Thomas Green, D.C.M.

Second Lieutenant Thomas Green, D.C.M. – Royal Garrison Artillery, 105^th Siege Battery

Early Life

Thomas Green 

Thomas Green was born in 1888 in Swansea, the son of Thomas Green and Ann Green.

1891 Census

According to the 1891 Census, the Green family was living at 2 Parkwyn Lodge, Swansea. Thomas senior, aged 46 and born in Gloucestershire, was employed as a Gardener. His wife, Ann, aged 36 and also born in Gloucestershire, managed the household. Their children were James (11) and Maud (9), both attending school, and Thomas (3).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Parkwyn Gardens, Swansea. Thomas senior, aged 54, was working as a Market Gardener, while Ann, aged 43, remained at home. Their children were Maud (19), employed as a Dressmaker; Thomas (13); and Gladys (6).

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the family living at Claremont Gardens, Mayals, near Swansea. Thomas senior, now 66, continued as a Market Gardener, and Ann, aged 54, kept house. Their only child present at that time was Gladys Mary, aged 16.

Military Career

1911 Census

By 1911, Thomas Green (junior) had already enlisted in the Royal Artillery, serving with the 4th Garrison Artillery. He was recorded in the census as an Acting Bombardier, stationed at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth.

When the First World War began, he continued his service with the Royal Garrison Artillery (R.G.A.), later joining the 105^th Siege Battery, one of the heavy artillery units equipped with large-calibre guns designed for long-range bombardment of enemy positions, strongpoints, and supply routes.

In April 1916, then Sergeant Thomas Green was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty under fire. His award was officially published in the London Gazette on 3^rd April 1916, with the following citation:

“22489 Sergeant T. Green, Royal Garrison Artillery — For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when a garrison hut was hit and set on fire by enemy shell and some cases of cartridges set alight. Sergeant Green was the first person to enter the hut and, single-handed, succeeded in rescuing the badly wounded men.”
— The London Gazette, Supplement, 3^rd April 1916.

This act of bravery demonstrated not only his courage but also his quick thinking and selflessness under the most dangerous conditions. Following this recognition, he was promoted in the field and subsequently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant — a rare and honourable achievement for a soldier who had risen from the ranks through merit and heroism.

Marriage and Family

Thomas Green married Kate Alice in 1912, in Great Yarmouth, where he was then stationed with the Royal Artillery. Contemporary letters suggest the couple became engaged around March 1912, and by the time of his death, Kate was living at 74 St Peter’s Road, Great Yarmouth.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) records her as “Kate Green, of 74 St Peter’s Road, Great Yarmouth”, confirming her as his widow. No children from the marriage are recorded.

The 105^th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

The 105^th Siege Battery was formed in 1916, equipped with 8-inch howitzers capable of long-range fire. The unit served on the Western Front, where its heavy guns played a crucial role in destroying enemy strongpoints, supply dumps, and defensive works.
Operating siege artillery demanded precision, discipline, and courage, as the batteries were frequent targets for German counter-battery fire and aerial observation.

During the Battle of the Somme (1916), the 105th Siege Battery supported British forces in the Albert and Bécourt sectors, maintaining almost continuous fire for weeks at a time. It was during this period of sustained and dangerous operations that Second Lieutenant Green was fatally wounded.

Death and Burial

Thomas Green
Bécourt Military Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Second Lieutenant Thomas Green, D.C.M., 105^th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, died of wounds on 28^th October 1916, aged 28. His death occurred during the later stages of the Battle of the Somme, a campaign in which siege batteries were constantly engaged in counter-battery duels and bombardments in support of the infantry.

He was laid to rest at Bécourt Military Cemetery, near Bécordel-Bécourt, France, a burial ground established close to the front-line positions used by British artillery units during the Somme offensive.

Legacy

Second Lieutenant Thomas Green, D.C.M., is remembered with honour for his distinguished service and gallantry. His rise from Acting Bombardier to Commissioned Officer reflects a life of leadership, dedication, and courage. His service with the Royal Garrison Artillery stands as a testament to the professionalism and quiet heroism of the artillerymen who manned the great guns of the Western Front.

He is also commemorated locally on the Blackpill First World War Memorial, situated at Clyne Chapel, Swansea, where his name appears among those of fellow local men who served and fell in the Great War.