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The Parish of the Good Samaritan Burnley

including the churches of

Christ the King with St Teresa's, St John the Baptist and St Mary of the Assumption

 

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StMarys

StJohns

 

Private Thomas Pennington

(Also known as Tom)

Service Number: 8683

"B" Coy. 1st/5th Bn. The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Killed in Action 27th September 1916, aged 20

Son of Mrs Margaret Pennington, 1 Hebrew Square, Burnley

 

TomPennington

 

From the Burnley Express dated 14th October 1916:  "BRIGHT HAPPY BOY".  Burnley Soldier's death

Mr. & Mrs. Pennington of 1, Hebrew Square, Burnley, have received authoritative information of the death of their eldest son, Pte. Tom Pennington, of the Loyal North Lancashire Regt., who was killed on active service on September 27th.  Pte. Pennington, who was 20 years of age, was a weaver at Messrs. Grey's Livingstone Mill up to enlisting in the early part of the year.  He was connected with St. Mary's Catholic Church, and a member of the Catholic Boy's Brigade.  A well built lad, he was highly esteemed wherever he went.  He had done a spell in the trenches, and after coming out, was engaged on road making.  The news of his death came in a letter from his officer who wrote: - "I very much regret to inform you that your son, Pte. T. Pennington, was killed on the 27th instant.  We had been out working on a road and were just about to leave off when a shell fell in the middle of the small group of which your son was a member.  He was killed instantaneously with three of his companions and was buried with them near to the scene of the unfortunate accident, the grave being marked with a wooden cross.  I am very sorry to lose him, as although he had only been with us a short time he was always so bright and cheery on parade, and one of the most willing members of my platoon.  Though it cannot replace his loss, will you accept my sympathy in the loss of such a bright happy boy, and I hope time may take away some of the bitterness of parting, and leave in its place a little pride that he gave, as so many have finely given, his life for his country".

On behalf of the firm of John Grey Ltd., Mr. James Clark has written to the parents as follows: - "I am desired by the principals of the firm to express to you and the members of your family the sorrow and regret they feel at the sad news that has reached them this morning (October 5th) of the death in action of your dear son.   I am also desired to convey their deep sympathy with you all in your great loss and bereavement.  Your son Tom was a lad who was held in great respect and estimation not only by his employers, but by all with whom his work brought him into contact.  We recognise with gratitude that all his working years have been spent in our employ, and we have every reason to think that but for this cruel war his choice would have been to remain with us longer still.  It must be some comfort to you in this dark time to feel that, contrary to his wishes and inclinations, he laid down voluntarily the peaceful vocation of his choice to take a man's share in the great struggle for those principles of liberty and honour which Englishmen esteem dearer than life itself".

The young soldier's paternal uncle, Pte. John Pennington, went through the Boer War, and served with the East Lancashires at the Dardanelles.  He is now on home service.  His maternal uncle, Pte. Wm. Foley, is serving with the Cameron Highlanders, whilst his brother-in-law, Pte. Walter Jackson, also went to the front with the Loyal North Lancashires, and is now in England suffering from wounds.  

 Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial: Pier & Face 11A

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          (Photo courtesy of G. Coppock - 2024)

 

(Photo courtesy of M & J Hoggatt - 2024)