Thomas William Andrews
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Thomas was the eldest son of John and Emily Andrews. His father John was born in Eakring, Nottinghamshire, and his mother, Emily in Darnall, Yorkshire. Thomas had a younger brother, Edward Albert (also Albert Edward), who was born in Worksop on 6 January 1896. In 1901 the family was living at Dodsley's Cottages, Pleasley Hill. John was a sewing machine agent. Their sons were aged 7 and 5 respectively. By 1911 the family was living at 45 Welbeck Street, Mansfield, which was to be John and Emily's home until they both died in 1941. Emily died on 15 February 1941 aged 74 and her husband died the following month on 14 March 1941 age 71. Their surviving son died in 1972 aged 76.
'A' Coy 2/8th Bn Sherwood Foresters Thomas was killed in action on 27 April 1917 and according to a letter from an army chaplain to his parents he was buried 'in a British cemetery, not far from where he fell.' However, his grave was later lost and Thomas is now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 10C 10D and 11A). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Inscription on gravestone, Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery: 'In loving memory of Emily Andrews died Feb. 15th 1941 aged 74 years. Also her beloved husband died March 14th 1941 aged 71 years. And of Thomas William their beloved son killed in action in France April 27th 1917 aged 23 years. Reunited.' Article published 29th June 1917 in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times :- “PTE. ANDREWS, OF MANSFIELD, KILLED. “News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. J. Andrews, 45, Welbeck-street, Mansfield, that their son, Private Thomas W. Andrews, 2-8th Sherwood Foresters, aged 23, has been killed. “The Rev. Stanley Hide writes to the bereaved parents, as follows: – “I am sorry to tell you that there is no[w] no doubt that your son has been killed. His body was found by another battalion, and is buried in a British cemetery, not far from where he fell. May God bless and comfort you and grant him rest.” “Our correspondent in France says Andrews was a lad for whom everyone had a good word.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Register of Soldiers' Effects: his parents were his legatees. Probate: Andrews Emily of 45 Welbeck-street Mansfield Nottinghamshire (wife of John Andrews) did 15 February 1941 Probate Nottingham 4 April to Albert Edward Andrews retired house furnisher. Effects £324 8s.1d. Probate: Andrews John of 45 Welbeck-street Mansfield Nottinghamshire died 14 March 1941 Probate Nottingham 8 May to Albert Edward Andrews draper. Effects £941 152. 4d.
