Name
James Thomson
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
13/08/1915
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
SS/13840
Army Service Corps
18th Labour Coy.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
HELLES MEMORIAL
Panel 200 to 201 or 233 to 236 and 331.
Turkey (including Gallipoli)
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Watford memorials
Pre War
Son of James and Grace THOMSON.
His parents’ marriage is proving elusive.
James was born c1863 In Edinburgh, and resided in Watford.
On the 1871 Census, a scholar aged 7 he lived in Edinburgh, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1881 Census, an apprentice clerk aged 16 he still lived in Edinburgh, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1891 Census, he is proving elusive. On the 1901 Census, a Sergeant Instructor of Volunteers aged 38, he was a lodger in Airds, Argyllshire. On the 1911 Census, a yardman aged 48, he lived in Watford.
Officially recorded as born in Edinburgh and was living in Watford when he enlisted in London.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in London; was entitled to the British War medal, and died at sea when the troopship Royal Edward was sunk by a torpedo fired from UB-14; the ship sank within six minutes.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH online via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
