Thomas Hutchinson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Thomas was the second son of Thomas and Louise (Louie) Hutchinson (née Everley). Both his parents were born in Belton, Leicestershire. Thomas was the son of George and Sophia Hutchinson (m. 1850); his birth was registered in 1854 (J/F/M) and he was baptised at Belton parish church in January 1854. Louisa's birth was registered in 1858 (J/F/M Loughborough) and she was baptised in Belton in February 1859. Her parents, Thomas, an agricultural labourer, and Mary, had at least eight children. Thomas and Louisa were married in 1881 (reg. A/M/J Loughborough Leicestershire) and had seven children who were born in Bulwell, Nottingham: Sophia Ann b. 1883 d. 1904, Mary Elizabeth birth registered 1886 (J/F/M), Thomas b. 1888 d. 1889, Thomas birth registered 1890 (J/F/M) d. 1918, Louise (Louie) b. 1891 d. 1907, Ada b. 1893 d. 1917 and Eliza b. 1901 d. 1930. In 1891 Thomas, a coal miner, his wife and their three surviving children, Sophia, Mary and Thomas (b. 1890), were living on Newstead Street, Bulwell. The eldest son, Thomas, had died in 1889. Also in the household was a boarder, Mary E Everley (b. Swanwick Derbyshire), a lace dresser. The family was living at 114 Minerva Street in 1901: Thomas a coal tub shifter (above ground), Louisa, and their children Sophia and Mary who were lace menders, Thomas, Louisa and Ada. Sophia died three years later in 1904 and Louisa in 1907. By 1911 Tom, a colliery labourer/banksman, Louisa, Mary a machinist (lace), Tom working in a pottery, Ada a lace machinist and Eliza, were recorded on the census at 128 Logan Street, Bulwell. Ada died in 1917, the year before her brother's death. Thomas snr. was probably admitted to Nottingham City Asylum in October 1915 and died in the Asylum in January 1916. Thomas jnr. enlisted in March 1916 giving his address as 14 Broomhil Road, Bulwell. His mother, of the same address, was named as his next of kin. Louisa completed a form for the Army in August 1919 listing her son's surviving relatives; she signed the form with her mark. Thomas's father was listed as 'dead.' Louisa and her two surviving daughters, Mary (31) and Eliza (18) who were both unmarried, were living at 79 Repton Road, Bulwell. It is likely that only Eliza was living with her mother when the 1921 census was taken (transcript not sighted). Mary has not yet been traced after 1919. Eliza probably died in 1930 and Louisa in January 1937.
CWGC: '173516 Royal Berkshire Regiment transf. to (38285) 635th H.T. Labour Coy. Labour Corps.' Thomas attested in March 1916 at Derby. He was aged 25 years 73 days, occupation labourer. He was living with his mother, whom he named as his next of kin, at 14 Broomhill Road, Bulwell (address later altered to 79 Repton Road). His medical record noted 'deafness in both ears', which might explain his eventual transfer to the Labour Corps. He was posted to the Royal Berkshire Regiment on 20 March 1916 and posted again on 22 March, 1 April and 6 December (units illegible, service numbers possibly 20776 and 47114)) until 28 April 1917 when he was transferred to 316th HS Labour Company. He had numerous postings within the Labour Corps, including labour and agricultural companies. Thomas was serving with 635th HT Labour Company when he was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital, Larkhill, Salisbury Plain, on 31 October 1918 where he died from 'septic pneumonia' at 5.35pm on 5 November. His body was released for interment after '1200, 7 November' and he was buried in Nottingham Northern Cemetery, Bulwell (grave ref. F.6.12). Service: Home 16 March 1916-5 November 1916 (2 years 235 days). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Note: The formation of the Labour Corps was authorised by a Royal Warrant (Army Order 85 published on 22 February 1917). Peviously there had been the 'ASC [Army Service Corps] Labour Companies originated to provide manpower to unload British ships and operate the docks in France. Two railway labour companies were also formed. The Royal Engineers raised 11 Battalions for labouring work while the Infantry raised Pioneer and Labour or Works Battalions.' (www.longlongtrail)
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Ever in our thoughts' CWGC Additional information: 'Son of the late Thomas Hutchinson and of Louie Hutchinson, of 79, Repton Rd., Bulwell.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his mother Louie (sic) was his legatee. The Scroll of Honour and Memorial Plaque were sent to his mother in April 1920; she signed the receipt with her mark.
