Thomas's Story.
Thomas Wood was born in 1888 to Thomas and Alice Mary Wood.
In 1911 the family are found living at the Victoria Buildings , High Street, Runcorn with his fathers occupation as a Draper whilst Thomas (23) was employed on the docks as a weighman. Thomas had a sister, Dorethy (2).
In late 1913 Thomas married Daisy Ball in Runcorn and they had their first child Thomas Kenneth Wood in 1915. Thomas died in 1944. They lived as a family at 112 Greenway Road.
Tragedy then struck when Daisy at the age of 26 died on 21st April 1915, Thomas was sent to France with the Kings Liverpool Regiment on 7th November 1915. It is unclear if Thomas ever saw his son again prior to his death.
News of Thomas death at the battle of Guillemont was recorded in the following articles.
25th August 1916 Runcorn Weekly News
LANCE-CORM.. THOMAS WOOD KILLED. Mr. Thomas Wood. of Savage's Bridge. Runcorn. has received the sad news that his only son, Lance-Corporal. Thomas WOOD. has been killed in action, the news first reaching Runcorn in letters from Runcorn lads to their relatives. and though at first it was difficult to believe the sad news, enquiries in official quarters only served to confirm it. Lance-Corporal Wood joined the " Pals " with his brother-in-law, Private Leonard Ball in July of last year, and went out to France in Novmeber last. All his letters home have been cheerful and interesting.
Lance-Corporal Wood was a keen musician and possessed an excellent baritone voice having been a member of St. Paul's Wesleyan choir and having taken many of the principal solos on special occasions. He was also a member of the Runcorn Musical Society. An old scholar of Brunswick Sunday School he was well known throughout the town and district. His early education was received at the Victoria Road Council and the Runcorn Secondary Schools, and on completing his education he was employed for a short time in the laboratory at Wigg's Works, afterwards going into the employ of the Ship Canal at Runcorn. His death occurred on the same day as that of his brother-in-law. Private Leonard Ball, and both trained together and went out together. In a letter addressed to Miss Faulkner., a cousin of the deceased, the lieutenant of his company forwarded a book of poems found amongst his belongings. The book was sent, to the lady, who is a Red Cross nurse, in compliance with a request written on the flyleaf. The officer concludes his letter as follows: " It may interest you to know that Lance-Corporal Wood was one of the best men in this company, cheerful and bright and always ready for any duty. He was popular with all ranks. He died bravely advancing with his section and showing them a fine example. His death was quite instantaneous.
Friday 27th July 1917 Runcorn Weekly News
To memory ever dear." In a loving memory of Leonard T. Ball, K.L.R., who fell In action July 30th. 1916: also Thomas Wood, KLR. brother-in-law to the above, who fell In action July 30th. 1916. Till the day break and the shadows flee.
As stated Thomas died along side that of his late wife's brother, Leonard Ball, a double tragedy for the immediate family. The Liverpool pals lost over 500 men during the attack on Guillemont as they attacked with 3 battalions, the 17th, 19th and 20th. The total casualty figures were 1115 killed, wounded, missing or captured. Once the fog lited they were left with no cover and beacme victims to the german machine guns and snipers.
A good article regarding this is found at
https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/centenary-of-somme-battles-attacking-guillemont.
Runcorn lost many brave men on this date.
Thomas is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial and also on a marble plaque that was unveiled in 1920 at Brunswick Chapel.
Compiled by Graeme Ainsworth