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Private Thomas Harwood

Private Thomas Harwood

Thomas Harwood was keen to enlist in World War One. Born on 5 March 1895, Thomas used his nickname Ned to enlist on 11 November 1915.

On 11 November 1915, Ned Harwood enlisted with the 15th Reinforcements, 12th Battalion.  Ned claimed he was a waterside worker; aged 21 years and two months; married to Myrtle; and that the couple resided at Apsley Street, Cascades (South Hobart).

By January 1916, Ned was discharged from the training camp on the grounds of “false attestation – under age”.

Thomas admitted his previous military experience when he joined the 40th Battalion on 3 September 1916.  To question 10 on the enlistment form about previous military experience, he answered:   “Yes - AIF - 13 weeks under age - false statements.”

At the time of enlistment to the 40th Battalion, Thomas Harwood’s enlistment form said he was a carter; aged 21 years and seven months; living at 197 Davey Street, South Hobart; and married to Myrtle with one child. 

After successfully enlisting the second time around, it was not long before Thomas Harwood was on his way.  He departed Melbourne as an Acting Lance Corporal aboard the “Ulysses” on 25 October 1916, and disembarked at Plymouth, England, on 23 December 1916.

Private Harwood’s time aboard was plagued by ill-health.   On 21 January 1917, he was diagnosed as “seriously ill” and admitted to the military hospital in Fargo, England. 

On 22 July 1917, Private Harwood returned to Australia. He was discharged on 21 October 1917 due to medical grounds – epilepsy.

Private Harwood’s two brothers served in France on the Western Front. Private Patrick Harwood was wounded.  Private Alfred Harwood was killed in action on 10 July 1918.

Thomas Harwood died in Melbourne on 2 January 1948.