George William Ladd Thomson

Born 27 Apr 1889 - Died 18 Nov 1976

Service number: WWI 3/143A AWMM
Also known as: Tommy AWMM
Ladd-Thomson AWMM
Armed force / branch: Army AWMM
Last rank: Inter War
War: World War I, 1914-1918 AWMM

George William Ladd Thomson — Portrait, age 26. Image provided by Mrs Hitchcock - No known copyright restrictions No Known Copyright Restrictions

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Biographical information

George William Ladd Thomson was born at Timaru on 27 April 1889, the son of David Thomson and Annie Charlotte Thomson (née Ladd). He trained as a dental assistant before enlisting in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 14 August 1914 at the age of 25. He embarked with the Main Body aboard HMNZT Maunganui on 16 October 1914 as a Private in the New Zealand Medical Corps. During his military service he adopted the surname Ladd-Thomson, using his mother's maiden name to distinguish himself from another soldier of the same name serving in the NZEF.

Thomson served throughout the Egypt, Gallipoli and Western Front campaigns, undertaking dental duties with the New Zealand Medical and Dental Services. At Gallipoli he worked alongside field ambulances and casualty clearing stations, providing emergency dental treatment under active service conditions before continuing his service in Egypt and France. He was promoted to Sergeant and completed more than four years' overseas service before being discharged on 14 October 1919.

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira holds George William Ladd Thomson’s papers (MS-2003-72), including wartime letters that are available to view digitally through Pou Kanohi New Zealand at War. One example is his letter from Ismailia dated 7 January 1916, in which he describes the evacuation from Gallipoli, the shelling of the 16th Casualty Clearing Station and the return to Egypt. The Museum also holds his photograph collection (PH-2003-1), comprising approximately 80 photographs of Egypt, Gallipoli and military dentistry, many taken by Thomson himself. Related objects include his military and commemorative badges, rank and shoulder insignia, medal ribbon bar, uniform buttons, Gallipoli medallion, Princess Mary gift box, personal equipment and souvenirs, including a pocketknife, safety razor, cigarette lighter, serviette ring, sweet tin and shell casing.

After the war Thomson established a private dental practice in Remuera, Auckland. He preserved his wartime letters, photographs and memorabilia, providing an important record of New Zealand's medical and dental services during the First World War. He died on 18 November 1976, aged 86, and his ashes were interred at Purewa Cemetery, Auckland. AWMM

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George William Ladd Thomson