Thomas Charles Horner

Signalman Thomas Charles Horner – Royal Corps of Signals

Early Life

Thomas Charles Horner

Thomas Charles Horner was born in 1886 in Swansea, the son of Henry Horner and Emily Tabitha Bevan, who had married in 1882.

1901 Census

The 1901 Census records the Horner family living at 5 Hafod Street, Swansea. Henry, then aged 39, was employed as a Railway Signalman, while his wife Emily Tabitha, aged 37, kept the household. Their children at that time were George Henry (16), an apprentice tailor; Thomas Charles (14), working as an errand boy; Ada May (12); Bertrand Crocker (11); Mennie Ann (9); Oscar Crocker (6); Percy Crocker (5); and the youngest, Selina Maud (2).

In 1913, Thomas married Isabel L. Murrey in Swansea.

Military Service

During the First World War, Thomas served with the Welsh Regiment. In 1916, while at home in Hafod, he received an official communication from the Home Office wrongly informing him that he had been killed in action.

1921 Census

After the war, Thomas returned to civilian life. The 1921 Census records him, aged 34, living at 64 Norfolk Street, Swansea, employed as a Steel Tube Worker (Straightening) with the Mannesmann Tube Company. Also, present were his wife, Isabel, 27, and their three-year-old daughter, Betty.

1939 Register 

At the outbreak of the Second World War, the 1939 Register again lists the family at Norfolk Street, with Thomas still employed at the Mannesmann Tube Company. In February 1940, he rejoined the army, this time serving as a Signalman in the Royal Corps of Signals. By January 1941, however, he had been discharged on a pension due to ill health.

Death

South Wales Daily Post

Thomas died on 23^rd March 1947, aged 61, after a period of illness. His death was reported in the South Wales Daily Post.

Burial

Thomas Charles Horner
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Thomas was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea, where he joined many fellow servicemen from both world wars.

Legacy

Thomas’s story reflects the service of men who answered their country’s call in not just one but two world wars. From his time in the Welsh Regiment during the Great War to his later service as a Signalman in the Royal Corps of Signals, he embodied resilience and duty despite the hardships of war and ill health. His working life at the Mannesmann Tube Company and his long ties to Swansea also mark him as part of the city’s industrial and military history. His grave at Danygraig Cemetery stands as a lasting reminder of his service, sacrifice, and the enduring contributions of ordinary Welshmen to national and local history.