Thomas Henry Jones was born in 1896 at Oswestry. He cannot be positively identified from Census data and information has been taken from his obituary. His mother was Elizabeth, his father (initial D). At the time of the war they were living on Castle Street. Thomas worked for Boots Chemist but it is not known in what capacity he was employed. Thomas was also a Territorial Soldier serving in 1/4 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He was mobilized at the outbreak of war and went with the battalion to India and the Far East and then transferred to France in July 1917. He was awarded the Territorial Forces Medal.

Thomas was KIA on 30 December 1917 during the Battle for Welch Ridge near Marcoing. He had been promoted to Corporal and, at the time of his death was a Lance Sergeant. His CO, Lieutenant Trumper**, wrote to his mother, ‘… just these few words to assure you of the sympathy of all of us in your great trouble. Tom was killed whilst advancing towards enemy’s position and was buried at night by his comrades. He rose to his rank through sheer ability and will and was always a good and ready soldier. We shall all miss him and I send you our thoughts in your loss’. Tom is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. His grave was lost and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Monument and on the war memorial at St Oswald’s Church, Oswestry.

** see also Lance Corporal 200077 Samuel Vaughan, 1/4 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. KIA 28 December1917 Thiepval Memorial (unknown) and Sergeant 200073 William Pryce Davies, 1/4 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. KIA 1 January 1918, Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers Plouich

Acknowledgements.

References and Sources

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