Received this sad news this morning.
G’day Kev,
This morning Sheila Campbell Thomson rang me with sad news, and it is with regret that I ask you to pass on the passing of Christopher Campbell Thomson ( Father) (O.C.) A.Coy 2nd tour. As yet she isn’t planning anything as she wants to notify all their friends from around the world.
I will post funeral details when I have them
This is indeed sad news for the battalion and especially A Coy (2nd tour). I have not known a man who was loved by his troops to the extent that Father was during our time with him. He will be sorely missed however our memories of him will only flourish in the years ahead and we are all the better for having known such a great man.
I also share your sadness.I only knew Chris for the last couple of months as he was in the room next to my wife at the care facility. We spoke occasionally and he told me he was ex 7RAR,and I mentioned that I was also ex Army,so he used to call me Digger.A real nice guy.
Thank you everyone for your kind comments. His service will be held this Thursday at 12.30pm in the Chapel of Heritage Brady 76 Maher Road, Gordonvale. He is deeply missed by family, friends and comrades.
Cheers,
Sophie (granddaughter)
Seldom do you come across a man who carries himself with so much dignity and generosity as did Father. It was an honour to have served under him. I once told him I would have followed him anywhere, I don’t want to that just yet but I’m hoping he’ll be there when I get there.
In 1964 I joined 1/10 Gurkha Rifles (in Malaya) and C company commanded at that time by Chris Thompson. Within a short time we were in action in Johore rounding up some Indonesian parachutists, then again on ops in Sarawak in 1965-6. Chris was the outstanding company commander as far as I was concerned, highly respected by all as a leader and liked as a person. He had tremendous humanity and always took the utmost care to avoid placing his men in unnecessary danger, while at the same time aggressively pursuing the enemy. I learnt so much from him. All of the above messages are so right. One of the best.