Private 2414
Thomas Stephenson
'B' Company 1st/5th Battalion Sherwood Foresters
Killed in action near Ypres on Friday 23rd July 1915 aged 19.
In July 1915 the battalion was occupying an area of the Ypres Salient known as Hill 62, at the edge of Sanctuary Wood, close to the German lines.
Hill 62 is just two miles from the centre of Ypres. On high ground (for the area) and gave whoever occupied it an advantage because of its commanding views in what was primarily a flat region, therefore it became a strategic ?must? for both sides.
It took its name from the contours that marked it out on Allied trench maps used at the time.
Burial Place
Thomas has no known grave and is commemorated on The Menin Gate Ypres Belgium.
Residence
He lived at 4, Devonshire Terrace Belper and enlisted on 4th August 1914 in Derby. Thomas went to France with the 5th Battalion in February 1915.
Family
Thomas was the son of Mary Jane Hyde (formerly Stephenson), of 17, Park Rd. North, Bedford, and the late Samuel Stephenson.
Employment
He was formerly employed at Allwood's Foundry where he was employed as a Moulders Apprentice.
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