Name
Thomas Edwards
Not yet known
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
29/04/1918
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
G/41261
Middlesex Regiment
2nd Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
POZIERES MEMORIAL
Panel 60 and 61.
France
Headstone Inscription
NA
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
Details for Thomas and his family have proved elusive, all that we know so far is detailed below.
He was recorded as born in Hitchin and that after his death his mother was recorded as Ann Phillips and so, presumably Thomas’ father had died, and his mother had remarried. No census records were found for Hitchin or Finchley (where Thomas enlisted) positively identify them.
As might be expected there are too many similar names to be confident of identification at this stage. Any further information or help would be greatly appreciated.
Wartime Service
The Soldiers Died In The Great War recorded him as born in Hitchin and he enlisted in Finchley, Middx. SDITGW and gives his service number as G/42161, however other records show this to be a transcription error and it should be 41261.
He originally served as 2201 in the 2/7th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment and later in the 2nd Battalion. He landed in France on 24 August 1915 meaning that he probably enlister in late 1914 or early 1915/
He was killed in action with the 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment and his body never recovered after the was and so, is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial in France.
Additional Information
After his death £9 3s 9d pay owing was authorised to go to his mother, Ann Phillips, on 10 October 1918. Later, a war gratuity of £17 10s was authorised to be paid to her on 28 November 1919.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild
