Andrew Thompson was born in Auckland the son of Andrew Stevenson Thompson and Mary Jane Thompson farmers of Pakuranga. He was educated at Glenmore School in Pakuranga and at the time of enlisting was working on the family farm.
He embarked as a sergeant with the Main Body on 16 October 1914 attached to the Auckland Infantry Battalion. He served through the Gallipoli Campaign being wounded there in July 1915. He earned himself a commission and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 24 May 1917. Serving in France he was awarded twice for his actions, firstly with a M.S.M. (Meritorious Service Medal) during the First Somme in 1916 and secondly, he was M.I.D. (Mentioned in Dispatches) for actions he took on 13 June 1917. His citations are below:
Meritorious Service Medal - London Gazette, 1 January 1917, p55, Rec No
494: "For gallantry and devotion to duty. He was wounded near Flers on
September 27th 1916, while endeavouring to obtain some information on
the situation at a certain place, that was urgently wanted. During the
whole time he has been with the Battalion he has done consistently good
work."
Mentioned in Despatches - London Gazette, 28 December 1917, p13575, Rec
No 1119: "On the 13th June 1917, when the situation was very obscure he
boldly led his patrol into the enemy's sector under heavy fire of all
calibers, obtained and sent back very useful information, established
and held an important position against strong bombing attacks until
reinforced, thereby ensuring the success of subsequent operations that
day. He has at all times done excellent work and shown a splendid
example of devotion to duty."
Six weeks later Lieutenant Thompson was with the Auckland Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion when he was killed in action on 4 August 1917. After being wounded twice his luck had sadly run out.
Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14534, 11 October 1917
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