Thomas's Story.
Thomas Rayner was born in Davenham, Cheshire in 1893, one of seven children born to Thomas (a house painter) and Mary Elisabeth of 7, Market Square Knutsford. On marrying Lillian he went to live at 6, Grosvenor Road, Altrincham. He took up the occupation of gardener.
He enlisted in the army becoming Private, later Lance Corporal 307388 of the 11th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers.
Thomas was killed in action on the 11th August 1917.
On that fateful day:
The Battalion War Diary states –
11th WESTHOEK RIDGE
Our artillery active all the morning, enemy artillery quiet on our line bur snipers very active.
After 12 noon, enemy started casual shelling of WESTHOEK RIDGE.
9.30p.m. 8th S. Lancs. Regt commenced to relieve Battalion. Relief complete 12.30a.m. 12th
Battalion marched in platoons through YPRES to KRUISTAAT where it was met by busses and taken to HALIFAX CAMP.
Casualties OR K-in-A 1 W-in-A 25 Missing.
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies