Thomas Tournay

Pte. Tom Tournay Worksop Guardian 3 September 1915 It is common knowledge that in Worksop and district, postmen have nobly answered the call of King and country, and more that one has made the supreme sacrifice of his life. On Tuesday, news came to hand of yet another local postman, who have filled a soldiers grave. It is Pte Tom Tourney, of Gateford Road, Worksop, of the second Notts and Derby Regiment, who was killed in action in France on August 25th. He is a snipers victim and was shot through the head. Pte. Tournay went through the battle of Hooge, and it was pleasing to be informed that the rumour freely spread about the town that he was wounded during the battle was the ‘news’ which only existed in distorted minds of those who spread it. He never received a scratch during that battle. Now comes news of his death. The unfortunate and distressing news was conveyed on Tuesday to Mr and Mrs Alec Stringfellow, of 12 Devonshire Street, Worksop by Ton’s fiancée, Miss Elvidge of Ollerton Road, Retford. When the intelligence was received it created a shock, and feelings of heartfelt regret amongst his colleagues. There is consolation, however. He died a glorious death , upholding the brave traditions of our army, and fighting for those ideals with which the British Empire is synonymous – honour, freedom and liberty. We may be very sure that Tom died as he had lived – a genial, well conducted young man. Very popular with his colleagues, he was also highly respected by a large number of the inhabitants. Tom “worked” the Apley Head district. Pte Tournay was a popular member of St Mary’s R.C. Church and was also connected with St Phillips R.C. Club. Pte. Tom Tournay Worksop Guardian 10 September 1915 Further details are to hand of how Pte T Tournay of Gateford Road, Worksop , a postman, met his death in action, which was reported in our last issue. He was shot through the head by a sniper whilst on fatigue duty. Tournay, who was a native of Newark was a Reservist, his first regiment being the Lincoln Militia, which he joined preparatory to joining a line regiment, and afterwards transferred to the 1st Notts and Derby Regiment Sherwood Foresters and with them saw over eight years foreign service including India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Pekin etc. and after his return home served on the reserve. On assuming civil life he was appointed a postman in Worksop, from where he was called to his regiment on the outbreak of hostilities, proceeding to Derby and from thence to Plymouth crossing over to France on November 12th. His letters home were always of a cheerful description and in one written a short time ago he marvelled at having gone through such fierce encounters without a scratch – only now to fall from a blow in the dark, as it were. He was expected home at any time on leave. A sad feature was the fact that he was engaged to be married to Miss Elvidge, whose home is in Ollerton Road, Retford, but who for a time has been employed at The Garage, Winthorpe, and was contemplating getting married during his leave. Great sympathy will be felt for the soldiers mother, relatives and fiancée in their bereavement.

a.k.a. Tourney, Tournay, Townay Enlisted 16/8/1901 Potijze Chateau Wood Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt