Andrew Stevenson Thompson, MSM

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.

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.

• Rank: Second Lieutenant
• Service No:12/886
• Date of Death: 04/08/1917
• Age: 23
• Regiment/Service: Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F. No. 16 (Waikato) Coy. 3rd Bn.
• Awards: M S M
• Grave Reference: IV. C. 18.
• Cemetery: LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE CEMETERY
• Additional Information: Son of A. S. and M. J. Thompson, of Tanmure, Auckland, New Zealand. Native of Pakuranga, Auckland.

Links:

• Cenotaph Record
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record
• New Zealand War Graves Record
• 100 NZ World War One Memorials 1914-2014