William Henry Thomas

Lance Corporal

Labour Corps 261134 498, H.S.E. Coy

Photo Lea Mills postcard

William Henry Thomas in WW1

Notes
William Thomas worked in the dressing department as a scourer and joined the forces on 20th August 1915. He appears to have had several postings in the Newcastle area.
In December 1916 he wrote as Pte W. Thomas No 52319, c/o Officers Mess, 83rd Training Reserve Battalion, Brighton Rd Schools, Bensham, Gateshead. In the letter, he conveyed his gratitude to the firm for its generosity and ‘for the usefulness of the articles enclosed.’ These were groceries.
In January 1918, he wrote as L/Cpl William Thomas No 261134 from 498, H.S.E. Coy, Handyside Buildings, Percy Street, Newcastle–on-Tyne. He reported that he was in ‘the best of health’ and sent his good wishes to those men still at the Mill. He was a Lance Corporal in the Labour Corp.
By September 1918, he was in France and was still there five days after the Armistice was signed and hostilities ceased. Once again he expressed his gratitude to the firm for the kindness shown in the food parcels. He reported that he had not received one of the parcels sent at Christmas time, 1917. He appears to have suffered frostbite before his discharge.

He returned to the Mill and was suffering from frostbite according to the firm’s record.

Medal Roll Index
He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.

Letters to JB Marsden-Smedley

From Pte W. Thomas, 52319
C/o Officers Mess. 83rd T.R. Batt, Brighton Rd Schools, Bensham, Gateshead, 
18/12/16.
Gentlemen,
I received the parcel, you were kind enough to send to me this afternoon, & I wish to convey, my thanks for your generosity and the usefulness of the articles enclosed, Wishing you all the Seasons Compliments
Yours Obediently,
W. Thomas

Newcastle-on-Tyne,
Monday,
Jan.  28th 1918.
Sir,
Just a few lines, to thank you all, very much, for the most welcome parcel, received last Friday. I am sure it is very good, & kind of you to think about us, in such a manner. I am very pleased to say, we are all enjoying the best of health, & are very happy & comfortable, & I hope all my fellow workers are the same, also that the firm is progressing favourably. Wishing all the Season's Greetings again thanking you for your kindness toward us.
I Remain,
Your’s Respectfully,
Wm Thomas.

France
16/11/18
Messrs. Smedley's Ltd.
To The Firm.
Dear Sirs,
Please accept my warmest thanks for your splendid parcel received on the 15 inst. I much regret to say I never received your previous one, so must presume it was lost in transit. However it is an intense gratification to me, to acknowledge your thoughtfulness & consideration, & I can assure you I appreciate it very much indeed.
I am glad to inform you I am feeling first class, & I trust the firm will have the same continued mark of prosperity as in the past. Again thanking you for your efforts in this direction, & hoping to be amongst you in the near future,
I beg to Remain
Your’s very Sincerely
W. Thomas


CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Bingham Notts

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Henry Dabell Head 60 Woodman Bramcote, Notts
Mary A Dabell wife 57   Fresby, Leicester
Gertrude Thomas g.daughter 6   Holme Pierrepoint, Notts
William H Thomas g.son 3   Stragglethorpe, Notts

RG13 piece 3203 folio 44 page 5

1911: Lea

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Anna Thomas Head (married) 42 Laundress woolen hosiery mill Balderton, Notts
Willliam Henry Thomas son 13 Mess. boy hosiery mill Stragglethorpe, Notts
Nora May Wills visitor 13 ? at hosiery mills Lea
Minnie Wills visitor 11 School Lea
Dorothy Jane Wills visitor 8   Lea

RG14PN21012 RG78PN1253 RD436 SD6 ED10 SN26