Gunner Thomas Cummings.
24382 Royal Field Artillery (Trench Mortar Battery)
Killed in Action 29th July 1917. Aged 34.
Thomas was born in Burnley about 1883, the son of Thomas Cummings and Ann Gallagher, both of Ireland. In the 1891 census the family were living at 32 Pickup St, Burnley. Thomas 40 labourer, Ann 36, John 16, Michael 13, Thomas 8, Catherine 6, Ann 1 John Gallagher widower father in law. All the children were born in Burnley.
Thomas married Anastasia Donnellan in the Dec quarter of 1906, Burnley.
Thomas either re-enlisted or was called up on the 31st Dec 1914 and joined the 5th Battalion East lancs. He was living at 4 Parker St at the time. He was on the home front and on the 14 May 1915 he was discharged under Kings regulations 392 XXI.- Termination of his period of service. He had already served 6 years in the 3rd battalion of the East Lancs (Militia). He obviously enlisted in the RFA, date unknown.
From the Burnley Express dated 8th Sept. 1917: HIS SECOND TERM OF SERVICE.
Mrs Cummings of 20 Park Street Burnley ,has got news that her husband Gunner Thomas Cummings of the RFA, trench mortar battery, was killed in action in France on July 29. A Lieutenant writing on August 2nd says: "I regret to inform you that your husband was killed on July 29-in the act of doing his Duty. He was a good worker, and was very well-liked. You will be glad to know that he did not suffer any pain."
Gunner Cummings (24382) was 34 years of age, and leaves a widow and seven children one of whom he has not seen. He had seen Active Service before the present war. He was in the East Lancs, and served two years in the Boer War. He rejoined the army on the Outbreak of the present War.
He formerly worked as a Collier at Towneley Pit, and was connected with St Mary's Roman Catholic Church. His brother Michael is serving with the East Lancs in France, and three brothers-in-law are also serving, another Private James McCarthy, Leyland Road, having been killed in action.
Thomas left his effects to his widow Anastasia.
Thomas lived at 20 Park St., Burnley.
Thomas is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France: Bay 1.
