Percy Patrick Townsend

Hi Littlehand

I am unable to find him listed on the Medal Roll.

Littlehand
I would be wary in believing what is written in Australian Papers regarding those who claim , or claimed to be Veterans of the AZW . Nonetheless  , they are worth saving for posterity's sake I suppose , and there will be some that are indeed correct , also the Medal Rolls arent flawless as we know
90th

Hi, I was also searching for some information on Patrick Percy Townsend MM and his previous service.

He arrived at Gallipoli in May 1915 as 2028 Pte Townsend of the 9th Battalion aged 60!! He lied about his age and claimed he was 42. Born in Nova Scotia and lived what looks like a pretty interesting life.

A former 9th Battalion OC spoke of 'Old Dad' Townsend in the battalion newsletter in 1952 saying:

He was born in Nova Scotia in 1855
Served in the Zulu Wars 1879
Served in the Sudan 1885
Emigrated to Australia
Served in China
Served in the Boer War
Served aboard a Russian Supply vessel during the Russo-Japanese War in 1904
Joined the AIF in 1915 and landed at Gallipoli aged 60 with the 5th reinforcements of the 9th Battalion
Wounded twice before eventually RTA in 1916 and was awarded the Military Medal

Several old Diggers (in 1953) said that 'Old Dad' was one of the toughest men they ever served with during the war. Despite his age and infirmities he never attended sick parade ... but would often stealthily visit the Field Ambulance for a pocketful of aspirins.

He passed away in Brisbane in 1956 - aged 101



The clipping in the first post of this thread was from 2 years before his death and the first time 'Old Dad' and attended a battalion reunion.

I have a more than sneaking suspicion that 'Old Dad' was a bit of a bullshitter as I cant see anyone being able to have that much prior service ...

https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/people/58812

In my biographical register, I've found his unverified and unlikely service as follows:


TOWNSEND Percy Patrick Dad.
Born Halifax, Novia Scotia 1860.
Rebellion in Canada.
Boatman, Sudan operation 1885.
French Foreign Legion.
Captain, Dragoon Guards.
Trooper, North West Mounted Police.
Matabele War. Rhodesian Police – 1 year.
Anglo-Boer War; South African Light Horse. Colenso, Spion Kop.
Zulu Rebellion 1906 (Not on roll).
Philipines war.
Bolivian Army, Brazil / Peru revolution – OC of Troops in Bolivia.
1914-18; (AIF). Enlisted 11.1.15. Private, 9th Battalion. Corporal. Wounded in action 25.7.16 (Aged 57 years).
Claimed 17 bullet wounds.
Died 12.6.1956.

Cam.

There is certainly 2028 Cpl Percy Patrick Townsend awarded Military Medal - LG 27.10.1916 (p10488)

It seems from Cam's post Townsend didn't take part in the AZW of 1879 , Graves also didn't find him on the Medal Roll , although they can have omissions etc etc .
90th

From the South African Light Horse listings:

Tong C 36497 Trooper 2/25/1902 time expired
Town JM 36429 Trooper 6/11/1901 medically unfit
Towns JH 25008 Trooper 2/10/1901 time expired
Townsend LA 36424 Trooper 3/3/1902 time expired
Townshend GJF 1829 Trooper 2/25/1901 completion of service
Tribos M 2576 Trooper 12/14/1901 time expired
Troy W 37591 Trooper 2/4/1902 time expired

This is the only Townsend I have listed.

Cheers

cam simpson wrote:

In my biographical register, I've found his unverified and unlikely service as follows:



Cam.

G'day Cam, where abouts did you grab that info? I'm doing up an article on 'Old Dad' Townshend. I never saw any previous info about the Dragoon Guards or French Foreign Legion ... Rhodesia, South Africa and WW1 seem the only reliable ones with several mentions in other sources and being the only ones on his AIF attestation form.

While a Batman for a 9th Battalion Officer, he did tell stories of serving in South America and being owed land as payment for his service.

17 Bullet wounds is also a furphy. His AIF Attestation form includes a Medical Exam which only lists a scar on his knee and a tattoo on his arm. During WW1 he was admitted to hospital with Pyrexia (Fever) while on Lemnos after evacuation from Gallipoli before being 'wounded' at Poziers. The Official history of the 9th's only mention of Townshend was to say that he was hit by a shell but failed to be killed. His medical record only states 'Contusions of the Back' and he was subsequently RTA as Overage (54) and Shell Shock.

The notes I've had for about 20 years now and I believe came from the RSL Journal Reveille and CEW Beans biographical cards held at the Australian War Memorial.