Thomas Frederick Cyril Salt – South Wales Borderers, 11th Battalion

Lieutenant Thomas Frederick Cyril Salt – South Wales Borderers, 11^th Battalion

Early Life and Family Background

Thomas Frederick Cyril Salt

Thomas Frederick Cyril Salt was born in 1894 at Aberbeeg, Abertillery, Monmouthshire, the son of Thomas Frederick Salt and Mary Ellen Carpenter, who were married in 1886.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Salt family were living at Arral Holy Cottage, 1 Abertillery, Monmouthshire. Thomas Frederick Salt, aged 40, was employed as an under-colliery manager, and his wife Mary Ellen, aged 34, managed the household. Their children were Edith A. M. (13), Gertrude C. (11), Thomas Frederick C. (7), Morris H. (3), and Florence P. (1). Also present in the household was a servant, Mary Wright (25).

1911 Census

By the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to Gwen Hand House, Abertillery, Monmouthshire. Thomas Frederick Salt, now aged 50, was recorded as a colliery proprietor, with his wife Mary Ellen, aged 44. Their children were Edith Annie Maud (25), a teacher; Gertrude Camilla (21); Thomas Frederick Salt (17), a surveyor; Doris Eleanor (13); and Florence Pearl (11), both of whom were attending school. The family later settled in Mumbles, residing at St Brelades, Langland Road.

Military Service

At the outbreak of the First World War, Thomas Frederick Cyril Salt enlisted in the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment. He later transferred to the South Wales Borderers, 11th Battalion, receiving a commission as an officer. After completing his training, he was sent to France in early 1915, where he joined his battalion on the Western Front.

11^th Battalion, South Wales Borderers – Battle of Neuve Chapelle

The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, fought between 10^th and 13^th March 1915, was one of the first major British offensive operations of the war. The 11^th Battalion, South Wales Borderers took part in the fighting during this early and formative period of its service. The battalion was engaged in an attack intended to break through the German defensive line, capture the village of Neuve Chapelle, and advance towards Aubers Ridge. The assault opened with a short but intense artillery bombardment, followed by infantry advances across flat, waterlogged ground swept by machine-gun and artillery fire.

Although initial gains were made, progress soon slowed due to strong German resistance, communication failures, and shortages of ammunition. Casualties were heavy, particularly among officers and junior leaders attempting to direct attacks and reorganise their men. It was during the later stages of this fighting, or the shelling that followed, that Lieutenant Thomas Frederick Cyril Salt was wounded on 15^th March 1915.

Death and Burial

Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects

Following his wounding, Lieutenant Salt was evacuated to No. 8 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died of his wounds on 3^rd April 1915. According to the Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, he was serving with the South Wales Borderers at the time of his death, although the register records inconsistencies regarding his earlier service and rank, a not uncommon occurrence in early-war records. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery, Nord, France.