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Thomas SIMPSON (2)

Main CPGW Record

Surname: SIMPSON

Forename(s): Thomas

Place of Birth: Bolton-by-Bowland, Yorkshire

Service No: 203072

Rank: Private

Regiment / Corps / Service: Leicestershire Regiment

Battalion / Unit: 2/4th Battalion

Division: 59th (2/North Midland) Division

Age: 25

Date of Death: 1918-04-18

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Panel 4.

CWGC Cemetery: ---

CWGC Memorial: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND, YORKSHIRE

Local War Memorial: GRINDLETON, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

Thomas Simpson was the son of George and Emma Simpson, née Masters. George was born at Whitewell, Yorkshire and Emma at Burbage, Leicestershire.

1901 Grindleton, Yorkshire Census: Old Greenwoods - Thomas Simpson, aged 7 years, born Bolton-by-Bowland, Yorkshire, son of George and Emma Simpson.

1911 Slaidburn, Yorkshire Census: Dean Slack - Thomas Simpson, aged 17 years, born Bolton-by-Bowland, Yorkshire. [Thomas and his elder brother, Henry, were employed by Thomas Camm, Farmer.]

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Thomas Simpson, 203072, Leic. R.

British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Thomas Simpson, 203072, 2/4 Leic. R.

Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Thomas Simpson, 203072, 2/4 Bn Leicester. Date and Place of Death: 18.4.18 in Action Belgium. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Father - George. £15 18s. 3d.

UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Thomas.

In a letter written to Thomas's parents by his Company C.O., (see 'Clitheroe Advertiser’ 3 May 1918) he writes: "I expect that your son has told you the sad news of his brother’s death." This is referring to Thomas’s brother, Pte Robert Simpson, 203087, who was also serving with the 2/4th Bn. He was later transferred to the 6th (Service) Bn Leicestershire Regiment.

Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry

View Entry in CPGW Book

Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---

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Private Thomas SIMPSON

Private Thomas SIMPSON

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Leicestershire Regiment

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Leicestershire Regiment

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 59th (2/North Midland) Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 59th (2/North Midland) Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: SIMPSON

Forename(s): Thomas

Born: Grindleton, Yorks

Residence: Bolton-by-Bowland, Yorks

Enlisted: Keighley, Yorks

Number: 203072

Rank: Private

Regiment: Leicestershire Regiment

Battalion: 2/4th Battalion

Decorations:

Died Date: 18/04/18

Died How: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France & Flanders

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: SIMPSON

Forename(s): Thomas

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 203072

Rank: Private

Regiment: Leicestershire Regiment

Unit: 2nd/4th Bn.

Age: 25

Awards:

Died Date: 18/04/1918

Additional Information: Son of George Simpson, of Old Greenwoods Farm, Bolton by Bolland, Clitheroe.

View Additional Text

View Additional Text For Soldier Records

‘Clitheroe Advertiser’ (3 May 1918)

(Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman of Clitheroe and Dorothy Falshaw of Gisburn)

HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY

OFFICER’S SPLENDID TESTIMONY

LATE PTE. T. SIMPSON, HOLDEN

Bolton-by-Bowland and Holden are suffering very heavily as a result of the war, news of two more soldiers who have died for their country having been received during the week. We refer elsewhere to the loss sustained by Mr. and Mrs, Tomlinson by the death of their only son, John, at Farnborough. Pvte. Tom Simpson, Leicester Regt., whose parents live near Holden, is reported by his officer to have been killed on April 18th, the sad letter being received last Saturday. Deceased was formerly in service with Mr. T. Dugdale, Broxup Farm. He was 24 years of age and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all in the neighbourhood. One of the most devoted members of the Independent Chapel, Holden, he was a member of the Choir, and a memorial service has been arranged for Sunday next, at 1-30.

The letter from the O.C. mentioned above, reads as follows:– “I expect that your son has told you the sad news of his brother’s death. It is very little I can add, except to say what a splendid fellow he was. He had been in my Company for some time and just recently took to stretcher bearing, a duty which eventually he gave his life for. His one thought always was for his comrades, and he had done some splendid work. I shall always remember one incident in his life, which was so typical of him. It was in the attack we made at Ypres, last September. Just before we left our assembly trenches, he gathered a few of his comrades together in a shell-hole, and gave them a few words of comfort from the little New Testament that he always carried. Just in that one little incident you have the character of your son. On the 18th April he made the great sacrifice in the service of his comrades, and died as he had lived – a brave and God-fearing and splendid fellow. In a case like this my sympathy for you, his parents, must seem a paltry thing indeed. However, I ask you to accept what little comfort you can in your great sorrow, in the few lines I have written, and my sympathy.”

‘Clitheroe Advertiser’ (10 May 1918)

(Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman of Clitheroe and Dorothy Falshaw of Gisburn)

Untitled Article

A crowded congregation attended the memorial service for Pte. Tom Simpson, Leicester Regt., held in the Independent Chapel, Holden, on Sunday afternoon. Particulars of the gallant soldier’s death were published in the “Advertiser” last week. The Rev. E. Knight conducted the service, and preached from Matthew xiv., 27. “Be not afraid.” The preceding verses speak of Jesus constraining His disciples to cross to the other side and the danger they experienced, but Jesus drew near. Mr. Knight referred to Pte. Simpson’s embarkation on the sea of national trouble at the call of duty. He had paid the supreme sacrifice after a life lived as a true follower of Jesus. The Choir, of which deceased was a member, sang his favourite hymn, “Sun of my soul.” and “Peace, perfect peace.”

Grindleton War Memorial – Biographical Notes by Shirley Penman

THOMAS SIMPSON, son of George and Emma nee Masters married St. Peter and St. Paul, Bolton By Bowland 1884, was born at Grindleton - resided at Bolton by Bowland but enlisted at Keighley. Before enlistment he was in service for Mr. T. Dugdale of Broxup Farm, Holden, nr. Bolton by Bowland. In April 1916 hurriedly sent to Ireland and engaged in heavy fighting with the Irish Nationalists; later being sent from Dublin to the Curragh, King George inspected the division in England at Fovant on 13-2-1917 before they crossed the channel and concentrated at Mericourt, France. Engaged with the enemy at Havrincourt; Flesquieres; Villeret; Hargicourt Quarries amongst others. In April, 1918 Thomas was designated stretcher bearer and would have seen action at the 1st Battle of Kemmel Ridge 17th - 19th April where he would appear to have been killed in action on the 18th whilst carrying out his duties.

Commemorated on:

Grindleton Memorial

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View Craven Herald Articles

View Craven Herald Articles

Craven Herald and Wensleydale Standard Logo

03 May 1918

SIMPSON – In ever loving memory of Private T. Simpson, Leicester Regiment, killed in action April 18th, 1918, while doing his duty as stretcher-bearer in France.

When alone in sorrow, and the bitter tears do flow,
There stealeth a dream of the sweet long ago;
Unknown to the world he stands by my side
And whispers – Don’t fret, death cannot divide.
For there is a link death cannot sever,
Love and remembrance last for over.

Ever remembered by his sorrowing fiancée, Nancy, and all at 8 Seymour Street, Birkenhead.

10 May 1918

CRAVEN AND THE WAR

Private T. Simpson, Bolton-by-Bolton

Private Thomas Simpson, son of Mr. Geo. Simpson, of Old Greenwood’s Farm, Bolton-by-Bowland, in the 25th year of his age, was killed on the 18th of April. He joined up in the spring of 1917 and was attached to the Leicesters. Previously he had been in service with Mr. Dugdale, of Holden. He was a member of the Holden Chapel Choir, and had many friends by whom he was well liked and highly respected – in fact he was a general favourite. A memorial service was held at the Chapel at Holden on Sunday afternoon, at which feeling reference was made by the pastor, Mr. Knight, to the sad loss. The hymn ‘Peace, Perfect Peace’ was sung, and the attendance was a crowded one.

The deceased soldier’s officer, writing to the father, says:– “What a splendid fellow he was. He had been in my Company for some time and just recently took to stretcher-bearing – a duty which eventually he gave his life for. His one thought was for his comrades, and he had done some splendid work. I shall always remember one incident in his life, which was so typical of him. It was in the attack we made at Ypres last September. Just before we left our assembly trenches, he gathered a few of his comrades together in a shell-hole and gave them a few words of comfort from the little New Testament that he always carried. Just in that one little incident you have the character of your son. On the 18th April he made the great sacrifice in the service of his comrades, and died as he had lived – a brave and God-fearing and splendid fellow. In a case like this my sympathy for you, his parents, must seem a paltry thing indeed. However, I ask you to accept what little comfort you can in your great sorrow, in the few lines I have written, and my sympathy.”

18 April 1919

SIMPSON – In ever loving memory of Tom, son of Mr. George Simpson, of Old Greenwoods Farm, Bolton-by-Bowland, who was killed in action April 18th, 1918 (one of the very best).

Twelve months have passed since one I loved
Entered to his rest above;
Since then the world seems cold and vast,
All my life’s joy seems overcast:
But hush, be every murmur dumb,
We’re only severed till He come.
So I’ll be brave and not complain,
We hope to meet in Heaven again.

Too dearly loved ever to be forgotten by his fiancée Nancy, and all at 8 Seymour Street, Birkenhead.

16 April 1920

SIMPSON – In ever loving memory of Pte. Tom Simpson, of Old Greenwoods, Bolton-by-Bowland, killed in action April 18th, 1918.

He has only crossed the river just a little while before,
And later on we’ll have to cross it too;
Then what happy rejoicings there will be upon that happy shore,
When loved ones meet again to part no more.

Ever remembered by his Fiancée, Nancy, and all at 8 Seymour Street, Birkenhead.

15 April 1921

SIMPSON – In ever loving memory of Pte. T. Simpson (Tom), of Old Greenwoods, Bolton-by-Bowland, killed in action April 18th, 1918.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Ever remembered by his Fiancée, Nancy, and all at Seymour Street, Birkenhead.

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