THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

THOMS Nathaniel William Benjamin Butler

Queen's Westminster Rifles, South Africa 1899-1902

15/7, Major, 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade, WW1

Pilot Officer, Special Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, WW2

CITATION

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Gazetted

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 25 August 1917, p8803

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in frequently movingforward under exceptionally heavy shellfire, personally reconnoitering the line and bringing back most valuable reports.  He displayed exceptional courage and keenness throughout

Military Cross

Gazetted 14 January 1916, p591

For distinguished service in the field (Gallipoli)

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted in South Africa

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 January 1916, p1207

In connection with the operations described in General Ian Hamilton's despatch of 11 December 1915.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p261

Action: Switch Trench, south east of High Wood, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th September 1916.  Major Thoms was in command of the cocmpany sent up to reinforce the left flank of the switch line on the morning of the 15th September 1916, where he remained for four days under a heavy bombardment.  He constructed four strong points covering the left fland at a critical period, and his cheary manner and untiring enemy were a rare example to all ranks on the left flank.  It was entirely through him that the valuable information was received to the effect that the Germans were preparing to counter attack the 47th Division from the direction of Martinpuich, and he was als the first to report enemy Battalions massing north of Factory Corner.  He has always displayed the utmost and greatest devotion to duty at all times.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 December 1917, p13575

During the operations at Messines on the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th June 1917.  For great gallantry and devotion to duty.  As Brigade Major, this officer frequently moved forward under exceptionally heavy shellfire, personally reconnoitred the line occupied by the Brigade and brough back most valuable reports.  I cannot speak too highly of this officer's courage and bearing throughout.

KNOWN AWARDS

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Distinguished Service Order

Military Cross

Queen’s South Africa Medal

       Cape Colony, Transvaal, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Mention in Despatches (3)

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

NOTES

Born 5 April 1880, Frome, England

Died 24 May 1957, Kitale, Kenya