207041 Pte Thomas Torrens Australian Imperial Force. A Coy. 34th Btn. from:Gunnedah, NSW, Australia (d.7 Jun 1917) Thomas was born Garvargh, County Derry, Northern Ireland. He moved to Australia in 1913, lived with his brother John Torrens at Quia Road, Gunnedah and worked as a farmer until he volunteered with the Wallabies in 1916. His mother, who survived him, was Martha Torrens of Ballinameen, Garvagh, Co Derry, Northern Ireland. Thomas was not married.
Update:
Thomas had emigrated from Garvagh, Londonderry, Ireland after taking part in the "Living Funeral"and had initially gone to Canada where he had worked for a while.
Working, we believe as possibly a Taylor, he was always well dressed in quality suits.
He made his way down through Canada to America where one of his sisters had emigrated to,
Tom eventually made his way to Australia where his brother John and John's bride Christina Richmond
had emigrated immediatly after marrying in Ireland. Christina's four brothers were also in Austalia.
Tom enlisted along with his brother in law, William John Richmond, and about 40 other local men. William, known as "Bully" begame a Sergeant, and was killed in action at
Armentieres on the 28th of Jan 1917. "Bully" had been the Battalion Boxing Champion and was a Sniper Sergeant.
They joined the "Wallaby" recruiting march at Gunnedah and were original members of 34 Bn.
Tom was Killed along with 5 other Gunnedah men on 7th June at Messines.
- Pte Thomas Torrens, age 32.
- Pte J W Sampson, age 23.
- Pte G R Sullivan, age 26.
- Pte Lance A Turner, age 23, Lance was apparently a crack Lewis Gunner.
- Pte R W Adams, age 23.
- Sgt R N Young, age 21.
Christina's brothers Joseph and Alexander also joined 34 Bn and survived the war.
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