Thomas's Story.
Thomas Britcliffe was born in 1884 in Knutsford, the son of Robert (a gardener) and Amanda Britcliffe of Swinton Square, Knutsford. Thomas took up the trade as a basket maker. He married Mabel in 1911 and moved to 7, Green Street, Knutsford.
He enlisted in the 1st Battalion of the Kings (Liverpool Regiment) and arrived in France 12th August 1914.
It would appear Thomas joined the army prior to the outbreak of the war and was with the British Expeditionary force in France.
He was killed in action on the 13th November 1914
On that fateful day:
The Battalion had been in action since the beginning of the month.
The written history of the Regiment in WW1 says of this day. Raining heavily, making the trenches worse than ever. Their boots had long since ceased to be water-proof. Their feet were benumbed. They were standing in water up to their knees for many days they stood like this.’
The History of the Kings Regiment (Liverpool) Vol 1 Everard Wyrall, Page 94.
The war diary for this date states:
13.11.14 POLDERHOEK WOOD
Very wet. Trenches are getting into a horrible state and the paths are frightfully muddy.
HLI (Highland Light Infantry) were ordered back to reinforce the 6th Bde and half of 'D' Company had to take over their trenches. This means holding about a mile of trenches with 500 men.
Casualties 7.
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies.