Tom Thackray
Date of death: 27.9.1916
Area: Crofton
Regiment: King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Family information: Husband of Rachel Thackray nee Peters
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service number: 8/17292
War Service
The Wakefield Express for 27th September 1919 in it’s Roll of Honour reads:
“In loving memory of L/Cpl Tom Thackray, KOYLI, aged 26 years beloved second son of the late Samuel and Fedilia of Askern Road, Carcroft, Doncaster who was killed in action on 27th June 1916.
He bravely answered duty’s call
He gave his life for one and all.”
KOYLI Casualty Lists show the entry “8th Batt 17523 L/Cpl Tom Thackray, born at South Kirkby, Yorks, enlisted at Wakefield and was killed in action in Flanders on 27th September 1916.”
There is a discrepancy over the date on which Tom was killed but everything else seems to fit.
He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Family Life
Tom was married at Crofton on 17th April 1911 to Rachel Peters. They were 21 and 25 respectively and he is described as a miner. Tom lived at 4, Ings Cottages and Rachel at 41, Ings Cottages. His father is given as Samuel, also a miner and her father, Henry, a “coke?” foreman. Their witnesses were William Hinchliffe Peters and Violet Thackray.