Thomas Henry Evans

Thomas Henry was the eldest son of Henry Elley and Martha Evans (née Adlington). His father Henry Elley was born in Hanley, Staffordshire, in 1854 and his mother Martha in Huthwaite in 1857. His parents were married at Mansfield Wesleyan Chapel in 1875 and had nine children between 1881 and 1900, one of whom died in infancy. Their eight surviving children, who were born in Huthwaite, were: Maude Mary, Beatrice, Annie, Catherine Lynam, Georgina, Thomas Henry b. 1890 (A/M/J), John George and Henry Elley. In 1891 Henry, a coal miner, and Martha were living on Harper Lane, Huthwaite, with their two children Maude and Beatrice. They had moved to New Fall Street by 1891 and had five children: Maude a candidate school teacher, Beatrice, Annie (7), Catherine (5), Georgina (2) and Thomas (under 1 year). By 1901 they had moved to Newcastle Street, Huthwaite, and were still at the same address in 1911 although only five of their children were in the home on the night of the census: Catherine an assistant teacher, Georgina, Thomas Henry a colliery clerk, John George (17) a blacksmith's assistant and Henry (10). Maud was married to George Weston (m. 1902) and living in Kirkby in Ashfield, Beatrice was married to Alfred Glansfield (m. 1904) and living in Huthwaite and Annie was married to Tom Herrod (m. 1908) and also living in Huthwaite. At the time of Thomas' death in 1918 his parents were living at 43 Columbia Street, Huthwaite. A report of Thomas' death in the local paper mentioned that a younger brother was serving in the MTC in Salonika. No military record has yet been traced for either John or Henry, but on age it was likely to be John (b. 1893). Henry Elley snr. died on 26 March 1923; the probate record gave his address as Alfreton Road, Sutton in Ashfield. His widow Martha died on 19 January 1928; she was still living at 'The Laurels' Alfreton Road, Sutton in Ashfield.

Member Huthwaite Wesleyan Church. Occupation colliery clerk (New Hucknall Colliery).

Residence Huthwaite. Enlisted Sutton in Ashfield.

Thomas enlisted in Sutton in Ashfield giving his place of birth and place of residence as Huthwaite. He served in 'A' Coy 1/5th battalion, Sherwood Foresters. Thomas died on 31 March 1918 from wounds received in action on 29 March, and is buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (grave reference VI.C.2). According to a report of his death in the local paper, he had served in the army for one year eight months. CWGC - History of Lapugnoy Military Cemetery (extract): 'The first burials were made in Plot I of the cemetery in September 1915, but it was most heavily used during the Battle of Arras, which began in April 1917. The dead were brought to the cemetery from casualty clearing stations, chiefly the 18th and the 23rd at Lapugnoy and Lozinghem, but between May and August 1918 the cemetery was used by fighting units.' (www.cwgc.org)

Thomas' cousin, De Lacy Campbell Evans, served in the East Yorks Regiment (36433 Private) and was killed in action on 3 May 1917. (See record on this Roll of Honour) Mansfield Reporter, 19th August 1918: 'HUTHWAITE CASUALTIES. - PRIVATE T. H. EVANS. Pte. T. H. Evans, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Evans, of 43, Columbia-street, Huthwaite, died of wounds on the 31st March, being wounded on the 29th. Official intimation with respect to both dates were received by his parents. He belonged to the 1-5th Notts. and Derby Regiment, No. 267904, "A" Company, 4th Platoon. He had been in the army a year and eight months, and was unmarried, and was formerly employed as a clerk at New Hucknall Colliery, where he had spent all his working career. He was last at home about three months ago. He was a life long member of the Wesleyan church, where he was a regular attender. A younger brother is at present in Salonika in the M.T.C.. Private de Lacy Campbell Evans (cousin to the above) has been "missing" since May last, and is now presumed killed. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Evans, Market-place, and was 28 years of age.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His mother Martha was his sole legatee.