Thomas Henry Barclay was born in 1892 at Oswestry. He was the youngest son of Robert and Jane Barclay with 6 of 8 surviving siblings. His father was a building and general labourer. The family lived at 35 (41) Salop Road. After school Thomas began working for Mr Barnett, a shop keeper on Beatrice Street. At the outbreak of war he enlisted in 6 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, Oswestry Pals. He left Oswestry in the first draft on 9 September 1914 and, after training, arrived in France with the battalion on 27 July 1915.

Thomas was officially reported as wounded and missing on 6 October 1916. Later in the month information reached his parents that he had been killed in action, death being instantaneous. The battalion was stationed in the reserve lines near to Les Boeufs and were on working and carrying parties digging assembly trenches for the forthcoming attack on Transloy. There was persistent shelling by the enemy. Over 5-6 October casualties were 3 other ranks KIA and 39 wounded – 2 of these were self inflicted.

Thomas’ body was not recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. In a letter of sympathy to the family Lieutenant Booker described him as a ‘missed man who could ill be spared’. A memorial service was held at St Oswald’s Church, Oswestry where he is also remembered on the war memorial as well as at Holy Trinity Church.

Acknowledgements.

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