Thomas HANDLEY

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.