Thomas Young

Biography

Thomas was born on the 13th November 1895 in Hensingham, near Whitehaven. He was baptised at Christ Church, Whitehaven in December 1895 and confirmed at St. Mark’s Church Natland in March 1910. The parents of Thomas were John and Elizabeth and in addition to Thomas they had four other children. The family lived at 3 St. George’s Terrace, Bransty, Whitehaven. John worked as a labourer at William Pit Colliery, Whitehaven. He worked there until he was killed in December 1903. Elizabeth at 36 had to cope with five young children. Thomas had already proven to be a handful and had spent time living at his grandfather’s house. His grandfather also worked at the Colliery.

In April 1904 Elizabeth had to pay 2s 8d rent. She was unable to leave her children and go out regularly for work so she relied on parish help of which she received 1 shilling for each child. Although Elizabeth had some help from her parents Thomas, in particular, was out of control. On the 20th April 1906 Thomas went to St. Mark’s Home. The Whitehaven Guardians contributed to his upkeep with 1 shilling per week. Thomas was keen to go to Canada, as others had done, but his mother would not allow this to happen. Still at St. Mark’s and four years later Thomas was placed with Mrs. Parkinson of Sawry but his time there was short lived as he then went to work on a farm for 3 shillings a week plus board. So at age 15 in 1911 Thomas was employed by Richard Matthew Goad, a farmer, as a live in servant and farm labourer at Edge Bank, Skelsmergh.

Service Record

It is not yet known how he faired after this or of his specific part in the War. It is known that he enlisted in the army at Millom. He was 22812 Private Thomas Young of the 9th Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. This Battalion was a reserve unit permanently based in the U.K. and was used as a training unit for other KSLI battalions. At an unknown time he transferred to the Labour Corps as 192013 Lance Corporal Young. It is thought this transfer took place because of wounds though evidence that he served on the Western Front or elsewhere does not exist.

How They Died

He died on the 8th July 1918 at the age of 24.

Where They Rest

He is buried at Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery.