Thomas Henry Rice
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 6 Nov 1875 |
| Place of Birth | Perth, Western Australia |
| Death | 5 Jul 1953 |
| Place of Death | Dwellingup Hospital, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 39 years, 4 months |
| Description |
5'8½" (1.74m) tall ; 174 lbs 78.925 kg ; medium complexion ; brown eyes ; light brown hair |
| Occupation | Sawyer |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Newtown, Jarrahdale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Ruby Belle Rice |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 5075 |
| Date of Enlistment | 20 Mar 1916 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 28th Battalion, 13th Reinforcement |
| Date of Embarkation | 18 Jul 1916 ‒ 9 Sep 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A48 Seang Bee |
| Date of Return | 8 Apr 1917 ‒ ? May 1917 |
| Ship Returned On | HMAT A37 Barambah |
| Fate | Returned to Australia (medical) |
| Monument |
Jarrahdale Honour Roll ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Had served during the Boer War as a member of the 5th Western Australian Mounted Infantry (departed 6 Mar 1901, returned 17 May 1902).
Married in 1904 to Ruby Bell Squires (born 16 Aug 1884 at Teesdale, Victoria). Ruby died in 1961.
Electoral Roll entries - 1910 - 1913 No. 6 Mill , Jarrahdale, benchman; 1916 No 1 Mill foreman
War Service
A fortnight after entering camp, Tom was allocated to the 13th reinforcement draft for the 28th Battalion. On 29 Jun 1916 he was appointed Lance Corporal, later reverting to Private at the 2nd Division's Base Depot in France.
On arrival in England he was posted to 7th Training Battalion at Rollestone to prepare for France. On 16 Nov 1916 he proceeded overseas to France aboard HMT Victoria and entered the 2nd Australian Division Base Depot. On 8 Dec 1917 he reported sick to 26th General Hospital in Étaples with gas poisoning (old).
Evacuated to England on 11 Dec 1916 through Le Have aboard HMHS Formosa. It appears from is records that he never made contact with his battalion before falling ill.
In England Tom was admitted to the 1st Southern General Hospital in Camberwell on 12 Dec 1916. Discharged to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital on 15 Jan 1917, he was granted furlough from 19 Jan to 3 Feb 1917. Next stop was the No.4 Command Depot at Wareham where he remained until transferred to No 2 Command Depot in Weymouth on 15 Mar 1917 to wait for a ship home. Judged to be unable to return to full health, he was sent back to Australia with Neurasthenia for a 'change'.
Discharged by the 5th Military District on 20 Jun 1917.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries - 1919 at 18 Southport street Balkatta, timber inspector; 1925 Mornington Mill, timber inspector; 1936 - 1949 benchman at No2 State Mill Dwellingup.
RICE: Veteran Boer War and Great War. The Funeral of the late Mr Thomas Henry Rice, of Banksiadale, is appointed to leave the Dwellingup Hospital at 4 p.m. TOMORRO (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, for internment in the Anglican Cemetery, Dwellingup. AJ Purslowe and Co. RICE: Dwellingup and Districts Sub-Branch R.S.L.: The Members of the above Sub-Branch are respectfully requested to attend the funeral of their late, esteemed Member, Thomas Henry Rice. Funeral 4 p.m. TOMORROW (Tuesday). Dwellingup cemetery. F.Wills President, R Watkins, Secretary.
Notes
Thomas's pension reduced on 17 Jan 1918 from 60/- to 45/- fortnightly; wife's reduced from 30/- to 22/6 per fortnight, and daughter's (Alma May) from 20/- to 15/- pf.