disease, and exhaustion

ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL VENERAL DISEASE JULY 1915

On 31^st July Thomas was admitted to hospital on 31^st July with venereal disease. The sense of adventure, the loneliness, and the loss of family life that overwhelmed many of the overseas volunteers during the First World War often found them on leave in large cities or small towns where alcohol and women were plentiful, and a lack of available prophylaxis allowed the spread of diseases such as gonorrhoea and syphilis to reach epidemic levels. Historians claim that the average incidence rate for this disease in the AIF was around 12 per cent

Treatment for VD was a punishment in its own right. Special hospitals for VD patients were set up and often regarded as deterrent. Patients would be treated with Salvarsan and mercury which offered uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects such as jaundice and convulsions. Other treatments included irrigation, which was painful and undignified resulting in many men to opt for chemical treatment instead. These long and uncomfortable stays in VD hospitals often averaged between 50 and 60 days, with most patients recovering and returning to the front

EVACUATED HOME AUGUST 1915

Unfortunately, Thomas was unable to be helped in the hospital and he embarked on the Port Lincoln for Australia. Once he was physically fit, he left for Egypt again

VOYAGE OVERSEAS JANUARY 1916

Thomas left Australia for overseas. On the 28^th January 1916, he left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Aeneas.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

Thomas undertook some training in Tel el Kebir camp for only a short time and left Alexandria for Marseilles, arriving on 27^th March 1916. He now found himself fighting the Germans alongside the infantry fighting in the trenches. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

APRIL – JUNE 1916: ARMENTIÈRES SECTOR (THE NURSERY)

1st Division, including the 1st FAB, moved into the Armentières sector in northern France. This quiet sector was used to acclimatise troops to trench warfare on the Western Front. 2nd Battery provided:

·      Harassing fire

·      Support during small raids

·      Counter-battery fire

·      Wire-cutting ahead of patrols

JULY 1916: BATTLE OF POZIÈRES (SOMME OFFENSIVE)

From 23 July, the 1st Australian Division joined the Somme offensive, a brutal and costly campaign. 2nd Battery:

·      Moved guns forward under shellfire

·      Supported attacks on Pozières village

·      Fired thousands of rounds in support of infantry

The brigade often worked under heavy shelling, gas attacks, and mud

AUGUST – NOVEMBER 1916: MOUQUET FARM & SAUSAGE VALLEY

Continued fire support as Australian forces pushed beyond Pozières to Mouquet Farm

Suffered heavy casualties and gun losses due to:

·      German shellfire

·      Ammunition dumps exploding

·      Exposure to gas and fatigue

After September, Australians were relieved and withdrawn from the Somme

LATE 1916 – JANUARY 1917: FLERS SECTOR, WINTER HOLDING

Moved to quieter sectors near Flers, still in the Somme region

The battery:

·      Held the line during the freezing winter

·      Conducted harassing fire and support for patrols

·      Endured bitter cold, frostbite, trench foot

·      Maintained guns and horses in dreadful conditions

HOSPITALISED INFLUENZA JANUARY 1917

On 28^th January 1917 Thomas was hospitalised with influenza. This was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain.

There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward.

REJOINED UNIT FEBRUARY 1917

On 20^th February he rejoined his unit. The 2nd Battery was operating in the Flers–Le Transloy sector, near the previous Somme battlefield.

Duties included:

·      Regular harassing fire on German lines, supply routes, and troop movements

·      Defensive barrages if enemy raids were detected

·      Supporting patrols and minor Allied advances

Conditions were terrible: frozen mud, broken trenches, illness (including trench foot), and fatigue was common

MARCH 1917

As German forces pulled back toward the Hindenburg Line, the Australians cautiously advanced. The 2nd Battery moved forward, setting up new gun positions behind the advancing infantry.

The battery played a key role in:

·      Shelling rear-guard German positions

·      Supporting attacks to occupy evacuated villages (e.g., Le Barque, Ligny-Thilloy)

The pace was difficult: roads were cratered, terrain muddy, and horses struggled to move guns forward.

DISCIPLINED APRIL 1917

On 4^th April he was disciplined for conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline in that he absented himself from parade after being warned. He received 7 days FP No2 and forfeited pay of 2 pounds 2 shillings. In Field Punishment Number Two, the prisoner was placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object and was still able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable punishment.

APRIL 1917

Artillery units, including 2nd Battery, were positioned closer to the new front lines near Lagnicourt and Noreuil. The Germans launched a counterattack at Lagnicourt on 15 April 1917, which temporarily overran some Australian positions.

The 2nd Battery likely:

·      Fired emergency barrages in response

·      Worked rapidly to defend the infantry lines

·      Operated under intense pressure and short warning

HOSPITALISED INFLUENZA APRIL 1917 ROUEN

He was once again admitted to hospital with influenza

EVACUATED TO ENGLAND MAY 1917- BRUISES

On 17^th May he embarked the Grantully Castle for England and was admitted to the 3^rd Southern General Hospital with a bruised hip- no details as to how that occurred.

