Ernest Thomas

Name

Ernest Thomas

Conflict

First World War

Date of Death / Age

01/07/1916
29

Rank, Service Number & Service Details

Private
11893
Royal Fusiliers
20th (County of London) Bn.

Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards

1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals

Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country

LOOS MEMORIAL
Panel 25 to 27.
France

Headstone Inscription

None

UK & Other Memorials

Not on the Potters Bar memorials

Pre War

Ernest Thomas was born in 1887 to Joseph Thomas, coachman, and Rosina (nee Lee).


On the 11891 Census the family of parents, Eva R (born 1884), George (born 1885) and Ernest were living at 49 Bruce Road, South Mimms


On the 1901 Census the family were still living at 49 Bruce Road, South Mimms and consisted of parents, George (postman), Ernest (errand boy) and Edith (born 1890).


Ernest married Grace Luck in Sep 1913.


Attested as Private 5507 on 10 Jan 1906 for 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, a militia formation. That record suggests that he enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers on 29 Jan 1906. However his service number of 11893 suggests earlier in Jan 1906 as number 11891 was issued on 1 Jan 1906 (numerical order is normal but not guaranteed).  No Service record was found for Ernest.


Wartime Service

Ernest went to France on 7 Oct 1914 probably to join 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers as part of 9 Brigade 3 Division, taking part in actions in the Ypres Sector. At some time he was transferred, along with some others to 20th (Service) Battalion (3rd Public Schools) probably to provide a measure of experience in the Battalion who as part of 98 Brigade 33 Division whose first offensive action was to take part in the Battle of Albert on 1 Jul 1916.


During this action Ernest was reported killed in action.  His remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

Additional Information

War Gratuity of £5 and arrears  of £6 16s 11d was paid to his widow.

Acknowledgments

Neil Cooper