Thomas Ball
- Family History
- Military History
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Thomas Ball was born in 1899 in Lincoln and was the son of Willit Ball an iron moulder and Emma Ball née Baumber of 15, Vernon St., Newark. His father Willit was born in 1875 at Lincoln and his mother Emma Baumber was born in 1874 at Digby, Lincolnshire, they were married in 1896 at St Paul's Church Lincoln and went on to have 4 children sadly one was to die in infancy or early childhood, their surviving children were Thomas b1899 Lincoln, Willit b1903 Lincoln and John Edwin b1906 at Newark. In the 1911 census the family are living at 18 Arthur Street, Lincoln and are shown as Willit Ball 36 yrs an iron moulder, he is living with his wife Emma 37 yrs and their children, Thomas 12 yrs, Willit 8 yrs and John Edwin 5 yrs.
Private Thomas Ball enlisted at Newark on 15th April 1918 he initially served with the service number 105769 in the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) later transferring to the 7th battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). He was killed in action on 23rd August 1918 and is buried in Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Bercourt, Somme, France.
Article published 2nd October 1918 in the Newark Advertiser :- Elder son of Willit & Emma Ball, 15 Vernon Street, Newark. Born at Lincoln and attended St. Andrew’s school, then Barnby Road council school. Playing with the football team which won the Mumby Shield in 1911-12. Had one or two minor situations before an apprenticed to the plate fitting in the moulding shop of A. Ransome & Co. Volunteered on April 15th, 1918. Entered 4th Sherwood Foresters and trained at Hilton Castle Camp, Sunderland. To France in August, where transferred to West Surrey Regt. A former member of St. John Ambulance.
