Thomas Cravino was born in Mullion Creek in 1892 to gold prospector Thomas Cravino snr and his wife Elizabeth nee Smith. He was educated at the Wellington Public School and was later employed by Thomas Rowe of North Wellington.
In October 1915 Thomas travelled to Holsworthy to enlist in the First World War. He was assigned to the 19th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement as a private.
Private Cravino embarked for overseas service in January 1916. He served in Egypt for one month, until joining the British Expeditionary Force and proceeding to the Western Front in France.
In late May Private Cravino was wounded in action, sustaining a gunshot to the lower back. He was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Harefield, England, and later to the Convalescent Depot in Epsom.
In October 1916 Thomas was taken on strength with the 5th Training Battalion. He rejoined his battalion in France in June 1917.
Thomas was admitted to the 54th General Hospital in December 1917 with bursitis and bronchitis. Six weeks later he was again transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Harefield for treatment. After a period of furlough Thomas rejoined his unit in France in May 1918.
Thomas Cravino was killed in action on 29 August 1918 during the Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin. He is commemorated on panel number 88 on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Thomas’ brother William also served in WWI; he returned to Australia in July 1918.
