Private Thomas Mitchell. 

18110 1st East Lancashire Regiment.

Killed in Action 1st July 1916, aged 17.

Thomas was born in the Dec quarter of 1898 in Burnley. The son of Thomas Mitchell and Clara Riley. In the 1901 census the family lived at 4 Pepper St (?) Burnley. Thomas 28 weaver born in Clitheroe, Clara 22 and Thomas 2 born in Burnley.

In the 1911 census they had moved to 12 Mason St, Burnley. Thomas 38, Clara 33, Thomas 12, Herbert 10, Lillian 6, Ida 4 and John 6 months.

From The Express and advertiser dated 26th July 1916: A SMART LAD. BURNLEY YOUTH DEATH.

News came on Saturday from the war office that Lance Corporal Thomas Mitchell of the 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Mitchell of 12 Mason Street Burnley, was killed in action on July 1st. Lance Corporal Mitchell who was formerly a weaver at Messrs' Woodward's Shed, and later at Messrs' Nuttall and Crooks Shed, was only 17 and 1/2 years of age, but had done 18 months service in the army.  He was a big strong lad and had made his mark in his training, and it was chiefly due to his own keeness that he was sent to the front. At the time he went out Sgt A Grady wrote: "you must know by now that Tommy left for France to join the 1st Battalion. I must say he was a smart lad and wanted so much to go, always saying it was about time he was out.  Now he has gone and one wishes him luck. He should have been made a full corporal in a few weeks. There is a future in store for him. I feel quite convinced."  Lance Corporal Mitchell was a member of the Nelson  St John's Boy Scouts, holding the position of Patrol leader and having one most of the badges offered by the Scouts. He attended the St. Thomas's mission in Burnley. He stood 5-ft 8 and a half inches in height. His father served 12 years with the third East Lancashire Regiment.

Lived at 12 Mason Street. Son of Thomas and Clara Mitchell, of 12, Mason St., Burnley.

Thomas left his effects to his father and mother.

Thomas is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France: Pier and face 6C.

Photo courtesy of George Coppock 2024