Kenneth Stanley Willis Thorn (1896 - 1918)

Born 1896 in Queensland, Australia

Ancestors

Died 25 Sep 1918 at about age 22 in Palestine

Biography

Birth: 1896 in Queensland, Australia

Kenneth Stanley Willis Thorn lived Barcaldine, Outback Queensland, Australia, he was originally from Southport, Queensland. He was employed as a Clerk/Telegraphist.

He enlisted in the Australian Army aged 18 years on the 18th March 1915. He reached Gallipoli on 29th August 1915, and was transferred to 5 LHR, but attached for duty to 2 LH Brigade Signal Troop. He was in hospital from the 3rd November to 9th December 1915 with Debility. Recovered, he was again with the 11 Light Horse Regiment in March 1916, and promoted L.Corp, then Temp. Signal Corporal. He was promotion to Signal Corporal, his appointment confirmed 27th June 1916. He was at the EEF School of Instruction 25th April 1918 to 29th May 1918; promoted Sgt (temp) on the 11th August 1918, and reverted to Cpl. 15th September 1918, to fill in for Sgt Poole, while the sergeant was in hospital.

He was killed in action during the Battle of Semakh on 25th September 1918, he was 22 years old. He was buried by Chaplain J Best at Semakh, in Grave No.5; later reinterred Haifa War Cemetery, Israel in 1919. His death was registered Queensland in 1922.

Sources

• Australian War Memorial - Roll of Honour
• Queensland Government Births