Thomas Elleray

Biography

Thomas was the only child of John Elleray and Louisa Mary Elleray (nee Shaw). Thomas was born in Natland in the early part of 1898 though after his birth the family moved to live at Riverside Cottages, Sedgwick. They lived with Louisa Mary’s father, a powder mill keeper. John was a labourer at the same powder works. By the end of the war John and Louisa the parents of Thomas had moved to live at Tourist’s Rest, Little Langdale, Ambleside.

At age 13 Thomas must have suffered from an isolating illness, possibly tuberculosis, as he was a patient in the Kendal Corporation Fever Hospital. This was a Sanatorium at Kendal Green Farm.

Service Record

Thomas enlisted in the Border Regiment as 8754 Private Elleray but later transferred to the Royal Engineers where he became 259620 Pioneer Thomas Elleray. He was attached to the 18th Division Signal Company.

How They Died

Thomas died on the 19th July 1917 aged 19. At the time of his death units of the 18th Division were defending a trench system known as the Great Wall of China. This trench was at Zillebeke, Belgium which is south east of Ypres. While the name Great Wall of China denotes the size of the earthworks it is not known why Perth crept into the title.

It appears Thomas was killed in a lull between major battles.

Where They Rest

A few bodies were buried in this area but after the War a much larger cemetery was created. It is here that Thomas is buried in plot 11A47 of what became the China Wall Perth Cemetery. His name is also recorded on the Natland Memorial.

Following his death a Memorial Service was held in St. Mark’s Church. He was described by the Minister as someone who had grown up in our community, attended our schools, sang in our choir, been confirmed and known to everyone as a bright, happy, cheerful and light-hearted boy. Thomas had volunteered to join and his commanding officer had described him as a faithful soldier who had died at his post.