Thomas Axford
| Thomas Leslie Axford | |
|---|---|
Jack Axford c.1918
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Jack |
| Born |
18 June 1894 Carrieton, South Australia |
| Died | 11 October 1983 (aged 89) Between Dubai and Hong Kong (aircraft) |
| Buried at | Karrakatta Cemetery, Western Australia |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1912–19 1941–47 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 16th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards |
Victoria Cross Military Medal |
Thomas Leslie "Jack" Axford, VC, MM (18 June 1894 – 11 October 1983) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Thomas Axford was born on 18 June 1894 at Carrieton in South Australia. His father was an auctioneer, originally from Tasmania. When Axford was two years old, the family moved to Western Australia, settling in Coolgardie. Educated at Coolgardie Primary School, he worked at the Boulder City Brewery after completing his schooling. In 1912, he enlisted in the 84th Infantry (Goldfields Regiment) of the Citizen Military Forces.
In July 1915, at the age of 21, Axford joined the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) for service in the First World War. He was assigned to the 11th Reinforcements of the 16th Battalion on 9 August 1915, which left Australia on HMAT Benalla that November. He arrived in the Middle East to join his unit in March 1916, missing the just completed Gallipoli Campaign.
In June 1916, Axford's battalion proceeded to France to take part in the fighting on the Western Front. During the Battle of Mouquet Farm on 11 August 1916, Axford suffered shellshock and was evacuated. He returned to the battalion after two days. During most of 1917, the battalion was engaged in fighting in Belgium, attacking the Hindenburg Line. During the Third Battle of Ypres, in fighting at Gapaard Farm, Axford was badly wounded in the knee by shrapnel. After a period of medical treatment in England he rejoined the battalion in January 1918. The following month, he was promoted to lance corporal. During the Spring Offensive, from March to April 1918, 16th Battalion was heavily engaged in fighting around Hébuterne. In March he was awarded the Military Medal (MM).
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