THOMPSON, Colin Golden

Colin was the eldest child of Walter and Alice Thompson. His birth was registered at Inverell in 1894. At the age of twenty two he enlisted at Armidale in October 1916 after passing his medical examination at Inverell the previous month. He was one of thirty two volunteers farewelled together at the School of Arts Hall and presented with the Inverell medal and knitted socks.

Colin joined the 13th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on HMAT A72 Beltana in November 1916, arriving in England two months later. He was sick for several weeks and did not go to France until mid August 1917. At the beginning of 1918 he was appointed Lance Corporal.

Colin was Killed in Action on 6 April 1918 and buried at Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, France.

His Battalion Commanding Officer wrote to his father saying “... Your son was a fine soldier, and a true man, who …. commanded the confidence and esteem of his officers and comrades alike …”

Colin’s few personal effects were among some 5000 such packages on their way to Australia when the ship carrying them was lost at sea.

Colin's name is recorded on the Ashford Honor Roll.