7349 Corporal
1st Battalion Royal Scots, 81st Infantry Brigade, 27th Division
Age: 30
Date of Death: 12.5.15
Buried: Menin Gate Memorial Panel 11
Family history: Thomas enlisted on 15 December 1900 aged 15 years and 9 months for a period of 12 years. He listed his Next of Kin as his uncle William Wallace, 41 Howgate, Falkirk. He had a brother Lawrence and a sister Minnie. His mother, Mrs Margaret Murphy, made application for a pension payment. She resided at c/o Mrs McLeod, 37 Sunnyside Street, Camelon, Falkirk, presumably her sister. He reenlisted on 2 April 1912 for a further 12 year period when he was in India.
Thomas deserted on 7 January 1902 and was absent for two months before turning himself in. He was tried for desertion and loss of kit and sentenced to two months imprisonment. He then saw service in India from 4 December 1906 to 15 October 1914. He then had a period of Home leave from 16 October to 18Â December and landed in France on 19 December 1914. On 22 February 1915 he was wounded, gun shot wound left leg. He rejoined the Battalion.
Â
The action that lead to his death
The Battalion was in the line at Hooge/Zouave Wood with the War Diary recording that the trenches were subjected to heavy shelling.
Thomas was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal under list No.33 issued with Army Orders of 1 August 1915.
Â
Medals Awarded:
DCM, 1915 Star, The British War Medal, Victory Medal
