Peter Thomas's Story.
Peter Thomas Almond was born in Birkenhead, in 1884, the son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Almond. His father was born in Ormskirk, Lancashire, in 1844, but by 1901, was employed as a Road Pavior’s Labourer, living at 134, St. Anne Street, Birkenhead, with his two son’s: Peter Thomas Almond, and William John Almond (born in Birkenhead, in 1890). Peter Thomas Almond married Miss Emily Uytendhal on 25th December 1908, at the Birkenhead Parish Church. By 1911, they were living at 27, Bertha Street, with their first child, Lilian Elizabeth Almond (born in 1910). By 1916, they had two children. At the time of his wedding, he was living at 13, Hilton Street, Birkenhead, and his wife’s home address was 326, Laird Street, Birkenhead. Peter Thomas Almond was then employed as a Bricklayer/House Repairer. From about 1912, he was employed by Messrs. Povall & Son’s (Building Contractor), Cavendish Street, Birkenhead, and prior to this, had been employed by Mr. James Bird, of Claughton Road, Birkenhead, since 1898. Peter Thomas Almond was also a keen rugby player, winning one cap.
On 4th June 1916, he enlisted at Birkenhead, and after completing his training was sent to France. He was killed in action on 31st July 1917, in the Langemark Sector, Belgium. His widow, Emily, received the following letter from a Lieutenant in his company:
“I am deeply grieved to have to inform you of the death in action of your gallant husband…..like the rest of his comrades who fell, he fought gloriously and successfully, but unfortunately for you and his company he paid the great price to protect all that was so dear to him. I remember him when he first came up. Even then he was a quiet and steady soldier, and as we got to know him we got to admire him more. We his comrades offer our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of so true a husband and so gallant a soldier. The papers have been shrieking the news of the Welsh troop’s success. He helped us to that. God rest his soul.”
His death was a double blow to his wife, as her brother, 677094 Gunner Harold Uytendhal, Royal Field Artillery, had been killed in action on 20th July 1917. She re-married by the early 1920’s, and became Mrs Emily Saunders.
His death was a double blow to his wife, as her brother, 677094 Gunner Harold Uytendhal, Royal Field Artillery, had been killed in action on 20th July 1917. She re-married by the early 1920’s, and became Mrs Emily Saunders.
His medal entitlement consisted of Memorial Plaque, British War Medal, and Victory Medal.
Private Almond’s body was never recovered and identified from the battlefield, and is therefore commemorated on Panel 22, The Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Peter is also commemorated on the war memorial archway in Christ The King (St. Anne’s) Church, Birkenhead, and on the war memorial inside St. James Church, Birkenhead.
Family application form requesting Peter to be added to the Birkenhead War Memorial.
Private Almond’s body was never recovered and identified from the battlefield, and is therefore commemorated on Panel 22, The Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Peter is also commemorated on the war memorial archway in Christ The King (St. Anne’s) Church, Birkenhead, and on the war memorial inside St. James Church, Birkenhead.
Family application form requesting Peter to be added to the Birkenhead War Memorial.
Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.