Lt. (Quatermaster) Joseph Henry Thomas

[JEG]

I would be most grateful for any information anybody could give me on:

Lieutenant (Quartermaster) Joseph Henry Thomas

Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Date of Death: 25/06/1919

He is buried in Heene Cemetery (Worthing, Sussex).

He served in the Boer War.

Parents: William Henry and Mary Thomas

I have not been able to find a local link this family and Worthing and wonder if anyone knows anything about them?

Many thanks,

Janet

[Muerrisch]

The only JH Thomas I have was 2501 C/Sgt who gained the three State bars together with Tugela Heights and Relief of Ladysmith with 1 RWF. His number indicates he joined in about 1886 so unlikely [but not impossible] still serving late in Great War.

I cannot find him him as a RWF officer.

Please note that correct rank should be: Quartermaster and Hon. Lt.

A quartermaster was commissioned as such [a 'non-combatant' commission] and then given increase in honorary rank with service and for distinguished service.

[big jar of wasps]

Is there no mention of him in Sassoon`s book?

Where was he from?

[JEG]

Thank you for looking him up.

Stupidly, I did not give Thomas’s age - he was 47 when he died. So, assuming he was born around 1872, could he have enlisted as a boy-soldier aged 14?

My problem is that I cannot establish a local connection with the Thomas family. He is buried in Heene Church Cemetery (Worthing, Sussex) but I cannot find them in the town directory and Joseph is not on Heene’s memorial.

Thanks again,

Janet