Thomas Morrison was not a good soldier. Pre-war he had appeared in court a number of times on charges of drunkenness and in July of 1916 he was sentenced to death by a court-martial for a number of offences; absent from guard duty (twice), asleep on guard. His sentence was commuted to five years imprisonment, suspended (presumably) until the war was over. He went on to be charged with several counts of overstaying his leave.
In September, 1916, during the battle of the Somme, Thomas was hospitalised with bullet wounds in both legs.
In August, 1918, he was with his Regiment, the Canterburys, when they were part of the attacking force at Bapaume, a French town occupied by the German army since 1914. Its defence was stubborn and Bapaume was liberated at great cost, including the life of Thomas Morrison.
DEATHS
MORRISON. — On August 24, killed in action "Somewhere in France," Private Thomas Crawford (10th Reinforcements), son of the late Archibald Morrison, 58 Elm row. -Otago Daily Tmes, 21/9/1918.
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