Thomas Ennis

Thomas Ennis was a career soldier - On 30 January 1897, aged 14 years he enlisted in the Derbyshire Regiment (became Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) as a musician. He was also only 4 feet 5 inches in height and signed for 12 years with the colours. He was re-engaged on 2 August 1907 for a further 14 years. This could have had something to do with his getting married in the same year. In 1906 he was appointed Corporal whilst in 2nd Battalion. He joined the 1st battalion on 5 January 1909 and promoted to Sergeant on 18 April 1910 and Sergeant Drummer on 6 March 1914. The battalion including Thomas went to France on 4 November 1914 and on 14 December he was in hospital with Hypermetrophia. He was hospitalized again on 31 January 1915. Thomas was granted leave between 21 and 27 August 1915. He was then attached to ASC train, 23rd Divisional Train, 193 Company. No reason was given for this but on 17 January 1917 Thomas was back with the 1st battalion. He was killed in action on 8 July 1916 when the battalion were located near Crucifix trench on the Somme. On that day H.Q., Company and other details were shelled heavily resulting in 5 men being killed. As Thomas was a musician it is likely he led the stretcher bearers and would have been based at H.Q., John Morse

Received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. service - Malta - 1898 to 1902 Home - 1902 to 1909 India - 1909 to 1914 Home - October to November 1914. Soldiers Died in the Great War - Ennis T, born Portland Dorset, enlisted London, abode Bulwell Notts, 5552, Sgt Drummer, killed in action, France and Flanders, 8/7/16 BEF - 4/11/1914 to 8/7/1916 His widow received a weekly pension of 10/-.