In Memory of

Private Thomas Judge

200035
1st/4th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action 12th July 1917

Private Thomas Judge was the only son of Mrs Judge of 16, Pinkford Street, Earlestown, though five of his nephews and two brothers-in-law also served with the Colours. He was married with five children. The Warrington Guardian obituary of 21st July 1917 gave his home address as 7, Garibaldi Street, Warrington, though he had been born and educated in Earlestown, and had worked for fourteen years for the Newton Urban District Council. In February 1915, he was drafted to the front, and was invalided home, returning to the front in February 1917.

According to the obituary, "A stray shell which dropped amongst a battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment on July 11th (sic) killed three Warrington soldiers." Thomas was one of the three. In a letter quoted in the obituary, Lieutenant Birch wrote:"He was very badly wounded by a shell, and died within a few minutes. Everything possible was done for him. The doctor was on the spot and attended to him at once, but it was of no avail."

The Rev. Eustace Hill (chaplain) wrote: "I buried your gallant husband in a cemetery amidst cornfields and grass, moor daisies, poppies and blue cornflowers, which made a fitting setting to the solemn service, and it reminded one of our hope of reunion in Paradise."

Thomas is buried in Vlamertinge New Military Cemetery which is located five kilometres west of Ieper. The area was used by field ambulances which suggests Thomas may not have died "within a few minutes".

The Battalion War Diary reported for the 11th July "Casualties 3 O.R. Wounded (2 remained at duty)." For the 12th July it said:

"Fine. "A" Coy. Training. Parties working on Nos. 1 & 2 Tracks & loading at R.E. Parks.

Coy. proceeded to Ypres to relieve "D" Coy.

B. Coy. Erecting Dugouts on Canal Bank. 1/2 Coy. under Brigade.

C. Coy. Working on Congreve Walk & New Liverpool Trench.

D. Coy. Working on Oxford Trench & New liverpool St.

Casualties 3 O.R. Killed. 16 O.R. Wounded."