Thomas TOWNSON

02 November 1917

EARBY MEN MISSING

The worst fears are entertained by the relatives of two Earby soldiers. One of these, Lance-Corporal Geo. Andrew Bridge, York and Lancaster Regiment, was posted wounded and missing on June 7th. He was 26 years of age and the son of Mrs. Bridge, 10, Island Square, Earby. Inquiries instituted through the Red Cross have elicited the following reply:– “I deeply regret to say that our inquiries concerning Lance-Corporal Bridge have had a very sad result. We have seen a man who tells us that he witnessed his death. This is Pte. Jos. Dolman, of the York and Lancaster Regiment, now in No. 2, Woodlands Hospital, Wigan, who gives the following account:– “I saw G. A. Bridge killed on June 7th. It was dark when I saw him. I was about 10 yards off him at the time. That was the last I saw of him. When we came out of the trenches I heard that he had been buried. We were advancing at the time.” We cannot help fearing that this is a true account, since Lance-Corporal Bridge has been missing so long without news. At the same time we are still going on with our inquiries, and shall let you know if we are table to learn anything further.”

The other is Gunner Thos. Townson, Royal Field Artillery, son of the late Mr. Rd. Townson and Mrs. Townson, 5, Waddington Street, in respect of whom the following letter (dated October 22), has been received from an army chaplain:– “Dear Madam – I don’t know if you have had news of Gunner T. Townson who was reported missing on the 7th. I am afraid it means killed. He went out I understand with two officers and a party of signallers that night, and it was very dark. They lost their way and got almost into the German lines before they knew where they were. Three of the signallers were killed by machine gun fire, and it was impossible to recover their bodies. We held a memorial service this morning at which the whole battery was present, and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you in your great grief.”

09 November 1917

TOWNSON – Oct. 9th, in France, Gunner Thomas Townson, of the R.F.A., son of Mrs. Rd. Townson, of Waddington Street, Earby, aged 21.

09 November 1917

EARBY SOLDIER’S DEATH CONFIRMED

On Friday last, Mrs. Rd. Townson, of Waddington Street, Earby, received a War Office communication confirming the death of her son, Gunner Thos. Townson, R.F.A., who had previously been reported missing on the 9th, October. As a member of the Burnley Territorials he was called up at the outbreak of hostilities. Gunner Townson, who was 21 years of age, is now stated to have been killed in action on the above mentioned date.

30 November 1917

EARBY

A MISSING SOLDIER

Pte. Richard Townson (Royal Scots), has been officially reported missing since October 22nd, after being six months on the Western front. He is the elder son of Mrs. Rd. Townson, 5, Waddington Street, whose other son (Pte. Tom Townson), was killed on October 9th. His wife and two children reside at 9, Brook Street, Earby.