Thomas Boyle (1876-1915)

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An ongoing project to commemorate and research the lives of those who appear on war memorials and rolls of honour in the local area, who served in the military, or whose deaths were linked to conflict.

Huddersfield's Roll of Honour: 1914-1922

The following extract is from Huddersfield's Roll of Honour: 1914-1922 (2014) by J. Margaret Stansfield:

BOYLE, THOMAS. Private. No 3/10910. 2nd Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Born Huddersfield 10.2.1876. Was a nephew of Mr Patsy Boyle of The Star Inn, Rosemary Lane, Huddersfield. Educated at St. Patrick's School. A widower, with children living at North's Yard, Northgate. Employed as a chemical labourer. Had served in the Boer War and re-enlisted at the outbreak of the present war. Killed at Hill 60, 5.5.1915. Has no known grave. Commemorated on the MENIN GATE MEMORIAL TO THE MISSING.
Mr Boyle received the following letter from CSM Harrington of 'A' Company:-'Just a few lines as I thought you would like to know the circumstances attending poor Tommy's death. Of course you know he died as many another good lad has died out here. We were holding a position in front of Hill 60 when the Germans got in on our left and it was during the time we were driving them back that he got hit in the groin. He was not killed outright and fought hard for his life but I think the bullet must have gone into his stomach. Anyhow he passed peacefully away after about an hour. Of course it does not follow that because a man is hit with a rifle bullet he died in pain and I think Tommy must have passed away peacefully because he seemed so resigned and he told me not to bother with him any longer as he said he was done for. A gap has been made in this Company that will be hard to fill. He was the life and soul of us all and was just as happy in the trenches as he was out of them. He has been sorely missed. I was his Platoon Sergeant at the time and I can only say he died like a man. I hope you will accept this my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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