Thomas Stratford (1890-1917)
From East Howle, Ferryhill, served with 18th Battalion DLI (Durham Pals).
Thomas Stratford joined the 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI) on 25 September 1914 at their training camp at Cocken Hall. His previous experience in the Volunteer Battalion of the DLI must have stood him in good stead as he was promoted to acting lance-corporal a month after joining up. Three months later he was promoted again, this time to acting corporal. In March 1915, Stratford was elevated to acting lance-sergeant and finally received the full rank of corporal in December 1915.
Thomas Stratford was killed in action on 3 May 1917 in France.
Civil Parish: Ferryhill
Birth date: 1890
Death date: 03-May-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: Easington (place of birth, 1911 census)
Gardener Street, Langley Moor (1911 census)
1 Fifth New Row, East Howle (1917 remembrance card)
Organisation membership: Church of England (Army Service Papers)
Employment: Miner (1911 census)
Family: Father: Charles Stratford (Army Service Papers)
Wife: Sarah Stratford (1917 remembrance card, 1911 census)
Children: Hilda Stratford, Jenny Stratford, Charles Henry Stratford (1911 census)
Florence Stratford, Thams Stratford (Army Service Papers)
Brothers: Charles Stratford, William Stratford, George Stratford (Army Service Papers)
Sister: Annie Orton (Army Service Papers)
Military service:
Pre-war: 3 years with 1st Volunteer Battalion, Durham Light Infantry
Service number: 18/610
18 Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Corporal (Acting Lance Serjeant)
Medal(s): 1914 – 1915 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): The Arras Memorial, Faubourg-d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France
East Howle War Memorial situated at Ferryhill
Ferryhill Station Cottage and Plaque 1914 – 1918
Gender: Male
Contributed by Andy Denholm Cornforth History, West Cornforth, County Durham | Durham County Record Office
