1895/6 - 23rd July 1916 (age 20)
Private 17249
2nd Bn. Yorkshire Regiment
Thomas Webster lies in Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, Somme, plot J.14.
His battalion were attacking the enemy at a village called Guillemont
but the attack failed due to darkness and a smoke barrage, and they withdrew
to the relative safety of a place the British had named "Happy Valley"
which was between Bernafay Wood and Trones Wood. Casualties included 9
other ranks killed, 151 wounded and 9 missing. It is probable that Thomas
was one of the wounded, later dying and being interred by his comrades
close to the advanced dressing station, at Bernafay Wood Cemetery.
The Webster family lived on Chapel Street - the South side being included
in Sowerby. Thomas senior was a groom at a hotel (most likely the Fleece)
and later worked on a farm, while his son Thomas was a cowman.
Thomas Webster's grave at Bernafay Wood
The information on this page was compiled by Steve Billings.
Information about Thomas Webster on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Information about Thomas Webster on the War Graves Photographic Project website
Information about Thomas Webster on the Yorkshire Regiment - First World War Remembrance website