Regimental number: 3197

Rank: Private

Returned to Australia (RTA)Thomas Henry Offord was born in 1878 in England to George and Mary Offord. In 1907 Thomas married Ellen Biggs in West Ham in Essex, England.

In 1912 they migrated to Australia with two young children and settled in Riding Road, Bulimba.Two years later his younger brother Arthur joined them.

Four months after Arthur, his brother, was killed in the War, 38 year old carpenter Thomas enlisted on 28 December 1916.

By then the family had moved to Duke Street, Bulimba. He had had 7 years previous military experience with the Cavalry in England and 8 months Home Service in Brisbane. Although he was medically fit, he needed “extensive” dental treatment.

Thomas embarked as a Private in the 41st Infantry Battalion on 7 February 1917 from Sydney on the “HMAT Wiltshire” A18 for England where he had further training until 30 April when he was sent to France.

On 4 October 1917 he was wounded in action and was transported to England where his left arm could not be saved and was amputated.

He was recuperating at hospitals in Aldershot and Southall until January 1918 when he was transferred to a depot in Weymouth returning to Australia on 31 July 1918.

He was entitled to the British War Medal and the Victory Medal which he received during the 1920’s.The family were involved with the local Church.

By February 1949, he was living at Alderley when he died aged 70 and was buried at Mt Thompson Crematorium.