Son of Emma Metham of 1 Bridge Inn Yard, Thorngate, Barnard Castle
Prior to the war Thomas had worked in the shoe thread factory.
He died in one of the great battles of the Somme, in a letter to Thomas' mother, Lieutenant Robinson wrote:
'Your boy did extraordinarily well in all the week's fighting up to the time he fell . He absolutely refused to surrender in one instance, when both flanks had given way. Of his party , at that time , only his officer and himself got away unscathed. I have recommended him for a decoration in connection wit h that incident, but I fear that his subsequent death has disqualified him, which seems very hard. We all know what he did , however, and you may rest assured that his fine example will not be forgotten. I recommended your boy for his first stripe quite recently, and events have proved that the confidence we always felt in him was entirely justified. Al l the company feel his loss most deeply, and on their behalf I should like to offer you heartfelt sympathy.
Teesdale Mercury-05/05/1915: Wesleyan Sunday School Roll of Honour
Teesdale Mercury-17/04/1918: News item: Yet Another Barnard Castle Hero