Thomas Griffiths (general)
| Thomas Griffiths | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
29 September 1865 Presteigne, Wales |
| Died | 16 November 1947 (aged 82) Toorak, Victoria |
| Allegiance | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1886–1927 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order |
Brigadier General Thomas Griffiths CMG, CBE, DSO (29 September 1865 – 16 November 1947) was a Welsh-born officer in the Australian Army who served in mainly administrative positions during World War I. He later served as Administrator of Nauru and of Papua New Guinea.
Thomas Griffiths was born on 29 September 1865 in the town of Presteigne, Radnor, Wales, the son of a builder. He was educated at the Old Vicarage, Wrexham, Denbighshire. After completing his schooling, he emigrated to Australia.
In 1886, Griffiths joined the Victorian Permanent Artillery as a gunner. Four years later, he became a military staff clerk at headquarters in Melbourne. He was promoted to regimental quartermaster sergeant in 1894 and the following year received a further promotion to warrant officer and became chief clerk of the Victorian Military Forces. After the Federation of Australia, he became a clerk in the Australian Military Forces, serving at the Adjutant General's office at Army Headquarters in Melbourne. In September 1908 he was appointed secretary to the Military Board with the honorary rank of lieutenant in the Administrative and Instructional Staff. He became an honorary captain on 30 August 1909.
At the time of the outbreak of World War I, Griffiths held the rank of honorary major. He volunteered for the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 15 August 1914, and was appointed as a captain on the 1st Division staff. In January 1915, Major General Bridges appointed Griffiths as his military secretary. On 28 March 1915 he became Deputy Assistant Adjutant General (DAAG) of the 1st Division. Griffith landed at Anzac Cove with the 1st Division Headquarters at around 7:30 am on 25 April 1915. He would serve throughout the Gallipoli Campaign. As DAAG, he was responsible for personnel and on most nights could be found on the beach, checking and sorting reinforcements, often under fire. On 12 May 1915, Griffiths became acting Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General (DAA & QMG). As such he was deputy to Lieutenant Colonel Foott, who was responsible for all administration and logistics in the 1st Division area at Anzac Cove. In June, Griffiths was promoted to major.
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