THOMAS MORETON GANDY (MM)

Weaverham St. Mary’s R.o.H. records two lads named Gandy, R.N. Gandy and a T.M. Gandy, T.M. Gandy is also remembered on the “Fallen” memorial as T.M. Gandy Sergt, MM. It appears he was known as Moreton.

T. Moreton Gandy; is remembered on the Methodist Chapel Memorial and a family Memorial both of which are now in the Parish Rooms.

C.W.C.G. Remember T. Moreton Gandy at the Gommecourt Wood New Cemetery, Foncquevillers, France. Serjeant M.M. 20920; 22nd Bn. Manchester Regiment, died on the 14th March 1917. No family details are recorded

Guardian Friday 22nd Dec. 1916, P5/C1, (Article includes photograph of Moreton.)

“The friends of Corporal T. M. Gandy, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Gandy of Acton Hall, Northwich will be pleased to hear that he has been awarded the Military Medal for patrol work. He joined the Manchester Regiment in December 1914 and was drafted to the front in November 1915. He was wounded in April last but returned to the trenches a few weeks later and was again wounded on July 2nd. On that occasion he sustained such severe injuries that he was in base hospital for nearly three months. He returned to military duties about the end of October and has since held an appointment at a School of Instruction in one of the theatres of war. Prior to enlistment, Corporal Gandy was a member of the staff of the Union Bank at Northwich.”

“It is interesting to note that Corporal Gandy is the third bank clerk from Northwich to win distinction, Lieutenants T. Fryer, Davenham and Trickett, Weaverham, each having been awarded the Military Cross.”

Guardian Friday 16th Feb. 1917;   “Military Medal Winner, Acton Bridge Honours Sergeant Moreton Gandy”

“Although the home coming of Sergeant T. Moreton Gandy was to many of his neighbours quite unexpected, his arrival on leave from the front was soon common knowledge and it was not long ere the village were astir to do him honour. This took the form of a presentation in the Parish Room on Monday evening. When the family became aware of the proposed presentation they in turn wished to return the honour and invited all the school children in the Parish to tea on the same evening. The tea naturally proved a big success for about 100 children sat down to well spread tables. They were waited on by Misses D. Gandy M. Hough N. Hough H. Wilkinson and E. R. Wood. Shortly afterwards, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Gandy and family presided over a tea to which they had invited several relatives and friends, members of the Parish Council and the above lady helpers.

For the evening a concert was arranged by Mr. J. Nicholas, clerk to the Council and although done so hurriedly and composed entirely of local talent this too was greatly appreciated. The artists were: Mrs. A. B. Hough, Misses M. Hough, Gandy, Nicholas and Mrs R. N. Gandy, the accompanists being Misses D. Gandy and M. Hough. The concert was presided over by Mr. W. Hough, chairman of the Parish Council.” “During an interval he asked Sergeant Gandy to accept a clock which had been subscribed for by about 75 parishioners. The timepiece was a Westminster chime in oak and bore a silver disc which read:-“ “Presented to Sergeant T. M. Gandy by the Parishioners of Acton Bridge to commemorate his winning the Military Medal for bravery in the field, 1916.” “Mr. Hough said Sergeant Gandy had brought the first honour to the village in the war and it was thought only fitting that it should be recognised in some way or other. They were all proud to think that he had volunteered to fight for liberty and justice and right, although he was not a warrior by choice or vocation. On behalf of the village he offered him every good wish and a speedy return. Sergeant Gandy looked in the pink of condition and when he came forward to receive the gift, the audience commenced singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow” and it would have been equally true had it been “For he’s a jolly fine fellow.” For everyone looked dwarfed against his towering figure. He stands well over six feet and is broad in proportion. At the time he joined the colours Sergeant Gandy was on the staff of the Union Bank at Northwich.”

Guardian Friday 30th March 1917

“Sergeant T. Moreton Gandy, after being awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service in the field, was killed in action within a month of his return to the front on completion of a brief furlough. Sergeant Gandy was a son of Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Gandy of Acton Hall, Northwich and grandson of the late Mr. T.B. Moreton J.P. of Brown Heath, Hartford. The first intimation that Sergeant Gandy had lost his life was received from a Kingsley soldier who in a letter home said how sorry everybody would be to learn of Moreton Gandy’s death in action. This was confirmed by a letter from another comrade whose home is in Acton Bridge. A few days ago Mr. Gandy received a letter from the officer of his son’s company, telling him that Sergeant Gandy was killed on March 14th and that his body was laid behind the firing line. The officer went onto refer to his devotion to duty and his all round smartness as a soldier and expressed the sincere sympathy of his company with his parents in their bereavement.

Sergeant Gandy joined the Manchester Regiment in December 1914 and was drafted to the front in November 1915. He was wounded in April of last year but returned to the trenches a few weeks later and was again wounded on July 1st. On that occasion he sustained such severe injuries that he was in a base hospital for nearly three months. He returned to active service about the end of October and in December his gallantry in the field was recognised by his being awarded the Military Medal for patrol work.”

Sergeant Gandy was awarded the 15 Star, British War, Victory Medals and the Military Medal.

Some years later, 2019/20 the following information was forwarded by a Mr Charles Cottle, relative of Moreton Gandy;

Charles Cottle, grandson of Robert Newton Gandy has supplied the following which adds to Moreton Gandy’s story; “This information has come via the battalion's war diary and a book “Manchester Pals” by Michael Stedman. The 22nd battalion was also called the 7th City of Manchester (or pals) battalion. 8 pals battalions were raised in Manchester.”

“The only reference I found in the London Gazette is a note Nov. 1916 of Thomas promotion to L/Cpl. and to Cpl. and then Sgt. He must have been a steady and reliable soldier to be promoted when so young and so brave to be awarded the M.M. (Military Medal). Thomas was killed in a badly planned (and failed) night attack on the village of Buquoy. 150 from the battalion were casualties that night, 14/3/1917.”

“Prior to that, on the first day of the Somme, 1/7/1916, the battalion assaulted the village of Mametz. The outcome was regarded by the brass hats as a success in that the objective was taken and held, at a cost of 472 casualties i.e. half the battalion.”

“At some stage in his military career, Thomas, when a corporal was injured by shellfire but when precisely I do not know. I am told that the following is an extract from an officer's letter home, Lieut. Gomersall describes the effect of a high explosive shell that killed 3 of his men… “then right bang amongst them burst an HE shell. I returned a few minutes later to discover Platoon Sgt. Gresty killed outright, two corporals, Helliwell and Heathcote also killed, Cpl Gandy and a Private wounded and another Sgt. (Benson) an absolute nervous breakdown, suffering from terrible shock.”

Moreton was killed near the village of Bucquoy, Northern France, as the Germans were withdrawing to the Hindenberg Line.

Charles has forwarded a photograph of Moreton’s medals which has been supplied to Charles via third party who is collating the life stories of 14 lads from the Manchester Pals including Thomas Moreton Gandy.


T. Moreton Gandy Memorial Plaque, ex Methodist Chapel, now Parish Rooms Acton Bridge.


Family Memorial and Photograph of his medals as supplied by Charles Cottle.



Research Bob Heaton.