Whilst still in Greece, the Germans tasked Major Thomson with organising several hospitals in and around Athens for sick and wounded prisoners. As a result of his selfless act, Major Thomson was captured by the Germans and made a Prisoner of War (POW). He embarked overseas with the first echelon in January 1940 as the Medical Officer attached to 4 Field Regiment, New Zealand Artillery Corps.ĭuring the evacuation of Greece in late April 1941 Major Thomson was stationed at the port of Kalamata where he had volunteered to remain behind and care for the wounded men who were unable to be transported to the beaches. George had trained as a medical student at Otago University and was working as a doctor in a private practice in New Plymouth when he enlisted for another war in September 1939. Furthermore, he had also served in the Territorials during the 1920s and 1930s with the New Zealand Medical Corps attaining the rank of Major.
George Herbert Thomson had previously served as a Gunner during World War I with the New Zealand Artillery Corps at Gallipoli before being discharged in 1916 due to illness. 2018.173.236 – Cribbage Board made by Major G H Thomson, World War II, National Army Museum Te Mata Toa.
