James Alexander Thwaites

James (Jim) Alexander Thwaites was born on 15th September 1890 in Tallangatta, Victoria, to Johnstone Simon Thwaites and Catherine McMeekin, nee Paton. 

Jim attended Brighton Grammar School and became a Lieutenant in the Cadets in 1908. After finishing school, he attended the University of Melbourne and was awarded a Bachelor of Dental Science in 1913. He would return to this profession after being discharged in 

On the 1st April 1916, he enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 25-year-old dental surgeon living at 39 Bank St, South Melbourne, Victoria. He spent some initial time undergoing officer training at Duntroon, Canberra. Jim gave his next of kin as his father, Dr Johnstone Thwaites. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A32 Themistocles at Melbourne, Victoria, on 28th July 1916.

After arriving at Plymouth, England, on 11th September 1916, he underwent further training. A month later, he arrived in France and was transferred from the reinforcements to the  22nd Battalion. His leadership qualities were recognised, and he was promoted to Lieutenant. Jim spent two months in the hospital during the new period, hospitalised with bronchitis. He rejoined the 22nd Battalion as a 2nd Lieutenant. 

The battalion entered the front-line on the night of the 15th and 16th September in a sector on the Westhoek Ridge. On the evening of the 21st September, the battalion relieved two battalions of the 7th Brigade near Hannebeke Wood. The enemy heavily shelled the area, resulting in nearly 100 casualties. Jim was caught in the shelling and was seriously wounded with shrapnel wounds to his right thigh. He was admitted to the 6th Australian Field Ambulance and eventually evacuated to the 3rd London General Hospital in England. On 8th April 1918, he returned to Australia aboard SS Dunlace Castle, with the rank of Lieutenant. He was discharged on 17th December 1918 and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Back in Australia, and with his wounds healed, he re-enlisted on 26th February 1919, in the Hospital Transport Corps. He embarked at Melbourne on the No. 1 Australian Hospital Ship Karoola on 26th February 1919 as a Lieutenant. The Karoola would travel to England to embark with returning Australian soldiers. 

Jim married Gladys Brownlee Gardiner in 1924. Jim and Gladys would take up residences in Hopetoun, Victoria and Melbourne. He passed away on the 27th January 1943 at Lister Hospital, South Melbourne, Victoria and was buried in Fawkner Memorial Park, Fawkner, Victoria.