Name
Thomas George Dodds
5th November 1891.
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
30/08/1918
28 years
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
M2/045520
Army Service Corps
402nd M.T. Coy. Attd. 184th Siege Battery, Royal
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY, ARRAS
VII. E. 25.
France
Headstone Inscription
"LORD BE WITH HIM TILL WE MEET AGAIN"
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield War Memorial, Hatfield In Memoriam Book, Not on the Walkern memorials
Pre War
Thomas George Dodds was born on 5th November 1891, in Walkern, Herts, son of Thomas David Dodds a Blacksmith (B 1856 in Foulden, Norfolk) and Mary Ann Dodds (nee Pettit) (B 1858 in Walkern) the eldest of three children. Baptised in Walkern, Herts, on 30th July 1893. He attended Hatfield C of E School and Hatfield National School (later St Audrey's school).
1901 Census records Thomas aged 9, living with his parents, sister Christina 5 and brother Edward 2 months, in Park Street, Hatfield. His father was working as a coach smith.
1911 Census: Thomas was still living with family in Park Street, Hatfield and working as a motor and cycle salesman at motor works. His father was still a coach smith.
Officially recorded as born in Walkern and was living in Hatfield when he enlisted in Bedford.
Wartime Service
Thomas enlisted in Bedford, posted to the Army Service Corps with the Service No. M2/045520. His Medal card indicates he Disembarked in France on 27th July 1915.
The National Roll of the Great War 1914-1918, Section V., Luton, recorded: "Dodds, T. G. Pte R.A.S.C. (M.T.) – Volunteering in June 1915 he was sent to the Western Front where he served on important motor transport duties in various sectors. On August 29th 1918 he was killed by a shell whilst driving his motor near Arras and was buried in Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, General Service and Victory Medals ."
5, Chapman’s Terrace, Hatfield.
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of February 1915, in the sixth list of men serving from Hatfield, recorded: “Dodds, George – Chapman’s Terrace, A.S.C. (believe this to be Thomas George Dobbs). Then in October 1918: “We have further to announce the death of Private T.G. Dodds who was killed by an enemy shell on the morning of August 30th. He was struck on the head by a splinter about 6.45a.m. and died half an hour later without regaining consciousness.
His commanding officer writes as follows: - “Everyone, N.C.O.s, men and my fellow officers join with me in tendering you the expression of our deepest sympathy and we greatly mourn the loss of one who was always a cheerful comrade and a willing helper, when work was to be done. He is buried in the Military Cemetery, Faubourg d’ Amiens – Arras and the funeral was read by the Rev. Canon Ely Scott”........
Our sympathy goes out to his parents and fiancée for the loss of a good and true man."
The Herts Advertiser, dated 14th September 1918: “Private Thomas George Dodds ASC.MT, elder son of Mr and Mrs T G Dodds of Park Street, Hatfield, was killed in France on the morning of August 30th by a splinter from an enemy shell which struck him on the head. He died almost immediately without regaining consciousness. From a letter received from a comrade who was in the lorry at the time, it seems they were returning from the front line after delivering supplies when he met his death.”
His comrade states: - “It came upon us as a severe shock and to myself doubly so. We have been together through varying changes of fortune during the last year and I have ever found him a cheerful mate and loyal pal.” Private Dodds was 27 years of age, joined the army in January 1915 and has been in France since June of the same year. He was expected to be in England very shortly when he was to have been married. Much sympathy is felt for his parents, who are well-known and respected in Hatfield, and for his fiancée."
It is believed he was serving alongside the Canadians when he was killed.
Awarded the Victory Medal, British War Medal and 1915 Star.
Additional Information
His father, Mr T. D. Dodds, of 5 Chapmans Terrace, Park Street, Hatfield, Herts., orderd his headstone inscription: “LORD BE WITH HIM TILL WE MEET AGAIN".
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1861-1941:
1920 - Dodds, Thomas George of 5 Chapman’s Terrace, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Private, .M. Army died 30 Aug 1918 in France. Administration (with will) London 25 June to Thomas David Dodds, coach sith. Effects £152.9s.2d.
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mrs Dodds (Mother) of Chapman’s Yard received an “In Memoriam and Roll of Honour Album”.
Acknowledgments
Stuart Osborne
Jonty Wild, Stuart Osborne, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
