Royal Berks Badge
William Thomas. Died 13 June 1916
According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records, William was born to Edwin and Kitty Thomas in Reading, 1891. He joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment, 8th Battalion (which was set up at the end of 1914) and we therefore presume he was part of the volunteers for that time. Although we know he was killed on the 28th June 1916, there are no existing records regarding the circumstances of his death.
There are a number of issues with the records. Although the CWGC records say he was 25 when killed and born in Reading, there are no births in that area for that year with his name. Although his parents were living in Wokingham by the time of this death in 1916, they do not appear to be living anywhere in living in Berkshire in the 1911 Census. The address given of 29 Barkham Road, Wokingham (from the CWGC records) is housing a family other than the Thomas’s in 1911.
What we do know is that William was killed during 1916 and that he left behind his parents, Edwin and Kitty of Wokingham. If anyone can provide any information on this family please leave a comment below or contact mrchurcher@gmail.com.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
Name:THOMAS Initials:W T Nationality:United Kingdom Rank:Lance Corporal Regiment/Service:Royal Berkshire Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn. Age: 25 Date of Death: 13/06/1916 Service No:13195 Additional information:Son of Edwin and Kitty Thomas, of 29, Barkham Rd., Wokingham, Berks. Memorial Reference: I. F. 10. Cemetery: MAROC BRITISH CEMETERY, GRENAY