Military History

Thomas is listed as dying of wounds on 9th February 1918 and he was buried at the Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery which, at that time, was used for burials by the 21st and 48th Casualty Clearing Stations. The 10th Battalion war diary for the period 1st to 10th February is transcribed below (minus adminstrative details of troops going on leave and new joiners).

Valluart Camp – 1.2.18: Coys cleaned up.

Valluart Camp – 2.2.18: In morning Coys had baths. In the afternoon Battn proceeded by Coys to Trescault & thence marched to Intermediate line. Dispostion:- Ridge Trench – Battn HQ
Ridge Support – B & C Coys
Highland Support – A & D Coys

Intermediate Line – 3.2.18: Coys worked on trenches – Nothing to report. 6 OR proceeded on leave.

Intermediate Line – 4.2.18: A Coy furnished carrying party – D Coy worked on trenches.

Intermediate Line – 5.2.18: Lt Col R.M. Heath took over 57^th Brigade. Major A.S. Fitzgerald assumed command of Battalion.

Intermediate Line – 6.2.18: Working party of 1 Officer and 20 OR at Bde HQ. Bn Relieved 10/Worcs R & 1 Coy 8/Glouc R in right sub-sector, Divisional front left sector. Disposition on relief: A Coy right; B Coy centre; C Coy left & D Coy support

Front Line – 7.2.18: At about 12.35am SOS was put up on left of Div Sector, artillery & M.G’s opened fire – all was quiet again about 2.15am. Remainder of day was quiet

Front Line – 8.2.18: Slight artillery activity in Support & Reserve areas.

Front Line – 9.2.18: Enemy quiet – usual artillery activity on back areas.

Casualties: 3 OR wounded

Front Line – 10.2.18: Enemy artillery fairly active, especially on back areas. In evening Bn was relieved by 10/Worcs R & on completion of relief (7.50pm) returned to Havrincourt Wood by train from Trescualt.

Casualties: 2 OR wounded