Thomas Massey
he was a turner working for Ramsomes of Newark upon enlisment.
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Thomas Massey was born 1897 at Rochdale, he was the son of George Shepherd a publican and Helen Massey née Handley of 63 Buck Street, Leigh, Lancashire.
His father George Shepherd was born in 1859 at Walkley, Sheffield, his mother Helen Hanley was born in 1862 at Whitworth she died 1906 at Rochdale she was 44 yrs old they were married on 6th May 1891 at Chads Church, Rochdale, they had 4 children John b1892, Constance b1893, Joseph born 1895
In 1911 they lived at the Queen's Head 8 Market Place Newark where George 52 years was the publican he is a widow, he is living with his children, Constance 17 yrs a publicans daughter, Joseph 16 yrs and Tom 14 yrs a scholar.
Private Thomas Massey enlisted on 8th September 1914 at Newark, he gave his age as 18yrs and 10 months and his address as 8 New Street, he was a turner working for Ramsomes of Newark. His father George was his next of kin. He was posted to the 1/8th battalion Sherwood Foresters and landed in France on 2nd March 1915 , he was killed in action and is buried at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, Heuvelland, Belgium.D.61
Article published 16th June 1915 in the Newark Advertiser :-
Youngest son of George S. Massey, formerly of the Queen’s Head, Market Place, Newark and now of Leigh, Lancashire. Of quiet and even disposition, he had a full shock head of black curly hair. As a child he attended the Mount School and was a member of the parish choir for a long period. He displayed the family love for sport, especially cricket, in which his father had accomplished many notable deeds. Also played football with Mr W. Tidd Pratt’s team, later occasionally assisted Newark Reserve. Last season was with Averham and Kelham, with whom his father was also identified. After his school days entered the employment of Messrs. A. Ransome & Co. and was with them at the outbreak of hostilities. Enlisted in the 8th Sherwood Foresters in Sept. 1914 and after drill at various centres, notably Braintree, went to the front with them in February. Had his nineteenth birthday in October. Shot while on sentry duty.
Thomas Massey
Commonwealth war grave headstone marking his grave at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, France . Courtesy of Murray Biddle