FAMILYLIFE

Griffith George Thomas was born in Helensburgh on 12^th December 1888, eldest son of Griffith & Annie Maria (Thorne) Thomas, and brother to 4 siblings. His father died in 1897. His mother died on 24th February 1922, aged 62, and her name is listed on the Banner St, Murwillumbah, memorial.

APPLICATION

He was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He enlisted in Murwillumbah on 27^th February 1915 and his medical showed he was 26 years 2 months old, 5ft 4 inches tall (1.62m), weighed 142 lbs (64kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & black hair. His eyesight was good.  He had scars on his shin, arms & biceps & a vaccination scar on his left arm.  He was Church of England. His next of kin was his mother, Annie Maria Thomas, of Tyalgum but this was amended on his marriage to his wife, Violet Thomas, of Grosvenor Square, London.   On the second page of the Attestation Paper he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Griffith George THOMAS … 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 enlisted as a private into the 25 Infantry Battalion with service No 245

25TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 25th Infantry Battalion, part of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Imperial Force, was raised in March 1915 at Enoggera, Queensland. Their service is remembered for their resilience and contributions to key victories.

ENOGGERA TRAINING CAMP

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together.

Now their training began. Firstly, a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service.

It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas

The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 29^th June 1915, the regiment left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAR Aeneas. 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.

GALLIPOLI

After arriving in Egypt it was assigned to the newly formed Australian 2nd Division, but it was later detached to the New Zealand and Australian Division with whom the 25th Battalion briefly served as reinforcements at Gallipoli in the latter part of the campaign. Arriving in September, the battalion's involvement was limited to mainly defensive operations, and it remained on the peninsula for only a couple of months before the Allied evacuation in December. The 25th Battalion was mostly engaged in trench warfare, fortifying positions, conducting patrols, and enduring the harsh living conditions of the Gallipoli Peninsula (cold, disease, and lack of supplies). Although not involved in major offensives during October, the battalion still suffered from sniper fire, shelling, and disease

WOUNDED IN ACTION OCTOBER 1915

During this time Griffith was wounded on his scalp by a piece of stone coming from a dropped bomb on the 7^th October 1915 and was admitted to the 7^th Field Ambulance, rejoining his unit on the 24^th October.  A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

On 9^th January they arrived in Alexandria on the HMAT Horotata from Mudros, a strategic Greek port which played a significant role in the Gallipoli fighting.  They would spend the next two months training for fighting on the Western Front, where training became wholly focused on the prevailing conditions of trench warfare, and on the Allied position of taking the offensive. 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.

MID 1916

In mid-1916, after returning to Egypt the AIF was reorganised and expanded, and the 25th Battalion was returned to the 2nd Division, with which it subsequently served on the Western Front after being transferred to Europe.

HOSPITALISION CONJUNCTIVITIS JUNE 1916

On 30^th June 1916 Griffith was admitted to the 13^th Hospital in Boulogne with conjunctivitis and rejoined his unit on 13^th July.

BATTLE OF POZIERES JULY 1916

The 25th Battalion (Australia) played a significant role in the Battle of Pozières, one of the key engagements during the Somme Offensive. The battle took place from 23 July to early September 1916. Pozieres was in the Somme Valley, France. It was a heavily fortified village held by the German Army. The 25^th entered the battle in late July 1916, after the initial assault by the 1st Division. The unit participated in renewed attacks in early August, facing relentless German artillery bombardments and counter-attacks.

The Battalion suffered very heavy casualties, particularly during the fighting around the Windmill and German second line. The battlefield was described by survivors as a "slaughterhouse", with many men killed or wounded due to constant shellfire but the battalion’s persistence helped to consolidate key positions in and around the ruins of Pozières. The 25th Battalion's actions contributed to the eventual capture of the Pozières Heights, an important tactical advantage.

MOUQUET FARM (AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 1916)

Following Pozières, the battalion took part in attacks on Mouquet Farm, a strongly fortified German position nearby.

These assaults were part of the continued push by the Allies during the Somme offensive. These two battles formed the bulk of the 25th Battalion’s combat in 1916. The rest of the year involved periods of rest, rebuilding, and rotating in and out of the front lines in Flanders and northern France

ALBERT- BAPAUME ROAD LATE 1916

After this, the 25th Battalion spent a brief period around Ypres, where they undertook a series of raids, before returning to the Somme in the last part of 1916 where they undertook further attacks throughout November to extend their observation of the Albert–Bapaume Road. The Albert–Bapaume Road was a key location during the Battle of the Somme in World War I, which lasted from July to November 1916. This road connected the towns of Albert and Bapaume in northern France and was a critical supply route for the British forces.

