T R Cleaton (1897 – 1917)

Thomas Richard Cleaton (alias Clayton) was born at Astley Abbots, the son of Richard Cleaton, labourer, and his wife, Sarah. They lived in Moat Street. On leaving school, Thomas went to work at H M Southwell Ltd’s carpet factory.

Thomas joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry but was transferred to the 1/6th Battalion Cheshire Regiment. He died in the UK, possibly at a military hospital in Lincoln. He is buried in Bridgnorth Cemetery

Private Cleaton, 267872, was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 23rd June, 1917.

DIED OF WOUNDS
[Bridgnorth Journal, 23rd June, 1917]
The death took place at the Military Hospital, Lincoln, on Sunday last, of No. 2461 [Pte] Thomas R. Cleaton, 4th K.S.L.I., whose [home is] at 3 Bank Street, Bridgnorth. He was wounded in action in France over two months ago, but septic poisoning intervened. He, a little later removed to England with other wounded, [was] sent to Lincoln, but notwithstanding every [atten?]tion he eventually succumbed to his malady, [dying of?] heart failure. The coffin containing the bo[dy was] sent to Bridgnorth, and he was buried in the [Ceme]tery on Thursday last. He was only 19 yea[rs of] age. The coffin was covered with the Union [flag] and a number of beautiful wreaths.