FURLOUGH JUNE 1917

On 22^nd June he was granted furlough to 6^th July 1917 then to report to No 3 command depot

COMMAND DEPOTS

A Command Depot was a military rehabilitation and re-training centre for soldiers who were no longer sick or wounded enough to stay in hospital, but not yet fit enough to return to active duty.

Key Purposes:

·      Medical recovery: Continued healing and observation under light medical care.

·      Physical reconditioning: Route marches, drills, sports, and gym exercises to rebuild stamina.

·      Fitness assessment: Medical boards decided if the man would:

·      Return to his battalion if possible

·      Be assigned to a home service unit if unable to return to duty

·      Be permanently discharged

Soldiers would be marched into different depots depending how sick they were- No 3 Command Depot Hurdcott- dealt with the soldiers deemed able to return to duty.

ADMITTED TO FARGO HOSPITAL SEPTEMBER 1917

On 18^th September Thomas was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital, no details

LARKHILL COMMAND DEPOT

He was marched into Larkhill command depot on 26^th September 1917

HEYTESBURY CAMP OCTOBER

Heytesbury was one of several base camps in the Salisbury Plain area that housed and processed thousands of Australian soldiers. Thomas was assigned to a permanent cadre of RBAA, which refers to a group of trained, long-term staff assigned to the Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery (RBAA) in England. A permanent cadre of the RBAA was:

·      A standing staff of experienced artillerymen permanently attached to the RBAA.

·      They did not rotate to the front like most reinforcements.

·      Their job was to train, organise, and manage new reinforcements arriving from Australia or returning from hospital.

AWL NOVEMBER

On 26^th November Thomas went AWL- no details

DETACHED FROM RBAA NOVEMBER 1917

On 30^th November 1917 Thomas was detached from the cadre but no details as to his destination

RETURN TO HEYTESBURY JANUARY 1918

On 10^th January Thomas returned to Heytesbury

DISCIPLINED JANUARY 1918

A district court martial was held at Codford on 22 January. “While on active service deserting Hi Majesty’s Service at Heytesbury from 26^th December 1917 till 10^th January 1918.” Pleading not guilty.

Finding- not guilty of desertion but guilty of AWL

Sentence- to undergo detention of 40 days. Period under charge 11 days. Total forfeiture 67 day’s pay

MARCHED OUT TO FRANCE

On 17^th March 1918 Thomas was taken on strength

MARCH–APRIL 1918: GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE

In March, the Germans launched a massive offensive (Operation Michael). The 1st Division was rushed south to help plug the line near Hazebrouck and Strazeele in northern France.

The 1st FAB supported defensive artillery barrages, laying down heavy fire to repel German advances. They were in near-constant action, often under shellfire and gas attack

MAY–JUNE 1918: HOLDING THE LINE

The battery supported front-line positions in Flanders, particularly around the Nieppe Forest area. Artillerymen maintained daily shelling of enemy positions, conducted harassing fire, and supported minor raids. Conditions were still rough — muddy trenches, constant vigilance, and exposure to gas and counter-battery fire.

JULY–AUGUST 1918: PREPARATION & BREAKTHROUGH

In July, the 1st Division began preparing for a major offensive.

On 8 August 1918, during the Battle of Amiens, Thomas’s battery played a key role. This was the turning point of the war — a large-scale coordinated attack with tanks, aircraft, and artillery. The 1st FAB laid down a creeping barrage, advancing ahead of Australian and British troops.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 1918: FINAL OFFENSIVES

The brigade continued pushing east, supporting attacks at:

·      Péronne and Mont St Quentin (early September)

·      Hindenburg Outpost Line (late September)

·      St Quentin Canal and Beaurevoir Line (late September–October)

These were intense operations, with artillery key in destroying enemy trenches, machine guns, and wire.

ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL INFLUENZA OCTOBER 1918

On 20^th October Thomas was admitted to the 4^th Southern General Hospital, Devonport in England with influenza.

COMMAND DEPOT

On 12^th November he was marched into Devonport Command Post.

WAR ENDED

On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait many months before they were headed back to Australia.

MARCHED INTO TRAINING BRIGADE NOVEMBER 1918

On 28^th November Thomas was marched into the Longbridge Deverell Training Brigade.  Soldiers here were awaiting for :

·      Medical assessments

·      Demobilisation instructions

·      Return transport to Australia

Depending on his health and status, he likely engaged in one or more of the following:

Light Duties or Garrison Work

If recovering from illness or strain, Thomas may have been performing:

·      Guard duty, clerical work, or camp maintenance

·      Supervising drills or training younger men

With the war just ended, many men at camps like Longbridge Deverill entered a period of uncertainty while the AIF sorted:

·      Transport logistics

·      Prioritisation for return (wounded, married men, long-serving personnel first)

GOING HOME

On 25^th January 1919 Thomas returned home on the Ceramic & was discharged 28^th June 1919

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Thomas was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal

HOME LIFE

Thomas married when he returned. He died on 24^th July 1962 at Concord Repatriation Hospital. He is buried at Woronora Memorial Park, RC section 5, plot 1298

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.