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Tom Code - Information

Tom Code was living on Queen St in Campbelltown and working as a grocer, when he enlisted. He signed up at Liverpool on the 18th of April 1915, aged 21. While training, he was posted to the 1st Battalion and left Sydney on the 10th of June 1915 aboard the HMAT Karoola.

Landing in Egypt, Tom then joined his unit at Gallipoli on the 6th of August, just before they launched attacks at Lone Pine. Although successful, it was a ghastly assault, with many casualties. By December, the campaign was coming to an end, and Tom'€™s unit was evacuated back to Alexandria. In February 1916, he was transferred to the 53rd Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir, and later again to the 5th Division Field Artillery in March. He joined the 25th Howitzer, 114th Battery at Tel-el-Kebir. His new unit was shipped to France landing at Marseilles in June. However, Tom soon found himself in England, spending time in hospital with septic sores in February 1917 following a terrible cold and wet winter. Tom had then taken command of the Trench Mortar School in the field in September, training fellow soldiers.

Tom was then transferred to the 54th Battery, 14th Field Artillery Brigade in October 1917. Tom and his unit worked diligently to provide artillery support. So much so that he was recommended for an award by Commander of the 5th Australian Division. On the 10th of August, Tom and two others were working as linesmen for the Battery. Their task at this time was to run nearly 4000 yards of wire from the Battery to the front lines. After they made the connection, it was necessary to make sure that the lines were not cut by fire. This was quite dangerous, as the area was being heavily bombarded, cutting the lines in numerous places. Tom was not awarded a medal, but was congratulated for his gallant service. Tom remained with the battery until he was sent home from Devonport on the 21st of March 1919 aboard the Keldonian Castle.