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Thomas (Tom) was the youngest son born in the mid-north town of Clare on the 26th June 1920 (according to his enlistment record; however Cemetery Records indicate 1922) to William Henry and Maud Corfield. Tragedy had recently struck his family with the death of baby Jack, born on the 24th October ’19 while the family was living at Boconnoc Park sheep station. He survived for two months before dying on the 24th December and was buried in the Clare cemetery.
Tom’s father, William was born in Worcestershire, England and married Maude Goff, of London. With their first three children they had come to South Australia in 1913. From initially living in Payneham, the family then moved to Clare, adding five more children to their household. Tom was one of eight children including Charles Albert (Alby), John, William, Primrose (Prim) Nancy, Albert and Evelyn.
Tom’s father was a highly respected gardener who worked for the Victorsen family on their ‘Ingomar’ property at Clare, The Brooks family at 'Boconnoc Park' and eventually worked for three years for Mr. S. G. Hawker on Belcunda Station. Not unexpectedly, William would often amass numerous prizes at the Blyth and Kybunga Shows with his annuals, including antirrhinums, aquilegias, bulbs, cinerarias, daisies, new or rare flowers, petunias and pelargoniums. He also supported his children’s local Armagh School by helping establish two large rockeries in observation of Arbor Day. Resultantly, he was asked to write a column on Gardening in the local Northern Argus in 1939 where he shared his knowledge of the seasons, fruit trees, bulbs and plants that best coped with the Clare frosts.
Tom attended the local Clare and Armagh schools, being awarded a prize for his writing in Grade 6 as part of the ’34 Clare Show. The following year the Clare Primary School Picnic, a huge event held at the Clare Showgrounds, saw Tom place third in both the boys 13 and over Championship and Slow Bike downhill competitions, then second in the boys’ high jump.
Tom was still young when his father was fortunate to escape with minimal injuries following an accident in his hooded buggy. William and another horse drawn ‘cab’ collided at the Clare railway station crossing. An engine being shunted in the yard caused William’s horse to take fright resulting in the buggy overturning and becoming entangled with the other horse, the wheel removing skin and hair from the animal. Fortunately, both drivers were uninjured, but the buggy shaft was broken.
The family faced another challenge when Tom’s married sister, Evelyn (Eyres) died in Clare on the 13th November 1930, leaving a husband and small daughter Rhonda to grieve.
With the outbreak of WWII, Tom enlisted on the 26th July 1940, just prior to his 20th birthday serving with the 2/27th Battalion as SX9700. In March ’41 he was given a presentation from the Clare community when briefly home on leave. The Northern Argus reported that he ‘was the recipient of parcels of comforts from the Clare Soldiers' Presentation Committee, the Fighting Forces Comforts Fund, the Country Womens' Association, and the Clare Womens' Branch of the Agricultural Bureau. The Mayor (Mr. C. Pink) presided, and in a few brief words paid tribute to the guest, and also to his parents, who were natives of England.’
Tom’s older brother, Alby had joined the 4 Remount Troop with the Militia and was S31798 until his discharge in March ’41 to enlist to serve with the Army in WWII. He then became SX12765 and was allocated to the 2/48th Battalion.

Tom briefly returned after his time in the Middle East, to a large welcome home for him and eight other soldiers in March ‘42. The Northern Argus reported: ‘The men welcomed home were Sgt. Robt. Smith, Private Charles Bond, Private Les Bond, Corporal Douglas Bond, Private Tom Corfield, Private Milton Allen (of Andrews), Private Vic. Stopp (of Watervale), Private Adrian Fudge and Private Ben Hoare. The Mayor on behalf of the Welcome Home Committee and Citizens, extended a hearty and sincere welcome and trusted they would all be spared to take part in a final victorious Peace.’ Numerous speeches followed, including ‘a powerful tribute to the sacrifices and devotion of the men and women who had fought and worked and died overseas’ and the need to rescue those taken prisoners of war in the Middle East. An extensive musical program followed, before each solider expressed appreciation for their welcome. Supper and dancing concluded the evening, a wonderful welcome home.
Tom was next reported by the Northern Argus as being ‘at a battle station somewhere in the Near North’ when news that his brother, Charles had been killed in action on July 22nd ’42. The Australian flag was flown at half-mast at the Clare Town Hall.
Tom placed a tribute in the Northern Argus Friday 21 August 1942 CORFIELD.— On July 22, killed in action in Egypt, Private Charles Albert Corfield, dearly beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Corfield, of Mt. Bryan, and loved brother of Private Tom Corfield, A.I.F., Mr. W. H. Corfield Jun., Hilltown, Mrs. Walter Blight, Hill River, Clare, and Mrs. Colin Worrall Unley. 'We will remember.'
Within two months Tom’s parents received further disturbing news that he had been wounded in action. Some weeks later Tom wrote to his sister, Primrose Blight asking that his letter be published in the Northern Argus. On the 30th October ’42, having checked for security clearance, the paper printed his letter.
‘While in action in New Guinea, myself and 13 others were wounded on the 8th. September, and had to be carried on stretchers from the front line. When we were on our way back, we got off and had to take to the jungle where we were carried for 13 days with no food, only water, over rough country. From then on we were left at a native village with four spare stretcher bearers to look after us while the rest pushed on for food. After nine days, four of us were able to walk, so on the Sunday, 30th. September, the Corporal and the four that could walk, pushed on, taking a few yams for food. But on the Monday our luck was out. We finished up getting lost in the jungle, climbing down landslides and up precipices and along wet tracks. So, after a while we decided to retrace our tracks and return to the village for a spell and cook some food, which consisted of sweet potatoes. So, after two days spell we set out again and walked for two days. When going down a hill we saw a chap sitting near a tree and these are the words he used — 'Looks like you are going somewhere'. The next thing was we had food — bully beef and biscuits, and it was like eating roast meat and bread we had been so long without. From there on we travelled three hours to an R.A.P.., where we had soap, towels, and clean clothes given to us, also tobacco and cigarettes. We were so pleased, some of us almost came into tears we were so done up. All that time we were out we only had socks to walk in. Our boots were cut off our feet. So it is great to be in hospital eating nice meals and able to write this to you. One chap after all that walking had his leg X-rayed, and it was found to be broken. Signed SX9700, Pte. T. R. Corfield. Private Corfield told his Sister in her letter that he went into action weighing 11 stone, now had malaria and finished up only weighing 8 stone.’
Following his injury, Tom returned home and proposed to Muriel Adelaide Thomas of Bute on the 23rd December ’42. Muriel worked in the Clare hotel and her brother Jim (SX3161), served overseas with the 2/9th Calvary Regiment. A July ’42 letter home to Muriel was published in the local papers, and eagerly read. It described him being on three days leave and travelling in a Dodge G with the army padre to many of the key Biblical sites. He recounted: ‘The first place we went to was the Mosque of Omar. In it was the Rock upon which Abraham was going to kill Isaac as a sacrificial offering; fortunately for poor Isaac a ram turned up in time to save him. In the same place we saw where the Lord turned out the Money Changers from the Temple, where they had been doing a brisk business. From there we went to the Wailing Wall, but we were evidently unlucky; they didn't seem to be shedding any crocodile tears or wailing much when we got there. They might have got steam up afterwards, but they didn't put up much of a show while we were there. About 2 dozen people were present. One or two were putting up fair show, but they say if they really get steam up they can do a fair sized weep and much gnashing of teeth. They are wailing for the return of the Jewish Empire.’
‘We saw the actual olive trees that were in the Garden of Gethsemane when Judas kissed Our Lord and told off the Roman soldiers. The outside of the Church of Nations did not look anything, but when we got inside, for sheer beauty it beat everything I have seen up to date. Our guide said that all the big nations except China and Japan had each given a dome to the Fransciscan Friars to build into the temple and for the Mosaic work. We saw the tomb of the Virgin Mary and then drove on to Jerusalem about 8 miles. Saw the Church of the Nativity and the birthplace of Jesus. The manger is still in the exact spot that he was born on and is marked by a large 16 pointed gold star. There are 16 lamps hanging around—6 are Orthodox Greek; 6 Armenian; and 4 Roman Catholic. We were shown the Christmas Bells that are only rung on Xmas Eve and then stopped at the Well of the Magi; this had been filled in because it was not too hygenic. We followed the Street down which Christ carried the Cross of Calvary, and then visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where reposes (so our guide said) 2 millions worth of jewellery. I am no authority in regard to jewels and cannot affirm whether they were real or imitation.
‘The temple over the spot where the Lord was crucified is falling down, due to earthquakes. When we first got into Jerusalem the wogs got busy cleaning our boots. We didn't have much to say about it as we were standing around, but before you could say Jack Robinson, they were all over one like a hive of bees. Even if your boots were clean, they would sneak around and start giving our boots a shave. Then you have to get them cleaned. They have a shaving brush and some soapy looking stuff. After it is wiped off, they shine them alright. However, when they started, they only wanted 5 mils, but before they finished they wanted 50 mils. I managed to get out with 10. We had a pretty good dinner of steak, peas, pots, toms, cucumbers, lettuce, with ice cream for dessert. No tea, so we had to have beer. We were able to get coffee later, but it's more like chocolate. Their cups are about as big as our egg cups—that amused me. In the shops they had some most gorgeous carpets. Those at 1 pound here would cost 10 at home.’
Jim had also enclosed a poem that he commented ‘portrays the deep thoughts and affection of every digger for his home folk.’
