G/6630 Pte Thomas Smith, 8th Bn Royal West Kent Regt.
Born in Burnley, Lancs, in 1888, Thomas was living at 32, Croft Street, Accrington at the time of his enlistment on 25 January 1915. A former employee of the Conveyor & Elevator Co., Accrington, he proceeded to France on 30 August 1915 but was wounded in the arm and leg at the Battle of Loos less than five weeks later. After recovery at Warrington, he returned to France on 23 December 1915 and he was lightly wounded again at the end of May 1916 but, this time, completed his recovery in France. Serving on the Somme following his return to duty, Thomas was killed in action on 17 August 1916. His body was lost so as a result, Thomas is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.
17 August 1916
Research by David O'Mara, Croonaert Research Services.
