| Fiaschi | Thomas Henry | | Major | FIASCHI, THOMAS HENRY, Major, was born in Florence 3 May 1853, son of Professor L Fiaschi, of Florence, and Clarissa Fisher. He was educated at the Pisa and Florence Universities (MD, ChD, Pisa and Florence); went to Australia in 1875; practised in Windsor, New South Wales, and settled in Sydney in 1883; he was Honorary Consulting Surgeon, Sydney Hospital. He was attached as Medical Officer to the New South Wales Lancers; obtained leave of absence for six months, and joined the Italian Army in Abyssinia in 1896; marched with them to Kassala; was awarded the Cross of Cavaliere dei SS Maurizio e Lazzaro from King Humbert, for special merits during the Italo-Abyssinian Campaign. He took part in the South African War, 1899-1900, in command of the New South Wales No 1 Field Hospital; specially mentioned by Lord Roberts for services rendered at Paardeberg; was SMO to General Button's Brigade, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Thomas Henry Fiaschi, Major, New South Wales Medical Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, etc, were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa; forwarded by Lord Kitchener, and presented by the Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales 4 December 1901. He was promoted Colonel, Army Medical Corps, 8 June, 1911; appointed PMO of the Militia (Australian Commonwealth) in conjunction with Colonel Stokes; practised as Surgeon in Sydney Hospital; appointed PMO for New South Wales. In the European War he served with the Australian Imperial Force, at Lemnos, as Officer Commanding the 3rd Australian General Hospital; was invalided to England; went to Italy, and served as Surgeon with the Italian Red Cross, 73 Ospedale de Guerra, at Schio. He has published 'Da Cheren a Cassala' (1896). Colonel Fiaschi married, in 1886, Katherine Anna, daughter of James W Reynolds.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | New South Wales contingent |
