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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment
Pte. Sidney "Son" Thomas
British Army 1/24th Batallion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
from:Loughborough Jct, London
(d.26th May 1915)
Sidney Thomas, known as Son to his family was the oldest son of six siblings. We have 5 letters and diary entries from Son from March '14 to April '15. According to war records he was killed in action on 26th May 1915. His burial place is listed as Richebourg-l'Avoue, Department du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de Calais, France. Though there is no known grave. His name is on a Le Toret memorial. Sonny lived in Loughborough Jct, London when he enlisted at Kennington.
His diary entries say:
March 14th- 1st Batt. start for Active Service. Left Hatfield at midnight. Marched to Haprpenden 11 miles. Entrained for Southampton. Arriving.
March 15th- At 9:30 embarked on Queen Empress at 6:30 am on...
March 16th- Arrived at L'Harvre at 3:20 am Left Ship at 8:30 & marched to Honfleur on Bully Beef & biscuit go under canvas
Letters say:
Dear Mum. Am leaving the base for the firing line on Thursday 22/4/14. Don't write to me until you hear from me. Am still Happy. Hope you are all Right.. Love to All. Son.
Dear Mum, How are you all keeping I am still fit as can be. You won't forget to remember me to all the folks at home will you. Who do you think I met in France. Old Bert Guess, as large as life. He was absolutely dumbfounded to see me. He only comes up to my shoulders but he looks smart in uniform. I have made quite a pal of him he is a ripping old soldier & and puts me up to lots of good hints. I cannot tell you my whereabouts but I don't want you to worry about me. I am happy as can be under.....
Dear Mum. I am still getting along A1. How are you getting on. Now I am just writing to tell you not to worry about me. I am still blowing along and am more fit on active service than I was at home. I am sorry to tell you that I have missed poor old Bert Guess but I expect he is still getting along alright it is possible that I shall run across him again soon I hope. Will you write and tell me all the news at home. I should like to have a line from all of you, will you address all correspondence to above address & they will be forwarded on to me. Write by return of post because I am anxiously waiting to hear from you all. I cannot tell you any more news now. So Good-Bye (CENSORED CENSORED CENSORED) With much love to all Son. (censored, censored, censored, censored, censored, censored, censored)
Dear Mum. Everything A1. Going on alright. In thick of fighting. Just been relieved from trenches. Will write and tell you all news in morning. Want to catch post. Am fit as fiddle. Love Son.
30-4-15 Dear Mum. Am still alive and kicking. Am writing this from the trenches. We have been in for 2 days and expect to be relieved in 2 days for a rest. I am sorry to tell you we have had several days casualties. One of our officers was shot and whilst he was being carried out, the stretcher bearer was also shot. They have also got rid of one of the best pals I had. I am pleased to tell you that I have met Bert Guess again we are in the trenches together. Bang! There goes a Jack Johnson (talk about sport). You wont forget my rations will you, only have had my boots or clothes of for nearly a month and likewise have not had a wash.. So you can guess what a state I am in, but I don't care, am happier than I have been since I joined the army. I hardly know what I am writing here with the noise that's going on the boys are just settling a little argument with Frits, bang bang, share that one amongst you, you square headed ____ says one gent on my right. That's just a little morning greeting. Should like a little grub if you would oblige, our chief food is bully beef & biscuits for dinner, a small rasher for break & buisc. and jam tea. 5 rounds rapped for supper. Well how are things going on at home it seems years since I left dear old England. How are you all keeping. Is little Vera, Floss and the boys still fit. Will you remember me to all at home. (Manchester ) & Westcliffe. I had a letter from Auntie Daisie but have been unable to reply yet, give her my love wont you. How is Miss Brown, Grandma, Jim, Ernie, Seamens and Co. all the giddy familie don't forget to let me hear. Have you seen or heard anything from Sid should like to hear from him, Letters and parcels are brought into the trenches every evening to us. Bang! there goes another, arms and legs flying all over the place. Poor old Frits. He woke up the wrong customer when he woke England. Especially the Terrers. What do you think of them now eh. Not Saturday night soldiers anymore (what).
I am not allowed to tell you my whereabouts but if you study the papers I think you will hear a lot about the 24th Queens 1st Batt. I expect you hear plenty of news concerning us about South London, don't you. I should be pleased if you would take a Sunday paper in for me & save them until I
come home. Well I must pack up now, just going to have a little sleep in the dugout Don't forget to remember me to all the folks at home. With all my love to all. From your happy son Sydney VC. Should like a reply by return. Son. Do not stamp letters parcels etc.'
Sydney was killed less than 4 weeks later.
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