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
