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Private Thomas Leslie Gabbatis
Description
TitlePrivate Thomas Leslie GabbatisSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionThomas was born at Ladbrooks on 15th December 1894, eldest son of Arthur and Annie Gabbitis. He was a grandson of Mr Edward Humm, of Sockburn. He was born at Ladbrooks, and educated at the West Melton, Yaldhurst, and Prebbleton Schools. His genial temperament made him a favourite with all whom he came in contact. Before enlisting he was working as a farm hand for J C Champion at Ladbrooks. He had previous military experience with K Company of the 1st Canterbury Regiment, Coast Defence detachment. He was 5ft 5in tall with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Thomas enlisted on 9th February 1916 and was assigned to C squad 13th Reinforcements. He embarked on board the Tofua on 29 May 1916 arriving in Devomport, England on 28 July 1916 after 60 days at sea with one stop at the Cape of Good Hope. During a short stay of 17 days at Sling camp he was posted to 1st Battalion Otago Infantry on 30 July 1916 and then he proceeded overseas on 13th August 1916. He joined his battalion and was attached to 4th Company on 24th. He was detached to the 2nd Brigade Headquarters Demonstration Platoon on 5th May 1917 re-joining the his company about 6 weeks later on 4 June 1917, just a few days before the battle for Messines. Great planning had gone into the conduct of the battle and the Demonstration Platoon was used test possible tactics. Thomas was wounded in action on the 7th June, the first day of the battle for Messines. He suffered gunshot wounds to his back and after being taken up by the field ambulance he was then transferred to the 2nd Casualty clearing station. It was here, a few days later on 10 June 1917, he died of his wounds at 5:15 pm, aged 22. He was buried in the Baillieu Communal Cemetery Extension. In New Zealand Thomas is remembered on the Prebbleton War Memorial.
First NameThomas LeslieLast NameGabbatisFamilySingleEldest son of Arthur and Annie GabbitisDate of Birth15 December 1894Place of BirthLadbrooksDate of Death10 June 1917Place of DeathBelgiumCause of DeathDied of woundsAge at Death22
Thomas enlisted on 9th February 1916 and was assigned to C squad 13th Reinforcements. He embarked on board the Tofua on 29 May 1916 arriving in Devomport, England on 28 July 1916 after 60 days at sea with one stop at the Cape of Good Hope. During a short stay of 17 days at Sling camp he was posted to 1st Battalion Otago Infantry on 30 July 1916 and then he proceeded overseas on 13th August 1916. He joined his battalion and was attached to 4th Company on 24th. He was detached to the 2nd Brigade Headquarters Demonstration Platoon on 5th May 1917 re-joining the his company about 6 weeks later on 4 June 1917, just a few days before the battle for Messines. Great planning had gone into the conduct of the battle and the Demonstration Platoon was used test possible tactics. Thomas was wounded in action on the 7th June, the first day of the battle for Messines. He suffered gunshot wounds to his back and after being taken up by the field ambulance he was then transferred to the 2nd Casualty clearing station. It was here, a few days later on 10 June 1917, he died of his wounds at 5:15 pm, aged 22. He was buried in the Baillieu Communal Cemetery Extension. In New Zealand Thomas is remembered on the Prebbleton War Memorial.
First NameThomas LeslieLast NameGabbatisFamilySingleEldest son of Arthur and Annie GabbitisDate of Birth15 December 1894Place of BirthLadbrooksDate of Death10 June 1917Place of DeathBelgiumCause of DeathDied of woundsAge at Death22
Connections
Military Service
Memorial or CemeteryBaillieu Communal Cemetery ExtensionPrebbleton War MemorialOccupation before EnlistingFarm HandRegiment or ServiceOtago Infantry BattalionEnlistment Details9th February 1916Service Number13434Embarkation29th May 1916TransportTofuaReinforcement13th ReinforcementsCountryNew Zealand
Attribution
Researched ByL. M. Seaton
Private Thomas Leslie Gabbatis. Selwyn Stories, accessed 02/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/415