Lawrence Thompson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of John and Emma Elizabeth Thompson Born Second Quarter 1896 in Halifax Baptised at All Saints, Salterhebble, Halifax, on 10th May 1896 On 1901 Census he is living with his parents and siblings – Charles Henry and Dorothy Mabel – at 22 Doncaster Street, Halifax. His father is listed as a coach trimmer. On 1911 Census he is living with his parents and siblings – Charles Henry and Dorothy Mabel – at 17 Kenilworth Terrace, Portland Road, Nottingham. His father is listed as a coach trimmer and Lawrence as an errand boy. Married Hilda Mary Radford Fourth Quarter 1916 and lived at 258 Bathley Street, Meadows, Nottingham
Enlisted August 1914 Joined 2nd/1st Nottinghamshire Battery Royal Horse Artillery (T.F) Possibly posted overseas with the Battery in June 1917, the battery arriving at Basra on 13 August 1917 Died of illness 29th December 1917. He is buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery (grave ref II.J.4).
Most records show first name as Lawrence, but birth registration shows Laurence. Medal Roll lists rank as Gunner. CWGC records that he was born in Nottingham; this is incorrect. All Saints Church News, 'War Obituaries', February 1918: 'Lawrence Thompson, 17 Kenilworth Terrace, Wheeler Notts Royal Horse Artillery, was called up at the beginning of the war, died of illness December 29th 1917, aged 21. He leaves a widow. He was associated with Tennyson Street Chapel. [Wesleyan Methodist].' (Nottinghamshire Archive, ref. PR28,237) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 28 December 1918: ‘In loving memory of Dr. L Thompson, Notts RHA., who died at Basra December 29th, 1917. Not forgotten. His wife Hilda.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
