Anthony THOMPSON

10 December 1915

HELLIFIELD – Home from the Front

Lance-Corporal Arthur Charles Russell, son of Mr. E.H. Russell, stationmaster, of Hellifield, has been over from the Front during the past week on seven days’ leave. Lance-Corporal Russell, who joined the forces in September 1914, is a battalion signaller attached to the 10th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own (West Yorks.) Regiment. He has been on active service since last July. Before joining the army he was a ticket examiner employed by the Midland Railway Company at Beeston, Notts.–Private Anthony Thompson, son of Mr. John Thompson, of Halton West, arrived on Monday straight from the trenches, where he has been for the last five months. He joined the 9th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s W.R. Regiment at the outbreak of war. He returns to duty on Sunday.

21 July 1916

HALTON WEST MAN MISSING

Mr. J. Thompson, of Home Farm, has received news that his son, Pte. Anthony Thompson, of the 9th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, is supposed to be wounded and missing. In a letter to Mr. Thompson, Sergt. F. Thompson, ‘D’ Company 9th Duke of Wellington’s, states:– “I received parcel that was sent for Anthony, but I am sorry to inform you that he is missing. Some of the lads say that he got wounded and went down the line. I hope it is true. He was a good lad. I spoke to him several times shortly before he was missing. Please let me know if you have heard anything from him.” Pte. Thompson, who has been in France since last July, wrote regularly to his father, but for over a fortnight no letter has been received from him.

11 August 1916

HELLIFIELD – PRIVATE A. THOMPSON

Mr. J. Thompson, of Halton West, has received official news from the Infantry Record Office at York, that his son, Pte. Anthony Thompson, is ill at a place not stated suffering from wounds. It was previously reported in these columns that he was supposed wounded and missing.

16 March 1917

THOMPSON – July 7th 1916 killed in action in France, Pte. Anthony Thompson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, son of Mr. J. Thompson, Holme Farm, Halton West, aged 24 years.

16 March 1917

HELLIFIELD HEROES' SUPREME SACRIFICE – PRIVATE ANTHONY THOMPSON

Mr. J. Thompson of Holme Farm, Halton West, has received a letter from the Infantry Records Office, York, stating that the War Office had informed them that his son, Pte. Anthony Thompson, of the Duke of Wellington’s, was killed in action on July 7th 1916. Pte. Thompson was previously reported wounded in these columns, official information having been received in July last that he was ill at a place not stated, suffering from wounds. Since then, however, up to the news of his death, no further tidings were heard of him. Prior to joining the Army in August 1914, Pte. Thompson assisted his father at Holme Farm. He was 24 years of age and went to France in July 1915.

30 March 1917

HELLIFIELD – IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday evening at St. Aidan’s Church, a special memorial service was held in memory of Pte. Anthony Thompson, Pte. Richard Shorrock and Pte. Michael M. Curtis, who were reported killed a fortnight ago. A large congregation was present which included the 6th West Riding Cadets and the members of the V.T.C. The service was very impressive, special lessons being read and special hymns sung.

The Vicar (Rev. A. J. Whyte) delivered a very touching sermon, and in his disclosure he said all their sympathies went out to the bereaved families. These three men had given their lives for their country, so that others might enjoy freedom and right. Their lives had been one of self-sacrifice and devotion. At all times they had been reliable and honourable, thinking only of their comrades and duty, which was an example of their Christian lives. If these sacrifices enabled us to be uplifted in Christ and to live for others as well as ourselves, then the supreme sacrifice made by these brave men would not have been in vain.

The Dead March in ‘Saul’ was played by the organist, Miss D. Wilson, and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded by Master R. Bownass.