10923 Private Thomas Anglesea, 15th Lancashire Fusiliers

Soldiers Died in The Great War (SDGW) states that Thomas Anglesea was born in Salford, Lancashire. I think however, that he is the same man recorded on the 1901 census as being born in Pendleton. The return, taken at 158 Robert Hall Street, Salford notes a 21 year old Thomas Anglesea living with his parents and working as a coal heaver. His age in 1901 certainly ties in with the information on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) website which records him as being 37 years old in July 1916.

Thomas was living in Salford when he enlisted with the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was given the number 10923 which indicates that he joined the regiment on about 13th October 1914. His number falls within the series used by the 15th (Service) Battalion, and indeed, that is the information given by SDGW. CWGC additionally notes that he was serving with D Company.

Thomas remained in England for over a year and it wasn't until 23rd November 1915 that he arrived in France. This meant that he was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

On 1st July 1916, the 15th Lancashire Fusiliers attacked the German positions from the sunken lane at Beaumont Hamel and came under heavy machine gun fire. The battalion lost 268 men that day and Thomas Anglesea was one of those killed. Unlike so many, his body was recovered and he is buried in Connaught Cemetery, Thiepval; grave reference I.B.15. CWGC notes that he was the "husband of A. E. Anglesea, of 11, Eldon St., Tatton St., Salford, Manchester."

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Sources:
Ancestry.co.uk (1901 Census, Medal index card)
Army Service Numbers 1881-1918
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Soldiers Died in the Great war 1914-1919
Somme Battlefields