Harry Thorpe
Name: HARRY THORPE
Rank: Corporal
Service Number: 5459
Units Served: 7th Battalion
Personal Details: Harry Thorpe was born in October 1887 at Orbost, Victoria. He was the son of William and Lilian Thorpe.
Enlistment Details: He enlisted at Sale on the 12th of February 1916.
Details about his role in War: HarryEmbarked from Melbourne on the 4th April 1916 and disembarked 2 months later at Marseilles. He was taken on strength by 7th Battalion and saw action with this unit in France and Belgium.
Over the next few months Harry was admitted to hospital numerous times from gunshot wounds to ingrown toenails.
On the 10th February 1917 Harry was appointed Lance-Corporal. Not long after he was hospital twice more for a gunshot wound to the shoulder and again for an injured rib. He returned to his unit 2 months later.
Harry was promoted to Corporal on the 5th of October 1917 and was awarded the MILITARY MEDAL in Belgium on the same day.
Harry died on the 9th of August 1918 as a result of being wounded in action.
Age at Death: 30
Memorial Details: Heath Cemetery Plot IV, Row J, Grave 15
Interesting Material:
He was one of the few Aboriginal soldiers who received awards.
