Arnott, Thomas John (Private, b.1894 - d.1957)

Collection relating to the First World War and Second World War service of 74 Private Thomas John Arnott, 1 Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, and National Emergency Services, Egypt and Australia, 1915-c1945.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Contains three folders of material relating to the service of Private Thomas John Arnott.

Folder 1 of 3 – Consists of eight letters and one telegram addressed to Private Arnott from various writers, and one Certificate of Discharge. These items of correspondence were sent to Private Arnott from his family, friends and fellow servicemen, and are dated between June 1915 and June 1916. Writers include Lieutenant Richard Gardiner Casey, Second Lieutenant Philip Llewellyn Howell-Price, 652 Private Stanley George Viccars, 78 Lieutenant Robert Cumming, and Private Arnott’s father, Mr Thomas Arnott senior. In their correspondence, the writers congratulate Private Arnott on his good work at Gallipoli, write about the recommendation for him to receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal, wish him well for his healing after he was wounded in action, and share news of their experiences of service. The Certificate of Discharge was issued to Private Arnott on 19 January 1916 in Sydney, New South Wales.

Folder 2 of 3 – Consists of two letters addressed to Private Arnott’s father, Mr Thomas Arnott Senior. The first letter is dated 30 August 1915. In this letter, a representative of the Base Records Office, Australian Imperial Force, informs Mr Arnott that Private Arnott had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and gives information regarding Private Arnott’s postal address. The second letter is dated 24 November 1915. In this letter, Mr Jack Morris accepts an invitation to an event held by the Arnott Testimonial Fund, and writes that he believed that Private Arnott was more than deserving of his award.

Folder 3 of 3 – Contains three items relating to Private Arnott’s service as a warden at No. 10 Warden’s Post, National Emergency Services in Gladesville, Sydney, New South Wales, during the Second World War. These items consist of:
1x Songbook titled ‘Songs for the Forces’, melody and words addition, selected by T P Ratcliff from the News Chronicle Songbook, [date unknown].
1x Notebook containing newspaper clippings, correspondence, and receipts relating to the operation of No. 10 Warden’s Post, [c1940-1945].
1x National Emergency Services, Municipality of Hunter’s Hill, Bulletin No. 55, 12 December 1944.