FAMILY LIFE

Thomas George Jamieson was born in 1896 in Robertson, son of Frederick William Strangways Jamieson & Mary Jane “Minna” (Knox) Jamieson. He was one of three children. Frederick & Minna had immigrated from Ireland and are listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah, which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district

APPLICATION

Thomas was single farmer, living in Eungella, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Adelaide St, Brisbane on 15^th April 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother. Minna. He had spent 12 months with the Murwillumbah 4^th Light Horse. His medical showed he was 19 years 9 months old, 5ft 8 inches tall (1.72m), weighed 140 lbs (63kgs), with a medium complexion, brown eyes & light brown hair. His eyesight was good. Thomas was Church of England and had a scar on his right shin & another on the inside of his right knee.

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 George Jamieson, 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 3^rd Machine Battalion with service No 1849 & 1849A- the A being added when he was transferred to the 3^rd Pioneers in November 1916

AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague. Thomas received his on 18^th April, 26^th April & 6^th May. Then 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

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

On the 16th August 1916, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Boorara. 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. The disembarked at Plymouth on 13th October 1916

ENGLISH TRAINING CAMP

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the English training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. 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.  Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. Thomas & others in his battalion would have had training in the use of the Vickers medium machine gun which was operated by a three-man crew but typically required more men to move and operate it: one fired, one fed the ammunition, the others helped to carry the weapon, its ammunition, and spare parts. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 3^RD PIONEER BATTALION

On 23^rd November 1916 he was taken on strength in France with the 3^rd Pioneer Battalion. The letter A was added to his service number

PIONEER BATTALIONS

Pioneer Battalions were dual-purpose units. They were trained and equipped to serve both as infantry and as combat engineers. Their main tasks were technical and manual labour under battlefield conditions, including:

·      Trench construction and repair

·      Dugouts and bunkers

·      Barbed wire entanglements and obstacle.

·      Bridges and crossings.

·      Roads and tramways

·      Defensive structures

Infantry Support (Secondary Role)

Although trained as engineers, they were also trained and equipped to fight, and could be used as reserve infantry in emergencies or attached to attacking units for immediate post-attack work like consolidating captured positions or constructing trenches.

Specialist Duties

·      Battlefield clearance – recovering the wounded, burying the dead, and salvaging equipment.

·      Camouflage and concealment – building screens or fake structures.

·      Mine and booby trap clearance – particularly during German withdrawals.

·      Construction in rear areas – building camps, stables, headquarters, and sanitation systems.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

Thomas now found his unit were now fighting together with the infantry the German in trench warfare. 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.

NOVEMBER 1916 TO JUNE 1917

The unit was assigned to the 3rd Division and began acclimatizing to the conditions they would face in the trenches. This period involved further training and familiarization with the local terrain and military protocols.

As pioneers, the battalion's primary responsibilities included:

·      Constructing and maintaining trenches and defensive positions.

·      Building roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure.

·      Carrying out demolition tasks and other engineering duties as required.

These tasks were crucial in supporting the infantry and ensuring the mobility and effectiveness of the Australian forces on the Western Front.

The 3rd Pioneer Battalion was involved in constructing vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and trench systems, to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies. They also participated in training exercises to ensure readiness for the forthcoming Battle of Messines.

BATTLE OF MESSINES JUNE 1917

The Battle of Messines, fought from 7 to 14 June 1917, was a significant offensive by the British Second Army, with Australian forces playing a crucial role. The 3rd Pioneer Battalion was assigned to follow up the attacking infantry, performing essential engineering tasks such as consolidating positions and repairing infrastructure

WOUNDED IN ACTION

Thomas was one of the casualties with wounds received on 5^th June 1917 to his chest, abdomen, legs & arms,

HOSPITALISATION ENGLAND

He was transferred to the 2^nd Southern General Hospital Bristol on 13^th June 1917. He was then transferred to the 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Dartmouth from 25^th June to 6^th July.

FURLOUGH JULY 1917

On 7^th July he was given leave to 20^th July then to report to Wareham Command Depot

COMMAND DEPOTS

Command depots received soldiers who were wounded or unable to join their battalions. Here they 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. Soldiers would go from one depot to another depending on our much rest they needed. Wareham Downs received soldiers who were not ready to return to their unit for some time

PERHAM DOWNS DEPOT

In October he was transferred to Perham Downs depot. Thomas was now closer to being returned to this unit and his training would now become more intense.

SUTTON VENEY DEPOT

On 2^nd November 1917 he was transferred to the No.1 Command Depot at Sutton Veney which received men who are likely to be fit for duty within three weeks. Whilst there, Thomas had work done on his teeth and was now dentally fit.

REJOINED UNIT NOVEMBER 1917

He rejoined his unit on 22^nd November.

NOVEMBER 1917 TO MARCH 1918

Between November 1917 and March 1918, the 3rd Pioneer Battalion was actively engaged in various engineering and combat support roles on the Western Front. This period was marked by significant operations and preparations for future offensives. In addition to their operational duties, the battalion continued to undergo training to maintain and enhance their combat and engineering skills. This included:

·      Bayonet and hand-to-hand combat training: Preparing for close-quarters engagements.

·      Specialized engineering courses: Enhancing skills in demolition, construction, and other essential tasks.

This training ensured that the battalion was prepared for the challenges they would face in future operations.

HOSPITALISED ACCIDENTAL SCALP WOUND MARCH 1918

On 14^th March 1918 he accidentally cut his head and was hospitalised till 19^th April.

TRANSFERRED TO 3^RD MACHINE GUN BATTALION JUNE 1918

Thomas was taken on strength on 5^th June 1918 with the 3^rd Machine Gun Battalion.

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER 1918

Between June and September 1918, the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion was actively engaged on the Western Front. This period was marked by significant operations and engagements, including:

SECOND BATTLE OF VILLERS-BRETONNEUX (24–25 AUGUST 1918):

The 3rd Machine Gun Battalion played a crucial role in this battle, providing support to the infantry and contributing to the successful recapture of the town.

BATTLE OF MONT ST. QUENTIN (31 AUGUST – 3 SEPTEMBER 1918):

The battalion was involved in operations aimed at capturing the strategic Mont St. Quentin, a key position held by the German forces.

WOUNDED IN BATTLE- DIED OF WOUNDS

 On 30^th September he was wounded in action with multiple gunshot wounds and died of his wounds at the 11^th Australian Field Ambulance. The Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Thomas was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Parish of Murwillumbah First World War Roll of Honour. Thomas’ name is located at panel 176 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

Thomas is buried in the Templeux-le-Guerard British Cemetery, Roisel, Picardie, Plot II, Row F, Grave 34 Headstone Inscription "SACRED TO MEMORY".

His Memorial Roll was forwarded to his father on 15^th July 1921. His Memorial plaque was forwarded on 24^th November 1922. His Victory medal was sent on 27^th March 1923. Thomas’s effects were returned to his mother and consisted of postcards, photos & letters

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