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Corporal Alexander Thomson

Service #: 3548 | 31st Infantry Battalion (Qld / Vic)

Studio portrait of Alexander Thomson as a young soldier, in slouch hat and AIF uniform. The printed plate is captioned “A. Thomson”.
Military Medal

Corporal Alexander Thomson was born and raised in Murwillumbah, New South Wales. His father, Mr. G. Thompson, resided in Chillingham, and his brother, Private George Leslie Thomson, also served in the war. Alexander was working as a laborer when he enlisted in Brisbane on 19th August 1915 at the age of 23. He embarked for overseas service on 3rd January 1916.

Military Service and Honours

Corporal Thomson’s bravery in combat was recognised through multiple recommendations for the Military Medal, awarded to him in 1919. His commendations highlight his exceptional courage and dedication:

  • Polygon Wood (26–28 September 1917): Corporal Thomson performed “brilliant work with the bayonet,” assisting in the capture of at least five enemy pillboxes. His courage remained steadfast under intense shelling, setting an inspiring example for his comrades.
  • Villers-Carbonnel (29 August 1918): During an advance on the Somme, the platoon faced heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire, resulting in significant casualties. Thomson repeatedly risked his life to rescue wounded comrades lying in the open, successfully bringing them to safety despite concentrated enemy fire. His actions demonstrated “utter disregard for personal safety,” inspiring all around him.

Military Medal Award

In recognition of his “gallantry and devotion to duty,” Alexander Thomson was awarded the Military Medal in 1919 upon his return to Australia.

The full commendation for the Military Medal reads:

“For gallantry and devotion to duty. Near platoon Villers Carbonnel on to 29th August 1918 a platoon advancing to establish posts on the Somme. The enemy opened up a heavy fire with artillery and machine guns, one section having very heavy casualties and wounded were lying out in the open. The enemy kept up concentrated the fire and in the face of it these men went out to assist their wounded comrades. They succeeded in bringing the whole of the wounded to a place of safety and showed great courage in passing through enemy fire. Throughout the operations they showed an utter disregard for their personal safety and set a very fine example to the remainder of the bearers.”

J. Talbot Hobbs, Major General Commanding the 5th Australian Division

The recommendation

His service record holds the recommendation that led to the award, written up in the field a week after the Polygon Wood action.

Army Form W. 3121, a recommendation for honours dated 2 October 1917. It lists Private Alexander Thomson, regimental number 3548, of the 31st Battalion, 8th Infantry Brigade, 5th Australian Division. The commendation reads: at Polygon Wood on 26/28 September 1917 this man performed brilliant work with the bayonet, and assisted in the capture of at least five pill boxes. His courage was of the highest, and his cheerful spirit remained undaunted through the heaviest shelling. The award column is marked M.M.
Army Form W. 3121, the recommendation for his Military Medal, dated 2 October 1917. It records him as Private Alexander Thomson, No. 3548, 31st Battalion, and the reward column is marked “MM”. Tap the form to enlarge it.

View his full record on the kiosk

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