BLANCH, Thomas Alfred

Thomas was born in 1873 at Maclean NSW to Alfred and Margaret Blanch. He moved to the Inverell district during the 1890s where in 1904 he married Amy Ladyman.

When he enlisted at Inverell in August 1916, Thomas was a forty three year old Farmer, married with a family. Upon enlistment, he advertised all his farm stock and plant for sale. He was one of eleven recruits farewelled at Inverell Town Hall where each man was presented with the Inverell Medal and locally made socks.

Thomas joined the 33rd Battalion, 5th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on SS Port Napier in November, arriving in England two months later. Very soon he was admitted to hospital with rheumatism. Upon discharge from hospital he was sent to 9th Training Battalion at Durrington. Unfortunately he was unwell again and the decision was made to return him to Australia for medical discharge. Thomas returned to the Inverell district where he became involved with the local branch of the RS & SILA.

Thomas died at Inverell in 1937. His name is inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll.