Military History

Thomas is listed as dying of wounds at the 8th Casualty Clearing Station, Duisans on 25th May 1917. The 15th Battalion war diary indicates that Thomas was wounded on either the 22nd or 23rd May.

Casualties reported as Nil on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 25th May

In trenches near Fresnoy – 23 May 1917: In front line system. Situation: During the morning the enemy M G fire was more sustained that usual and this was attributed to the patrols [of the 22^nd].

7.40am: Enemy put down a 5 minutes barrage about B.12.d.7.0 to B.12.a.2.8

8am: 8 enemy aeroplanes over our front line and two over Battn HQ. Normal otherwise during the day.

9.30am: A patrol left our lines from our C post B.12.b.5.0 again to reconnoitre the Fresnoy trench and obtain an identification. After proceeding for some time an enemy patrol was observed to the north and left. An attempt to capture one of this patrol failed as he made off and was engaged by garrison acting in cooperation and wounded & brought in and died immediately. He afforded a valuable identification being a Signaller of 6^th Bavarian Infantry Regt, 6^th Bavarian Division.

Patrol then proceeding and penetrated the German wire and reported that the trench was well manned.

At night battalion was relieved by 22^nd Royal Fusiliers, 199^th Brigade and after relief withdrew to bivouacs at A.28.a near Rocklincourt.

Casualties: Other ranks wounded 1                               Weather good

Rocklincourt – 24 May 1917: In bivouacs, resting during morning. Baths in the afternoon.

Casualties Other ranks wounded 4                                 Weather good

Rocklincourt – 25 May 1917: In bivouacs as above.

3.30pm: Battalion move in motor buses to rest billets at Camblain Chatelain arriving 6.45pm

Casualties nil