Corporal George Spooner (RIP)

On this day 95 years ago, Thomas'  Section leader, 22 year old Corporal Spooner, was killed in action during the Battle of Fromelles.

 

Section 8 member, Private William Miles (see Section 8 photo), reported in a Red Cross interview in November 1916 that George Spooner was very popular and liked a good laugh.  "We used to call him 'Bubbles'. He was a crack swimmer and had an affected kind of speech, Haw, Haw. true (sic) pal and easily the most popular non-commissioned officer in our Company".

Tuesday, 7th December 1915: Egypt

Thomas and the 29th Battalion spent approximately 6 weeks on the troopship, Ascanius (codenamed A11). 
Our Grand (father's) Section 8 Corporal, 19 year old George Spooner wrote in his diary early in the voyage that the sea was "rough" and that "nearly everyone on board was sick". 

During the voyage, Thomas' day began and ended with one hour of drill training.  There was also musket practice, though only 200 rifles were supplied and bullets were rationed. 

During the voyage, members of the 29th Battalion were told that they would not be joining the ANZACs in the Gallipoli campaign.  That campaign was coming to an end and the ANZACs were being deployed to Egypt. 

The Ascanius crossed the equator on the 27th Nov 1915.  The troopship past Aden and the Red Sea and berthed at Port Suez on the 7th December 1915.

Thomas's payroll book provides us with information about when and where he was based during his time in Egypt. 

Photos of Thomas in uniform

After receiving a framed photograph of Thomas from my sister Claire today, I decided to post these photographs of our Grand (father) in his army uniform.  The first three photographs were taken in 1915 before he left Australian shores.  The fourth photograph was taken in Egypt in January or February 1916.  If you have other photographs of Thomas, please scan and send them to me at rob_carrucan@hotmail.com