By November 1916, the battle had become a gruelling war of attrition, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The area around the road saw intense fighting as British and Allied forces attempted to push back the German defences. Despite some territorial gains, the offensive ended in stalemate, with the front lines only moving a few miles. The battle is remembered for its high human cost and the introduction of new military technologies, such as tanks

TRENCH FOOT DECEMBER 1916

During this time Griffith got trench foot. This problem was prominent in trenches that were dug in land that was at, or near, sea level, where the water table was just beneath the surface.  The soldiers would hit water after a couple of feet and the trenches would flood. After long periods standing in soaking wet socks and boots, trench foot would start to set in. The men’s feet would swell and go numb and then the skin would start to turn red or blue. Untreated feet often became gangrenous and the condition could lead to nerve damage, tissue loss and ultimately the need for amputation. 

HOSPITALISATION DECEMBER 1916

He was admitted to a French hospital on 24^th December but on 27^th December he embarked on the St Andrew, heading for England. He was admitted Graylingwell War Hospital.

FURLOUGH & WAREHAM COMMAND DEPOT JANUARY TO MARCH 1917

He was given furlough on 30^th January and then sent on 13^th March to No 4 Command Depot in Wareham, which received men who will be fit for duty in periods ranging from 3 weeks to 3 months. On 3^rd April he was transferred to No 3-command depot at Hurdcott which dealt with the soldiers deemed able to return to duty. Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units. This ensured they did not lose their sharpness for battle and that a unit’s cohesiveness was retrained

HOSPITALISATION SEPTIC FEET JUNE 1917

He was admitted to the Admin Brigade Hospital on 10^th June with septic feet but was back in No 1 command post on 17^th June

 

REJOINED UNIT JULY 1917

However, on 18th July 1917 he rejoined his unit in France. For the next two years, from 1917-1918 the 25th Infantry rotated through the line and took part in many more battles in France and Belgium. 

THE BATTLE OF MENIN ROAD RIDGE (20-25 SEPTEMBER 1917)

They were engaged in the Battle of Menin Road, which was an offensive operation, part of the Third Battle of Ypres on the Western Front, undertaken by the British Second Army to take sections of the curving ridge, east of Ypres, which the Menin Road crossed. This action saw the first involvement of Australian units (1st and 2nd Divisions AIF) in the Third Battle of Ypres. The attack was successful along its entire front, though the advancing troops had to overcome formidable entrenched German defensive positions which included mutually supporting concrete pill-box strongpoints and resist fierce German counter-attacks. A feature of this battle was the intensity of the opening British artillery support. The two AIF Divisions sustained 5,013 casualties in the action

THE BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE RIDGE 4 OCTOBER 1917.

The Battle of Broodseinde was a significant engagement during the Third Battle of Ypres. The 25th Infantry Battalion, as part of the 2nd Division, played a crucial role in this battle. Their objective was to advance and secure positions on Broodseinde Ridge, a strategically important area in Belgium.

The battle was marked by intense artillery bombardments and fierce resistance from German forces. The 25th Battalion was part of the first wave of the attack, and their efforts contributed to the overall success of the operation. The Allied forces achieved a decisive victory, inflicting heavy casualties on the German defenders and capturing key positions. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated infantry and artillery tactics, as well as the resilience of the soldiers involved. The 25th Battalion sustained significant casualties but played a vital role in achieving the Allied objectives

BATTLE OF POELCAPPELLE OCTOBER 1917

On the 9 October 1917 they were involved in the Battle of Poelcappelle, Ypres, Belgium with support and holding roles rather than leading assault. The 25th was involved in assaulting German positions under extremely difficult terrain and weather conditions. Heavy casualties were suffered due to poor visibility, mud, and concentrated enemy fire. Their advance was limited, though some ground was gained temporarily. Tactical success was minimal, but the cumulative pressure of such attacks contributed to the eventual capture of Passchendaele weeks later. The 25th Battalion endured significant losses during the battle. Poelcappelle is remembered for the sheer hardship faced by soldiers—mud, relentless shelling, and the tenacity of the German defence.

FIRST BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE 12^TH OCTOBER 1917

Several days later they were in Part of the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele. The objective was to capture the village of Passchendaele and the surrounding ridge from German forces. Conditions were appalling: continuous rain had turned the battlefield into a deep sea of mud and waterlogged shell craters. German defences were well-prepared, with strongpoints, concrete pillboxes, and machine guns.

The battalion moved through boggy, cratered terrain under intense German machine-gun and artillery fire. The attack began in the early hours of 12 October 1917. Progress was extremely limited—troops struggled to even reach the starting line due to the mud. The 25th was unable to reach their objective and suffered heavy casualties.  Some units were cut off or stranded in shell holes under fire, with no way to advance or retreat easily

The 25th Battalion, like many other Australian units, suffered horrific losses for little strategic gain. This battle is remembered as one of the most devastating for the Australian forces in WWI. The overall Third Ypres campaign eventually captured Passchendaele, but at a massive cost in human life.

