Marilyne Posted 13 October , 2013 Share Posted 13 October , 2013 I have one question: on all websites about Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Poperinghe I find the same thing: there is one non-war burial on the cemetery. I did not record that info during my visit. can somebody help me out and tell me who this is and how it comes he is on that cemetery??? Thanks. MM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sajackr Posted 13 October , 2013 Share Posted 13 October , 2013 Marlyne, I believe it is Thomas McGrath, a Sergeant with the Chinese Labour Corps during the war, later working for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Thomas died on the 23rd April 1920. R'ds Sajackr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyne Posted 15 October , 2013 Author Share Posted 15 October , 2013 Thanks for the answer, Are you sure?? The only Thomas McGrath on Lijssenthoek, according to the CWGC database died in 1916... MM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPT Posted 15 October , 2013 Share Posted 15 October , 2013 http://www.lijssenthoek.be/en/address/9166/-thomas-mcgrath.html He wouldn't appear on CWGC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eairicbloodaxe Posted 15 October , 2013 Share Posted 15 October , 2013 Does that medal card really say "Deserted 17/9/19"? Seems a bit cruel to withold medals on that basis as it was after hostilities ceased. (Yes, I do appreciate I am being naieve here). Who was the enemy at that time? Would love to know the story as to why he ran away! Regards Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPT Posted 15 October , 2013 Share Posted 15 October , 2013 Good spot. I wonder if the wife Maria from Poperinghe had anything to do with his decision? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eairicbloodaxe Posted 16 October , 2013 Share Posted 16 October , 2013 Can't find his service record... :-( Regards Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRC Kevin Posted 16 October , 2013 Share Posted 16 October , 2013 Does that medal card really say "Deserted 17/9/19"? Seems a bit cruel to withold medals on that basis as it was after hostilities ceased. (Yes, I do appreciate I am being naieve here). Who was the enemy at that time? Would love to know the story as to why he ran away! Regards Ian Quite a few men deserted after the Armistice and although medals were initially withheld, many got them in the 1930s after attitudes had softened. All they needed to do was to sign a form admitting their crime and no further action was taken against them. I presume many thought that they'd signed on for the duration of the War and wanted to get their lives back once the fighting had stopped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyne Posted 17 October , 2013 Author Share Posted 17 October , 2013 http://www.lijssenthoek.be/en/address/9166/-thomas-mcgrath.html He wouldn't appear on CWGC. You're so right !! thank you very much for the help !!! MM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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