Sergeant Thomas Albert Dagg M.M.
71700 Royal Garrison Artillery.
Died 1st October 1917, aged 25.
Thomas was born in the Dec quarter 1892, Bolton. The son of Richard Dagg and Lucy Parks. In the 1901 census the family were living at 8 Market St, Farnworth. His parents were Richard 38, foreman in the Gas works and born in Ireland, Lucy Ann 38 born in Liverpool, Elizabeth 16, Richard 11, Thomas 8, Mary6, Agnes 3 and Teresa Parks (sister) 29 cotton winder, all born in Farnworth.
In the 1911 census Thomas was still at home in 8 (Lower) Market St Farnworth, aged 18 a student teacher, Richard 48, Lucy 48, Elizabeth 25, Richard 21, and Mary 16. His parents had been married 28 years and had had 6 children 2 of whom had died.
Thomas enlisted on the 12th Dec 1915 and he was posted to the Army Reserve until he joined the RGA on the 22nd March 1916. He quickly rose through the ranks being promoted corporal 1st Aug 1916 then to Sgt. In the Oct of the same year just before he embarked from Folkestone to Boulogne on the 30th Oct 1916. He was killed almost a year afterwards. He was awarded the M.M. on the 28th Sept 1917.
From the Burnley Express dated 10th Sept 1917: BURNLEY TEACHERS MILITARY MEDAL.
We learn that Sergeant T A Dagg of the Royal Garrison Artillery assistant master at St. Mary's RC Boys School, has been awarded the Military Medal for extinguishing a fire at an ammunition dump in France. He has received the ribbon of the decoration from the Colonel. Sergeant Dagg who is a native of Farnworth has been out about 12 months and he has been about 2 years in Burnley.
From the Burnley Express dated 13th Oct 1917: TEACHER KILLED. - A MILITARY MEDALLIST.
It is only 6 weeks today since we announced that Sergeant T A Dagg of the Royal Garrison artillery, assistant master at St. Mary's RC Boys School Burnley, had been awarded the military medal for extinguishing a fire at an ammunition dump in France. He had just then received the ribbon of the decoration from the Colonel. Sergeant Dagg was very well known and respected especially in Roman Catholic circles, and the greatest regret will be felt when we state that he was killed a week ago on October 1st.
The deceased young man was a native of Farnworth and his parents there have received the following letter from Major A R Carr dated October 2nd-" Dear Mr Dagg, it is with very deep regret that I must write and tell you of the death of your son. He was killed last night by the bursting of a Shell only a few yards away. He was in charge of his gun at the time and was actually firing. I, together with the officers under my command, sympathise most deeply with you on your great loss. He has done most excellent work since he came out with the battery and we can ill afford to lose him. Under Fire he will always seemed to be fearless and his example to his men were splendid. He was buried this afternoon with two others of his comrades in a military Cemetery about 2 miles from the battery position and I have made a careful note of the spot."
Sergeant Dagg had been out at the front over 12-months and previous to joining the Army had been at St. Mary's schools about two years. He was about 25 years of age, and had very excellent prospects in his profession. His work with the RGA had been most comprehensive and he was most efficient. Sergeant Dagg had declined a commission several times. His death proves his own words written lately, that the RGA have not a cushy job. A field postcard written on the same day he was killed was received by a Burnley friend.
From the Burnley Express dated 24th Oct. 1917:
The Burnley education committee has forwarded a letter of condolence and sympathy to the family of the late Sgt Thomas Dagg MM, Who before enlistment was a valued teacher at St. Mary's School.
Thomas left his effects to his mother Lucy which consisted of: All his money, dice, letters, photos, pipe, 2 pocket books, religious medallions, religious books, fountain pen, watch knife, scissors, foot rule, M.M. ribbon, razor strop, match box holder, diary, rosary, crucifix, coin. These items were returned to his mother on the 11th May 1918.
Thomas was buried at Klein Vierstraat Cemetery, Belgium: Grave Ref; III.F.7.
The Probate Record reads: Dagg Thomas Albert of 8 Market St Farnworth, Bolton, Lancs a Sgt 188th Siege bty RGA died 1 Oct 1917 in France or Belgium. Administration (with will) Manchester 8th March to Lucy Ann Dagg (wife of Richard Dagg). Effects £110. (Lucy and Richard were his parents).
