WW1 Pair
Name: Thomas Skelton
Service No: 3120
Unit: 48th Battalion
Naming Details: British War and Victory Medals both impressed - 3120 PTE. T. SKELTON. 48-BN. A.I.F.
Additional Information
Record of Service:
Thomas Skelton was born about 1872 in Seymour, Victoria. He was living with his mother in North Fremantle when he enlisted in the A.I.F on the 8th of January 1916. He was allocated service number 211 and on the 1st of February 1916 joined “A” Company, 44th Battalion. Thomas went AWL and was discharged on the 25th of May 1916.
On the 30th of October 1916 Thomas re-enlisted and was allocated service number 3120. He embarked from Freemantle on the 23rd of December 1916 with the 8th Reinforcements, 48th Battalion. He disembarked at Devonport on the 16th of February 1917 and on the 19th of May 1917 was admitted to hospital (VD).
Thomas proceeded overseas to France on the 10th of September 1917 and on the 22nd of November 1917 was taken on strength with the 48th Battalion. On the 3rd of November 1917 he was court martialled for desertion; however, he was found guilty of AWL and received 90 days field punishment.
On the 29th of January 1918 Thomas returned to the 48th Battalion and on the 30th of May 1918 was tried by F.G.C.M for “Deserting H.M service.” This time he was found guilty and sentenced to 9 years penal servitude. On the 13th of June 1918 his sentence was suspended and he rejoined the 48th Bn on the 8th of September 1918. On the 20th of October 1918 Thomas transferred to the A.A.V.C and returned to Australia on the 19th of April 1919. He was discharged on the 27th of June 1919.
Sadly, Thomas was killed on the 27th of November 1919 when he was struck by a mail train at Moora. He was stuck by the train at 11 p.m at night while walking from Perth to Moora seeking work after discharging from the A.I.F.
Notes:
British War and Victory Medals both impressed 3120 PTE. T. SKELTON. 48-BN. A.I.F.