Thomas William Artis

A Lance Corporal with the Inland Waterways Transport, Thomas died on 14th of March 1919 at the age of 35. 

Thomas was born at Oulton in 1883, a son of James and Elizabeth Artis. He was baptised at Oulton (Saint Michael’s?) on 30 September 1883. In 1891 his family lived at Chipperfield Yard, Bridge Road, Oulton, and this was still their address in 1901 when Thomas was a general labourer.  

Thomas married Sarah Manning at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 24 April 1909. Thomas was a maltster’s labourer, and they both lived at Carlton Colville. In 1911 they lived at 2 Saint Hillary Terrace, Oulton Broad, and Thomas was a maltster’s labourer. By 1915 they were living at 4 Khartoum Cottages Beccles Road, Oulton Broad, and Thomas was a boatman.

Thomas attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 25 February 1915. He joined the Royal Engineers, service number 68316, to serve with the Inland Waterways Transport. He embarked for France on 16 March 1915. He was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 2 February 1917. By 1919 he had been renumbered WR/500248. On 1 January 1919 Thomas was appointed paid Acting Second Corporal. 

Thomas was admitted to 8 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Dunkirk, on 22 February 1919 suffering from influenza which was complicated by pneumonia. He died at the hospital on 14 March. Thomas’ personal effects, three identity discs; letters; photos; wallet; knife; two pipes; a light-holder; a mirror (broken); a cap badge; his belt; a purse-pouch; razor; button-stick; comb; puzzle; one medallion; and a coin, were sent to Sarah. 

On Saint Margaret's War Memorial.