The Teesdale Mercury reports that his parents received word that he was killed by a shell whilst being carried of the battlefield. He died on the first day of the Battle of the Menin.
Teesdale Mercury-10/10/1917: Upper dale notes: Killed by shell blast
Thomas was born in Middleton to John (from Lunedale) and Elizabeth (from Newbiggin). Thomas had two brothers, Wm Mark (born in Newbiggin) and John Ed. In 1901, the family were living at 9 Masterman Place in Middleton. By 1911, the family were living at Dent Bank Farm in Middleton.
Worked as a butcher at Middleton-in-Teesdale's Co-op stores.
Teesdale Mercury-10/10/1917: Roll of Honour Notice
Teesdale Mercury-24/10/1917: Return Thanks Notices
Teesdale Mercury-27/02/1918: Upper dale notes: Remembrance service
Teesdale Mercury-22/10/1919: Notes from the higher dales: Service to dedicate marble tablet
Thomas enlisted on 26 November 1915 at the age of 18 years and 8 months and joined the Army Reserve on the Home Front. He was mobilised on 8 May(?) 1916 and posted on 3 August. Embarking at Folkstone, he joined the Expeditionary Forcein France on 26 October 1916. He was posted to the DLI 12th Battalion at their base in Etaples on 10 November 1916 and joined then in the field 8 days later. His promotion to Corporal came on 18 June 1917. He was killed in action on 29 September 1917 according to his service records although CWGC gives is date of death as 20 September.