Notes
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29837/supplement/11546
The London Gazette
Publication date: 24 November 1916, Supplement: 29837 Page: 11546
11546 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 25 NOVEMBER,1916.
Capt. Thomas Ainsworth Townsend, R.A.M.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and determination in rescuing several men who had been buried under heavy fire. On three previous occasions he has done very fine work.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30530/supplement/2158
The London Gazette
Publication date: 15 February 1918, Supplement: 30530 Page: 2158
Capt. Thomas Ainsworth Townsend, M.C., R.A.M.C.
(M.C. gazetted 25th November, 1916.)
http://www.ramc-ww1.com/profile.php?cPath=292_513_584&profile_id=10580
Unit: 1st London (City of London) Divisional Field Ambulance
Attached To: 1/20th Bn. London RegimentEnlistment Location:
Date Died: 24/03/1918
Age Died: 32
Where Buried and/or Commemorated: France - Arras Memorial
Awards: MC and Bar; Order of St. Sara (Serbia)
Gazette Reference: 25/11/1916 & 15/2/1918
Thomas was educated at New College, Oxford, and Guys Hospital - entering in October 1909. He graduated B.A. in 1910 and passed the Final Conjoint in 1914. After this, Thomas held the appointment of Ophthalmic House Surgeon in the eye, ear, and throat department at Guys Hospital until January 1915, when he went out to Serbia as surgeon to the British Red Cross. He took a commission as Lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. (T.F.) - 1st London (City of London) Field Ambulance on 25th June 1915 and subsequently went to France. He was awarded the Military Cross: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and determination in rescuing several men who had been buried under heavy fire. On three previous occasions he has done very fine work. He was later awarded the Bar to the Military Cross: For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although twice wounded he refused to have his wounds attended to, and continued to dress the wounded under a continuous and heavy concentration of high-explosives and gas shells. Not only did he attend the wounded and gassed of his own unit, but rendered aid, under conditions of great difficulty, to wounded of neighbouring battalions, whose medical officers had become casualties. His complete disregard of personal danger and splendid devotion were a magnificent example to all. At the time of his death Thomas was attached to the 1/20th Bn. London Regiment as their medical officer. He was reported as wounded and missing near Rocqunguy on 24th March 1918 while staying behind with a wounded man when the regiment retired. In March 1919, it was believed and reported that he must have been killed on that date. He was the step-son of Ursula Verest Townsend and the only son of the late Thomas Sutton Townsend of Queens Gate, SW and of Clifton Manor, near Rugby.