Thomas Francis Newell

Thomas Francis Newell was born on 4th April 1869 in Footscray, Victoria, to David Newell and Margaret Mary (Ellen) nee Nilon. 

On 7th February 1916, he enlisted at Seymour, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 43-year-old miner from Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 5433 and placed in the 17th Reinforcements for the 8th Battalion. Thomas named his brother, John Newell, as his next of kin, who was living in Launceston, Tasmania.  After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A14 Euripides at Melbourne, Victoria, on 4th April 1916.

The battalions disembarked in Egypt, where they underwent further training. As a result of the doubling of the AIF Battalions, Thomas was transferred to the 60th Battalion. They embarked on the HT Ivernia on 21st June and disembarked at Marseilles on 30th June. On 22nd August 1916, he was transferred to the 57th Battalion.

In early November, he was admitted to a hospital in France suffering from a “debility”. He embarked for England on 8th November and was eventually admitted to the 1st Southern General Hospital in Birmingham. Thomas was transferred to No. 2 Convalscant Depot on 21st November. 

On 17th March 1917, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A72 Beltana, with the rank of Private. He was discharged on 22nd June 1917 and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Thomas passed away on 29th June 1951 at Heidelberg, Victoria and was buried in Fawkner Memorial Park, Fawkner, Victoria.