Sig T C Smallman (1893 – 1917)

Thomas Charles Smallman was born on 17th September, 1893 and was baptised at St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth, on 6th October. His parents were John Smallman, a dyehouse labourer at the carpet factory, and his wife, Emily. They lived at 10 Railway Street and, later, at 25 Cartway.

Thomas served with the 6th Battalion Cheshire Regiment. He was killed in action on 22nd October, 1917, during the Third Battle of Ypres. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to men who died in the Ypres Salient who have no known grave.

Signaller Smallman, 21562, was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 17th November, 1917.

KILLED IN ACTION
[Bridgnorth Journal, 17th November, 1917]
Private Thomas Charles Smallman. 6th Cheshires, whose home is 3 Bank Steps, Bridgnorth, was killed in action in France, while taking part in a successful advance, on the 22nd ult. His captain, in a letter of condolence to his relatives, says:— "I wish to offer you the deepest sympathy of officers and men of this company with you in your inestimable loss; a loss which is, however, shared by so many who knew and loved 'Tommy' as one of the very best of fellows. I personally feel I have lost not only an excellent signaller and a fine soldier, but also a personal friend. Many a time he volunteered for dangerous work, such as patrol, when by virtue of his position there was no necessity for him to do so."