Tom Brayshaw

TOM BRAYSHAW

Private 29887, Northumberland Fusiliers

Died 14th April 1917 aged 20

Buried Duisans British Cemetery Etrun, Pas de Calais, France

Son of George and Emily Brayshaw (both deceased)

Lived 63, Cemetery Road / Oldfield Lane, Heckmondwike

Tom was born in 4th Quarter of 1896 at Milton Row, Liversedge. He was the eldest son of George Brayshaw born 1858 and Emily Hine born 1869. Tom had two older sisters and four younger brothers who were born before 1905. About this time the family moved to Oldfield Lane in Heckmondwike, but sadly Tom’s mother Emily died in 1909 aged 36 years.

Tom’s father George continued to care for his young family, while working as a Millhand. Tom was contributing to the family income in 1911 by working as a Rubber Maker Millhand, while his younger brothers were at school.

Another tragedy befell the family when Tom’s father, George, died at the beginning of 1915 aged about 57 years.

Tom was working as a Mule Spinner at Albert Rhodes & Company Limited when he enlisted on June 15th 1916 in Halifax into the Northumberland Fusiliers, leaving his younger brothers living in the family home at 22, Oldfield Lane. Some months later he was sent to France and fought in the 2nd Battle of Arras in 1917. He died of his wounds on 14th April 1917. He was buried at Duisans British Cemetery Etrun near Arras in the Pas de Calais Department of France.

Before the war he was connected with United Methodist Free Church and Sunday School and was a member of Back Lane Working Men’s Club. He also played football for St. Saviour’s Club and the Gospel Hall Club in Batley.

His name is commemorated on the Heckmondwike Green Park War Memorial and also on St James’s and St Saviour’s War Memorials. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.{MA-020}

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