David John Thomas – South Lancashire Regiment, 6th Battalion

Private David John Thomas – South Lancashire Regiment, 6^th Battalion

Birth and Family Background

David John Thomas

David John Thomas and Sarah Jane Jenkins
marriage certificate
All Saints Church, Oystermouth

David John Thomas was born in 1885 at Oystermouth, the son of David John Thomas and Sarah Jane Jenkins. His parents were married in 1884 at All Saints Church, Oystermouth.

1891 Census

The 1891 Census records the family living at Hill Cottage, Oystermouth. David J. Thomas (33) was employed as a mariner, while his wife Sarah J. (30) managed the household.

Their children were David J. (6), who was attending school; Rose E. (3); William J. (2); and Sarah J. (3 months).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to 8 John Street, Oystermouth, and had grown considerably. David J. Thomas (43) was now employed as a joiner carpenter, and his wife Sarah J. (40) managed the household.

Their children were David J. (16), Rose E. (13), William J. (12), Sarah J. (10), Elizabeth (9), Florence (7), Alice (6), George (5), Margaret (3), and Blanche (11 months).

1911 Census

By the time of the 1911 Census, David John Thomas had married, and the family were living at 39 Park Street, Mumbles. David J. Thomas (26) was employed as a labourer, and his wife Jenny (22) managed the household.

Their children were David (3), Clifford (2), and Albert (6 months).

Military Service

Private David John Thomas enlisted in the British Army and served with the South Lancashire Regiment, 6^th Battalion.

In April 1916, the battalion was serving in the Mesopotamian Campaign as part of the 13^th (Western) Division, having been transferred from Gallipoli earlier in the year. The division formed part of the force attempting to relieve the besieged garrison at Kut-al-Amara, which had been surrounded by Ottoman forces since December 1915.

By 19^th April 1916, the 6th Battalion was involved in heavy fighting along the Tigris River, during a series of costly assaults against well-entrenched Ottoman positions. These operations were carried out under extremely difficult conditions, including intense enemy fire, harsh climate, poor supply lines, and widespread illness. Casualties during this period were severe.

Death and Commemoration

Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects

According to the Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, Private David John Thomas was killed in action on 19^th April 1916.

He has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq, which honours those who fell in the Mesopotamian Campaign and whose burial places are unknown.