Thomas Thompson

Killed in Action on the 27/08/1915 shot through the head by a German sniper whilst on sentry duty at Cuinchy

The Battalion were in Maryhill Barracks in Glasgow in August 1914. They left by train for Southampton late on the 13/08/1914. Next day, they embarked on the S.S. "Caledonia" and sailed. On the 15/08/1914 they landed at Le Havre as Lines of Communication troops. On the 22/08/1914 they came under orders of the 19th Infantry Brigade, which was not allocated to a Division but was an independent command at this time. On the 12/10/1914 they transferred with the Brigade to 6th Division. On the 31/05/1915 they transferred with the Brigade to 27th Division. On the 19/08/1915 they transferred with Brigade to the 2nd Division. Thomas arrived in France on the 23/09/1914. The Battalion famously refused to play football or otherwise fraternise with the enemy on Christmas Day 1914. Thomas was shot through the head by a sniper whilst on sentry duty. 1st Battalion War Diary states - "Private Thompson killed following wounded. Intermittent shelling. Not much sniping. 3 Privates wounded". See photos for 4 days of the Battalions War Diary. Thomas was 11 months at the front without being home. Thomas is listed as THOMSON on the Coatbridge Memorial. He is also remembered on the St. Patrick's Church Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for Thomas' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his listing in the De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Memorial Plaque (Dead Mans Penny), his Headstone Report x 2, Woburn Abbey Cemetery, Thomas' Pension Records x 3 and the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Cap Badge.