| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Tom Woodthorpe wasl born in Beverley the son of John Edward Woodthorpe and Isabella, the family lived in St Andrew Street, Beverley. Before his marriage to Isabella, John had been a regular soldier. Tom Davis Woodthorpe was born in 1887, he worked as a tanner's labourer, in Aug 1910, at the age of 23, he married Florrie Gamsby; their son, George Henry, was born in Aug 1912, they lived in Dyer Lane, Beverley.
Medal Record Rolls show Tom enlisted in the Yorkshire Regiment 5th Battalion and embarked for France on 3 Oct 1915, where they were immediately engaged in the fighting around Ypres-Sanctuary Wood-Railway Dugouts-Kemmel area.The Regimental diaries states: 17 July 1916, "Enemy's Artillery active". Tom was killed on that day as a result of his having been hit several times when an explosion occurred close to him. The commanding officer of D Company wrote to Florrie: "I am extremely sorry to lose him, for he had served under me for a long time, and had proved himself to be a good reliable and brave soldier." "…… Only a few days ago he told me of the illness of his little child, and in the midst of this trouble, you have my very sincere sympathy."
Tom was buried and is commemorated at La Laiterie Military Cemetery, he is also remembered on the Beverley War Memorial, Hengate. He was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and the 15 Star. His widow, Florrie, did not re-marry and is shown in the 1939 Register living with their son, George Henry, who survived his childhood illness and in 1941 married Cissie Spivey.
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |