Letter from Thomas Patrick Elliott to his sister, [France], 19 July 1916

[[To?]]                       19 July 16
My Darling Sister,
Just a line
to let you know all well.
Same with Bob Norm & Ern.
Some operations are pending
so must cut this short
Your Loving Brother
Tom
Love to Jackie & regards
to Jack.
NB  Don't worry about me
I'll be alright
Tom
 

15 AI Ba   c [[9]]69
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CLASSIFICATION SUB- [[S?]]

Major T.P. ELLIOTT, 60th Battalion, A.I.F.
Index alpha:
Major T.P. ELLIOTT, then a Captain, was in the 7th Light Horse. On
the formation of the 15th Brigade it was considered vital to obtain
a few officers of known ability to assist in laying the foundation
of the various Battalions.  Captain ELLIOTT was specially asked for
and his transfer was completed on 12/3/1916.
He was immediately placed in Command of a Company
of the 60th Battalion consisting of raw and, in many cases
umpromising material.  His personality was of such stirling value
that from a mere formation the Company speedily became a well
disciplined and trained fighting unit.  Men considered incorrigible
were unable to resist his authority and generally became good soldiers.
For a period he acted as Adjutant of the Battalion and
re-organised its Administration.  He also supervised the training
of the Companies for which, owing to his military attainments, he
was well fitted.  He set his comrades an example of soldierly and
moral quality which could not fail to have a most beneficial effect
on all ranks of the Battalion.
From 30/5/16 Major ELLIOTT acted as 2nd in Command
of the 60th Battalion and was responsible for most of the arrangements
for the attack, made by his Battalion at FROMELLES on 19th July 1916,
which were remarkably thorough and complete.  He accompanied the
2nd wave of the attack and was killed while encouraging the men to
move forward.
His early death thus unfortunately terminated what 
promised to be an exceptionally brilliant career and it can be [[fairly?]]
said with the utmost regret that this officer's death is the greatest
individual loss the Brigade has suffered since its formation.

Brig-General.
Commanding 15th Australian Infantry Brigade.

File
P.A.
INITIALS  GW
DATE 23/4/19