FLEMING, Patrick and Thomas

Patrick and Thomas were the twin sons of Richard and Mary Fleming of Gum Flat, near Inverell. At the age of twenty three they enlisted at Inverell and went into camp in October 1916. They were both single men working as Farmers.

The brothers became members of the 54th Battalion 8th Reinforcement and in November 1916 left Australia for England together on HMAT A29 Suevic. After three months training in England they were sent to France in April 1917.  Thomas was unwell and by September the decision was made to return him to Australia where he was medically discharged.

Patrick was wounded in action in October 1917 and returned to England for treatment for a gunshot wound to his thigh. He went back to France four months later and was wounded a second time in July. Again he was invalided to England for treatment of a gunshot wound to his shoulder.

He returned to France where he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion and in February 1919 promoted to Lance Corporal. Patrick returned home in August 1919.

The names of Patrick and Thomas are recorded on the Gum Flat and Delungra Honor Rolls and on the new Anzac memorial at the park in Delungra.  Thomas also has his name inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll.