Private Thomas Drew died aged 29 The Somerset Light Infantry
Son of William Henry a tailor (originally from Guernsey) and Elizabeth (of Calstock) living in Miners Row, St Ive.
Thomas Lewis John Drew
- Born at Miners cottage, St Ive in 1886, to William Henry and Elizabeth Ann.
- He enlisted in Callington where he joined the Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry), 9th (Reserve) Battalion. Service number: 22326
- 9th Battalion was formed at Plymouth as a service battalion of the Fourth New Army (K4) as part of the 98th Brigade of the 33rd Division then moved to St. Austell, Cornwall.
- He died in Poole, Dorset on 30/3/1916 and is buried there. No record of him being married.
Source: https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/7685174
The 1891 census shows William & Elizabeth with 7 children, including Thomas, ages ranging from 12 – 2years old (Samual, Robina, Mable, Ann, Thomas 5 yrs, Alice, Joseph) (Mabel died just 13 years old. Born 1883 died 1896)
His Dad remarried when Elizabeth died aged 36. Born 1858 died Feb. 17th 1894. Buried Mission church. Pensilva. Thomas was 8 years old when his mum died.
1901 census shows Step Mother Annie/Fanny aged 30. Born 1871 St. Ive died 1950 aged 79 buried Mission church, Pensilva (William was 53) Thomas aged 15 plus Alice, Harry & Edward living at home.
1911 census shows William & wife Annie now married 13 years with 4 children of their own (Harry, Edward, Stewart, Howard) and Thomas aged 24 a labourer living at home in St. Ive.
Dad William Henry born 1848 died 1934 aged 86 buried Mission church, Pensilva
Sources from Callington Heritage Museum. Find my Past and census records.