BETWEEN BATTLES

Due to the huge loss of personnel, the 25^th were rested after these battles. Between battles, battalions engaged in a variety of critical activities to recover, prepare, and maintain their effectiveness. Some of the key activities included rest & recovery, continuing their training, maintaining their weapons & uniforms, building & reinforcing the trenches & dugouts & barbed wire defences

They also conducted patrols and reconnaissance to gather intelligence on enemy movements and maintain control over no-man's-land & engaged in activities like writing letters, playing games, and sharing stories to bond as a unit and maintain their spirits. This downtime between battles was essential for ensuring that battalions could perform effectively when called back into action. For the 25^th, they were in the Marseille isolation camp, where they would also be screened for any diseases and continue their drilling & training before returning to the front.

HOSPITALISATION ECZEMA FEET JANUARY 1918

On 6^th January 1918 he was attached to one of the Base Depots in Le Havre.  These depots were where men being discharged from hospitals would go to for convalescence and retraining before returning to active service. On 15^th January he was transferred to the 39^th General Hospital with eczema feet.

REJOINED UNIT MARCH 1918

On 29^th March 1918 he rejoined his unit. After wintering in Belgium, in early 1918 the 25th Battalion moved south to Somme as the Australian divisions were transferred there to help blunt the German spring offensive in March and April, undertaking a defensive action around Villers-Bretonneux as the Allies fought to defend the vital railhead of Amiens. 

THE GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE 21ST MARCH TO 18^TH JULY 1918

BATTLE OF VILLERS BRETONEUX 24-25 APRIL 1918

After wintering in Belgium, in early 1918 the 25th Battalion moved south to Somme, France as the Australian divisions were transferred there to help blunt the German spring offensive in March and April, undertaking a defensive action around Villers-Bretonneux as the Allies fought to defend the vital railhead of Amiens. The 25th Battalion was rushed to the front to help plug gaps created by German breakthroughs. They played a supporting role in the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, a pivotal engagement during World War I. This battle took place as part of the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. German forces had captured the town of Villers-Bretonneux, which was strategically significant due to its proximity to the vital transport hub of Amiens.

The Australian forces, including the 25th Battalion as part of the 2nd Division, were instrumental in the counterattack to recapture the town. The operation was a well-coordinated night assault, and the Australians successfully reclaimed Villers-Bretonneux, halting the German advance. This victory was a turning point in the campaign and is remembered as a testament to the bravery and determination of the Australian troops

In the lull that followed, minor actions were fought around Morlancourt 

THIRD BATTLE OF MORLANCOURT 10TH JUNE 1918

In April 1918, the unit took part in the fighting during the German Spring Offensive, in which it fought a series of long-running skirmishes against German troops in and around the village of Morlancourt. The 7th Brigade, which included the 25th Infantry Battalion, was actively involved in the attacks on Morlancourt during 1918, as part of the Allied efforts to push back German forces on the Western Front. These attacks were part of a series of operations aimed at regaining control of key positions near the Somme River.

The Third Battle of Morlancourt saw the 7th Brigade, including the 25th Battalion, carry out a successful dusk assault on the Morlancourt Spur. This position provided critical observation over the village of Sailly-Laurette. The attack was well-coordinated, with diversionary demonstrations on the flanks to confuse the enemy. The Australians secured all their objectives, capturing a significant number of German prisoners and inflicting heavy casualties. This victory was part of the broader Allied strategy to regain momentum after the German Spring Offensive and demonstrated the effectiveness of Australian troops in offensive operations.

THE BATTLE OF HAMEL 4^TH JULY 1918

The Battle of Hamel was a successful attack by Australian Army and US Army infantry, supported by British tanks, against German positions in and around the town of Le Hamel, in northern France. The attack was planned and commanded by Lieutenant General John Monash, commander of the Australian Corps, and took place on 4 July 1918.

Many of the tactics employed, such as the use of combined arms, illustrated the evolution of military tactics, from the massed attacks mounted earlier in the war. All the Allies' objectives were achieved within 93 minutes, just three minutes longer than Monash's calculated battle time.

The 25th Battalion, as part of the 7th Brigade, supported the main assault by securing positions and providing reinforcements. The operation was a resounding success, with all objectives achieved in just 93 minutes, slightly longer than Monash's calculated time. This victory demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated tactics and marked a turning point in the Allied efforts on the Western Front. This battle took place before the Allies launched their Hundred Days Offensive around Amiens in August

HOSPITALISATION ABCESSED KNEE JULY 1918

On 27^th July he was admitted to hospital from the field with an abscessed knee. On 11^th August he was sent to England and was admitted to the Kitchener Military Hospital in Brighton.

FURLOUGH & MARRIAGE OCTOBER 1918

On 3^rd October he was discharged to furlough to 17^th October, on which day he married Violet Goldhawk at St George, Hanover Square.

WAR ENDED

He then reported to No 4-command depot and within a few weeks the war was over.  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.

GOING HOME

Griffith & Violet left England on the HT Berrima on 7^th January 1919, disembarking 19^th February.

FOR HIS SERVICE

He served 3 years 239 days and was discharged 16^th April 1919. For his service, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.

AFTER THE WAR

Griffith died in Burwood, New South Wales, in 1972 aged 81 years

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