Thomas HEALEY

02 November 1917

HEALEY – October 9th 1917, killed in action on the Western Front, Private Thomas Healey, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Healey, School Terrace, Salterforth, aged 26 years.

02 November 1917

SALTERFORTH FAMILY’S BEREAVEMENT

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Healey, School Terrace, Salterforth, have sustained a heavy blow in the death of their son, Pte. Thomas Healey, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed on the 9th ult. after being at the Front for 16 months. Pte. Healey was 26 years old and unmarried. A warm tribute to his character is paid in a letter of sympathy received from Capt. Coulthurst who writes:– “Your son was killed on the 9th by a piece of shell which passed through his heart. He did not suffer – death being instantaneous. I cannot give you greater praise of that good work he has done out here for his Company than relate his section commander’s words:– “He was the best Lewis gunner and the finest man in the section.”

“No man could be spoken of more highly, and I know that your son merited every word of it. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I know it is very hard for you, as it is hard for us out here to lose our best man.”

On Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. Healey received news that their other son, Gunner Edward Healey, R.F.A., had been wounded and is now at a base hospital in France. Both sons were formerly employed at Messrs. Albert Hartley and Co.’s Sheeting Works, Barnoldswick.

11 October 1918

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Thomas Healey, Duke of Wellington’s, killed in action October 9th, 1917.

He sleeps besides his comrades
In a hallowed grave unknown;
But his name is written in letters of love
On the hearts he left at home.
His cheerful smile and happy face
Are pleasant to recall;
He had a kindly word for each,
And died beloved by all.

From his sister and brother, Alice and Alfred Peel, Cross Road Cottage, Salterforth

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Thomas Healey, who was killed in action October 9th, 1917.

God knows how much we miss you,
More than loving words can tell;
Not one day have we forgot you
Since you bade this world farewell.
Daily in our minds we see you,
As we did in days of yore;
And we trust some day shall meet you
On that bright and golden shore.
The hardest part is yet to come
When the heroes do return;
We’ll miss amongst the cheering throng
The one who’ll not return.

From his loving Father, Mother, Lizzie, Ethel, Mabel, and Edward (in France), School Terrace, Salterforth.

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Thomas Healey, Duke of Wellington’s, killed at Passcbendaele October 9th, 1917.

Days of sadness still come o’er us,
Hidden tears oft-times do flow;
But memory keeps our loved one near us,
Although he died a year ago.

From his Sister and Brother, Annie and Robert King, West End House, Salterforth.

10 October 1919

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Thomas Healey, 267025, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s, killed at Passchendaele, October 9th, 1917.

A lonely grave in France,
A grave we may not see,
But, Tom, whilst life and memory lasts
We will remember thee.
(One of the best).

Do not ask us if we miss him,
There is such a vacant place;
Can we e’er forget that footstep,
Or the dear familiar face.

Father, Mother, Ethel, and Edward, Park View Terrace, Salterforth.

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Thomas Healey, 267025, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s, killed at Passchendaele, October 9th, 1917.

A faithful son, a brother true,
A better never trod,
He sleeps with England’s heroes
‘Neath the watchful care of God..

From Alice and Alfred Peel, Cross Road Cottage, Salterforth.

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Thomas Healey, 267025, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s, killed at Passchendaele, October 9th, 1917.

Two years have passed,
Our hearts still sore,
As time rolls on
We miss him more.

From Annie and Bob King, West End House, Salterforth.

08 October 1920

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Thomas Healey, killed at Paschendale, October 9th, 1917.

Our memory often wanders, as evening shadows fall,
Back to the days of happiness, days beyond recall;
And a vision comes before us, so fond, so pure and sweet,
Of one we loved most dearly, whose heart has ceased to beat.

Ever remembered by Father, Mother, Lizzie and Ethel, Park View Terrace, Salterforth.

HEALEY – In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Thomas Healey, killed at Paschendale, October 9th, 1917.

A loving brother, a faithful friend,
One of the best that God could lend;
And while on earth with us did stay,
He earned the crown he wears today.

Ever remembered by Annie and Bob King, West End House, Salterforth.

HEALEY – In loving memory of my dear brother, Pte. Thomas Healey, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s, killed in action, October 9th, 1917, Paschendale.

He sleeps beside his comrades
In a hallowed grave unknown,
But his name is written in letters of love,
On the hearts he left at home.
Not now, but in the coming years –
It may be in a better land –
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there sometime we’ll understand.

Alice and Alfred, Cross Road Cottage, Salterforth.