Thomas SHIPLEY

Rifleman Thomas SHIPLEY No. C/6767 King's Royal Rifle Corps
Died 9 April 1919 at Stoke on Trent aged 40.

On the 1st February 1903 he married Miss Elizabeth Emma Lovatt at St Marks Church, Shelton, Stoke on Trent. His children were Annie born 14 September 1908, George Ralph born 18 July 1912, Charles born 7th August 1914 and Thomas born 5 November 1916 died 1 November 1918. His wife died 29 October 1918.

Some notes from what remains of his three army records -

Joined 18 August 1914 aged 33 years and 49 days. Gave his date of birth as 30 June 1881. Joined the 3rd North Staffordshire Regiment as private 8531, changed to 8528. At the time of enlistment he was living in lodgings in Hanley, occupation Potters placer (Biscuit). He had served 6 years with the volunteers (may have been the North Staffordshire Regiment in Hanley). His wife Eliza Emma and children resided at 12 Durham Street, Hanley. On 19 December 1915 he was discharged from the army. Not likely to become and efficient soldier. Para 392 (iii)(cc) Kings Regulation. Authority S.W.C Defence No 9075 25 January 1915.


Joined 2 January 1915 he joined the 2nd Ammunition Column, 2nd North Midlands Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (T.F.) as gunner 2001 he was aged 33 years and 6 months. Resided at 12 Durham Street, Shelton, Hanley, Stoke on Trent. Previously served with the 1st Volunteer Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment, time had expired. His next of kin was his wife Eliza Emma Shipley of 12 Durham Street, Shelton. On the 30 April 1915 he was discharged as being medically unfit. He was unable to retain urine.

Joined 9 August 1915 aged 25 years and 2 month the 18th King’s Royal Rifle as rifleman and given army number C/6767. He resided with his family at 17 Pool Street, Pool Village, Church Gresley, Derbyshire, occupation, Potters placers. He had previously served with the 3 North Staffordshire Regiment as private 8528 and was discharged 19 December 1914 through sustaining fractured ribs. 12 July 1916 he embarked for France with the 16 Battalion disembarking the same day at Le Havre. Whilst at the front he reported sick to 101 Field Ambulance on 5 October 1916 suffering from bronchitis. He was transferred the same day to 19 Causality Clearing Station finally on 7 October 1916 to No 1 Convalescent Depot, Boulogne. He was discharged to No 3 Large Rest Camp Boulogne on 16 December 1916. 24 December 1916 sent to 1st Infantry Base Depot, Le Havre from there on 27 December now classified as P.B. (have no idea what this is) to Cinder City, Le Havre. Still at Cinder City sent to German P of W Cont Camp, 17 June 1917 still at Cinder City sent for duty at 4 Convalescent Depot, France on 18 November 1918 he left 13 Convalescent Depot for England. Discharged to Army Reserve Class Z on 22 January 1919 to his family at 31 Longton Road, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent.

At rest at Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Cemetery, Staffordshire.