Edwin James Thomas – Royal Army Service Corps, 16th Auxiliary Horse Transport Company
Driver Edwin James Thomas – Royal Army Service Corps, 16th Auxiliary Horse Transport Company
Birth and Family Background
Edwin James Thomas was born in 1886 at Oystermouth,
the son of William Thomas and Elizabeth Davies, who
were married in 1883.Edwin James Thomas
 |
| 1891 Census |
The 1891 Census records the family living at 4 Castleton Street, Oystermouth. William Thomas (31) was employed as a haulier, while his wife Elizabeth (31) managed the household.
Their children were Edwin J. (5), William B. (3),
and Arthur G. (1).
 |
| 1901 Census |
By the time of the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Mase Pool, Oystermouth. William Thomas (41) was working as a coal merchant haulier, and Elizabeth (41) cared for their growing family.
Their children were Edwin J. (15), employed as a general
labourer; William B. (13); Arthur G. (11); Thomas J. (7);
Albert S. (5); Nora L. (2); and Joseph W. (7 months).
Marriage
In 1908, Edwin James Thomas married Susanna
Woodley.
 |
| 1911 Census |
At the time of the 1911 Census, Edwin and Susanna were living at 46 Duffryn Road, Caerau, near Bridgend, in the home of Susanna’s family.
The household included William Woodley (29), a widower
employed as a colliery labourer (below ground), and his father William
Woodley Snr. (68), also a widower. Also present were Edwin James Thomas
(25), employed as a colliery labourer (above ground), and his wife Susanna
(24). Two boarders, David Edwards (27) and Aaron George Edward
(19), were also recorded.
Military Service
Edwin James Thomas enlisted in the British Army
and served as a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps, 16th
Auxiliary Horse Transport Company.
The Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) was responsible
for the supply and transport of food, ammunition, equipment, and other
essential stores. Within the corps, Auxiliary Horse Transport (AHT)
Companies played a vital role, particularly where motor transport was
impractical.
The 16th Auxiliary Horse Transport Company
operated mainly with horse-drawn wagons, transporting supplies from
railheads and depots to forward supply points. Drivers were responsible for
handling and caring for horses, maintaining equipment, and loading and
unloading stores, often working long hours under difficult conditions, including
poor weather, damaged roads, and the constant strain of military operations.
Following the Armistice in November 1918, RASC units,
including the 16th AHT Company, remained on the Continent to support occupation
forces and the large-scale movement of men and supplies. Living conditions
remained challenging, and disease was widespread among the troops.
Death and Burial
Driver Edwin James Thomas died from the effects of
influenza on 9th March 1919, during the post-war influenza
pandemic. He is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France,
where many soldiers who died after the Armistice are laid to rest
Comments
Post a Comment