‘A SOLDIERS THOUGHT We'll soon be going to fight the foe, In a land not far away. But our thoughts will always be with you, When in the thickest of the fray. As I lay awake in the desert, Listening to the big guns roar, I often think of by gone days, And what has gone before. Of the good times spent together, And pleasures we have had, We've had our joys and sorrows, And the good mixed with the bad. But, alas, we had to leave you In a foreign land to roam, To help the cause of freedom And those we love at home. And as we go to battle Fighting for our lives, Again our thought will be for you Our kiddies and our wives. So do not worry for us As thro' this war we roam, When we have smashed up Hitler That's when we'll all come home. We all are waiting for that day, To that end we will try, When we can smile at everyone And let the rest of the world go by.’ It aptly summarised the feelings of those serving abroad.
Still affected by Malaria, Tom was on leave in Clare in February ’43 with the Northern Argus again reporting the welcome news: ‘Three members of the A.I.F. who took part in the Middle East campaigns and returned to Australia over twelve months ago, and were later posted to Northern battle zones, eventually to New Guinea, where they spent nearly 6 months of strenuous endeavor, have just returned home on leave to Clare. They are Privates Tom Corfield, Adrian Fudge and Leslie Bond. All three have received enthusiastic and hearty welcomes from parents, relatives and friends.’
Tom was again able to return home on leave in March ’44 with others from the area including Sgt. Gordon Kelly, Major Geo. Phillips, L/Cpl. W. L. Coulter, Sgt. Jack Knight, Sgt. H. Williams, Cpl. Lucy Ohlmeyer, Pte. A. McKay, Pte. T. J Cooper (Koolunga). He and Muriel married on April 18th ’44 at St James’ Church, Mile End. Tom survived the war and was eventually one of the final group to be discharged on the 27th November 1945. Unfortunately, soon afterwards his 58-year-old father died on the 28th May ’45 in the Clare and District Hospital and was buried in the Clare Cemetery.
A second welcome home was held at the nearby Stanley Flat Soldier’s Memorial Hall in December, ’45 with Tom again being welcomed with Flying Officer John Slattery, R.A.A.F., L.A.C. Larry Beanies, R.A.A.F., Cpl. Ross Coles, R.A.A.F., Cpl Les McDonald and Privates Cliff Victor, Colin Webster, Tom Corfield and Edgar Ramm; also on the platform were Keith Gertau and John Clewer. Mr. Rex. Kimber, chairman of the Welcome Home Committee, gave a very hearty welcome to all these returned men, wishing them all the best of health, and- prosperity in the future. This was followed by a record crowd at the Armagh Welcome Home in January ’46.
With the war finally over and peace declared, Tom and Muriel welcomed their son, Darryl John born at the Clare hospital on April 4th 1950. The following year, Tom’s brother Charles and others killed in action, were remembered on plaques unveiled at the Clare Soldiers’ Memorial gates on Anzac Day.
73-year-old Maud had two years to enjoy her youngest grandson. Like William, she died in the Clare Hospital before joining William in the Clare Cemetery. Tom, Muriel and Darryl continued to remember her.
Advertiser Monday 7 July 1952, CORFIELD.—On July 3, at Clare District Hospital, Maud, beloved wife of the late William Henry Corfield, and loving mother of Prim, John, Nance and Tom, loving mother-in-law of Kath, Muriel, Colin and Wally, nanna of 12 grandchildren. Aged 73.
Advertiser Friday 3 July 1953, CORFIELD. — Cherished memories of our darling mother and Nana. passed away July 3, 1952. As she rests in perfect peace Her memories we will always keep. -Ever remembered by Tom, Muriel and Darryl.
Tom also continued to remember his brother.
Northern Argus Friday 21 July 1944, CORFIELD. — In loving memory of Alb., killed at El-Alamein, July 22nd, 1942. He wore no shining medals Or signed him name V.C. He died a dinkum Aussie To keep Australia free. Always remembered by his loving brother, Tom.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1945, CORFIELD.—Memory of Alb. killed in action. El Alamein. July 22. 1942. There's a road called remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet. —Ever remembered by his loving brother Tom.
Northern Argus Thursday 24 July 1947, CORFIELD—Tribute of remembrance to my beloved brother Alb., killed in action, El Alamein, July 22nd, 1942. I often think of you Alb. I often speak your name, But all there is to answer us Is your photo in a frame. Inserted by loving brother Tom.
Blyth Agriculturist Thursday 21 July 1949, IN MEMORIAM. CORFIELD—Tribute of loving remembrance of my brother Alb., killed at El Alamein, July 22nd, 1942. Seven sad years have passed away Yet love and grief remain. In life he was so dear to us, In death he's just the same. There is no separation from those we love, No distance can divide For to-day in memory's garden We still walk side by side. Ever remembered by his loving Mother, and Brothers Tom and John, and Sisters Primrose and Nance.
Muriel pre-deceased Tom on June 12th 1996. Aged 76, Tom died less than two years later in March 1998 and now rests in the Clare Cemetery (Plot 21) with Muriel.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion