Main CPGW Record
Surname: HANDLEY
Forename(s): Thomas
Place of Birth: Garsdale, Yorkshire
Service No: 86227
Rank: L/Corporal
Regiment / Corps / Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Battalion / Unit: 54th Coy
Division: 18th (Eastern) Division
Age: 19
Date of Death: 1917-11-27
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: VIII. A. 14.
CWGC Cemetery: POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: GARSDALE, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Thomas Handley was the son of John and Betsy Handley, née Harper. Both parents were born at Garsdale, Yorkshire.
1901 Garsdale, Yorkshire Census: Knudmaning - Thomas Handley, aged 3 years, born Garsdale, son of John and Betsy Handley.
1911 Garsdale, Yorkshire Census: Thwaite Head - Thomas Handley, aged 13 years, born Garsdale, son of John and Betsy Handley.
The British Army Service Record for Thomas Handley exists but may be incomplete.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Thomas Handley, 86227, M.G.C.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Thomas Handley, 86227, M.G.C. Killed in action 27.11.17.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: L/Cpl Thomas Handley, 86227, 50th Co. M.G.C. Date and Place of Death: 27.11.17. In Action. France or Belgium. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother - Betsy. £3 11s. 10d. Distribution. War Gratuity: Mother - Betsy. £3 10s. 0d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Thomas. Name(s) on card(s): Dependant: Mrs Betsy Handley. Relationship: Mother: Address: Dandra Garth, Garside [sic], Nr Sedbergh, Yorks.
A short biography of Thomas is included in: ‘Sedbergh and District 1914-1918 – But who shall return the children?’ Compiled by Sedbergh and District History Society. Edited by Diane Elphick (2016).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---
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L/Corporal Thomas HANDLEY
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 18th (Eastern) Division
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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records
Poelcapelle British Cemetery
CWGC Headstone
Courtesy of David Shackleton
Mourning Card for L/Cpl Thomas Handley
Courtesy of Sedbergh & District History Society
Mourning Card for L/Cpl Thomas Handley
Courtesy of Sedbergh & District History Society
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
14 December 1917
HANDLEY – November 26th 1917, killed in action on the Western Front, Lance-Corporal Thos. Handley, Wandra [Dandra] Garth Cottage, Garsdale, aged 19 years.
14 December 1917
GARSDALE – DIED LIKE A SOLDIER
We regret to learn that Lance-Corporal Thos. Handley, Wandra [Dandra] Garth Cottage, Garsdale, was killed in action in France on November 26th. The following letter has been received by the bereaved parents from one of deceased’s chums:– “It is with the deepest sorrow and greatest regret that I write these lines to inform you that your dear son, and my greatest chum, was unfortunately killed in action on November 26th at 5-15 in the evening. I am glad to say his death was instantaneous, the result of a direct hit from a shell, so that he could not have suffered the slightest pain. His death was the greatest shock to all of us, especially to me, who was his No. 2 in the team and his closest chum since we both came out together last April. We buried him as reverently as possible the same night, and the Company are having a cross made and erected on his grave. I know that no words of mine can possibly console you in your great loss, but at any rate you have the knowledge that he died in the greatest of causes and with his face to the enemy like a soldier should. I found two parcels from you on our return from the line, and I have done the usual thing and shared them amongst his teammates, which I feel sure you would have had me do. Assuring you of the deepest sympathy of the company, by whom he was greatly loved. I remain, yours sincerely, F. GORTON”
Deceased was only 19 years of age. It is intended to have a memorial service at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Garsdale, on Sunday next.
22 November 1918
HANDLEY – In loving remembrance of Lance-Corporal Thomas Handley, Dandra Garth, Garsdale, killed in action in France November 26th, 1917, aged 19 years.
We often think of days gene by,
When we were all together;
A shadow o’er our lives is cast,
A dear one gone for ever.
We prayed for a safe returning,
And longed to clasp his hand,
But God has postponed the meeting
Till we meet in the Better Land.
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his dear Mother and Sisters.
HANDLEY – In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Lance-Corporal Thomas Handley, who was killed in action November 26th, 1917.
We often think of you dear
And the happy days gone by,
And in the lonely hours of thinking
We wish that you were nigh..
We trust some day to meet you
On that bright and golden shore.
From his loving uncle and Aunt and Cousins at Grisedale.
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