Kenneth Morrison
Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Posts: 7755 Location: Rockcliffe Dalbeattie
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Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2018 1:58 pm Post subject: LIEUT. WILLIAM THOMSON, AUSTRALIANS (R.N.) |
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Here's a little puzzle for you!
Listed on the Sanquhar War Memorial in Dumfriesshire is:
LIEUT. WILLIAM THOMSON, AUSTRALIANS (R.N.)
As far as I can see he is not listed by CWGC.
He had enlisted as Private (554) in the Australian Imperial Force in Sydney, New South Wales in July 1915 but was discharged two months later.
No reason is given. He was an engineer and gave his address as c/o the Queen's Hotel Crown Street, Sydney, NSW.
(Source: Service record at the National Archives of Australia)
Dumfries & Galloway Standard 21/3/1917 p.5
SANQUHAR NAVAL OFFICER REPORTED MISSING. Grave concern exist regarding the fate of Lieutenant William 'Thomson. Royal Navy, eldest of Mr James Thomson. Newark Farm, Sanquhar. His parents received word during the week-end that an explosion occurred on board his ship, and that he was missing, but no further news has been available, and naturally considerable anxiety prevails regarding his fate. He was home about three weeks ago. Before joining the navy he was for some time in Australia.
Sunday Post (Glasgow) 25/3/1917 p.4
SANQUHAR OFFICER KILLED AT SEA. Sanquhar, Saturday. Official news has been received by Mr James Thomson, Newark Farm, Sanquhar, that his eldest son, William Thomson, an officer on a British transport, has been skilled as the result of an explosion on board. He had been home for a short furlough only three weeks ago. He was about thirty years of age, and when war broke out was at home on a visit from Australia, and at once placed his services at the disposal of his country.
D&G Standard 28/3/1917 p.3
SANQUHAR NAVAL OFFICER’S DEATH. In connection with the report of the death Mr William Thomson, son of Mr James Thomson. Newark, Sanquhar, which was received a week ago. the worst fears have been realised. Official word has been received that he perished as the result an explosion on the ship to which he was attached.
D&G Standard 31/3/1917 p.3
ON SERVICE THOMSON. On the 18th inst., killed on active service, William Thomson, Lieut., R.N., eldest son of James Thomson. Newark. Sanquhar.
William was brought up on Castle Farm and on Newark Farm in Sanquhar and in 1911, aged 24, he was assisting his father in the running of Newark Farm. He had been born in 1887 in Kirkpatrick Durham, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Son of James and Mary (Ramsay) Thomson of Newark Farm, Sanquhar.
Died on 18 March 1917.
Also named on the Sanquhar School memorial.
I'm beginning to suspect that he was an officer in the Merchant Marine and so would not qualify for the CWGC Register but?????????????? _________________ Ken |
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