Military History

Thomas is listed as being killed in action on 24th October 1918. The 1st Battalion war diary entries for the period 22nd to 25th October 1918 are transcribed.

Saulzoir - 22 Oct 1918: Wet day. A & C Coys are withdrawn to the village of Saulzoir. Major H.S. Filsell DSO joined the Battalion

Saulzoir - 23 Oct 1918: Fine day. Battalion moved up into Battle positions at 23.00 hours. B & D are in front line, B Coy on right and D on left, C Coy left support and A Coy right support.

Saulzoir - 24 Oct 1918: Zero hour is at 04:00 hours. Barrage is a little short to commmence with & we have a few casualties from our own shell fire. The River Echillon is crossed without difficulty and the village of Verchain entered, large numbers of the enemy giving themselves up.

At 05:00 hrs the first objective is taken and A & C Coys passed through B & D Coys to the second objective which is on the high ground to the NE of Verchain. Opposition is encountered here in the form of a trench line and several machine guns which renders further advance impossible at the time. A & C Coys consolidated on a line about 200 yards in the rear of the objective having established touch on the left with 1st Somerset Light Infantry and on the right with 2nd Duke of Wellingtons Regt.

2nd Lt FN Martin is killed and 2nd Lt HJ Harrison & LT FA Smith MC wounded.

Battalion is relieved at night by the 1st King's Own Regt & Coys go back to billets at Saulzoir. During the action the battalion has about 95 casualties killed and wounded. 2nd Lt HH Carter wounded.

Battn caputured 2 light trench mortars, 8 heavy machine guns, 10 light machine guns and 150 prisoners (approximately).

Saulzoir - 25 Oct 1918: Fine day. Battalion rests and cleans up. Coys all have baths and clean change of clothing during the morning. All men are paid out in the afternoon. 

The G.O.C. 4th Division visits the Battalion in the morning & congratulates the C.O. on the good work done.