Thomas Alexander's Story.
Birkenhead News 24 February 1917Education Official Falls.
Only Son of Widowed Mother.
We regret to announce the death in action of Private Thomas A. Herald.
Mr. Herald was educated at the St. Anne’s School, Birkenhead, and was very well-known in the borough, more especially in the North-end, and in cycling circles. On leaving school Mr. Herald entered the service of the then recently formed Birkenhead School Board, in January 1894. On the formation of the Education Committee, in April, 1902, Mr. Herald rendered yeoman services to the Secretary (Mr. Robert T. Jones) in the many and arduous demands of that great step forward in national education. Throughout his 23 years’ service in the Education Office, his bright manner, loyalty, thoroughness and willingness were ever to the fore. He was popular with all and will be sadly missed by his colleagues, the teaching profession, and the very large number of people with whom his official duties brought him into contact.
Mr. Herald was an only son and was unmarried. It was well-known that he was devotedly attached to his widowed mother, with whom he lived, and the deepest sympathy is extended to her and her daughters in their irreparable loss.
A correspondent writes : -
Mr. Herald was secretary of the Birkenhead North End Cycle Club in 1904, and several years after acted as treasurer. He was the first N.C.U. delegate and was assistant secretary to that body until a couple of years ago when he relinquished cycling and took office with the Wirral Harriers. He was also delegate on the Time Trials Association and during his connection with the club, the 50 miles Shield was twice won. Mr. Herald is the third member to go under and the Club is in abeyance until after the war as all the members are with the Forces except the unfit and elder members. One can only add that Little Tommy was a good sport. Those who were connected with him know it. A big heart and a plucky chap!