Astall, Thomas James

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Thomas James Astall

265786, Private, 1/6th Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Territorial Force)
Killed in action, 28 December 1917, aged 27
Buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel

CWGC registered (no family details)

Thomas James Astall was born in Everton on 31 August 1890. He was the son of William Jefferson Astall, a labourer, and his wife Hannah Astall (née Fick). He was baptised at St. Peter’s Church, Everton on 1 October 1890; the baptismal register records the family’ address as 42 Rushton Street. The census for the following year confirms the family of seven living at the same address, William recorded as a bill poster. In 1901, the family lived at 50 Henry Street, West Derby. Ten years later, William and Hannah Astall were living in Everton whilst Thomas and his elder brother Joe were boarding at 4 Jubilee Street, Llandudno, Thomas described as a donkey driver on the sands.

On 12 October 1914, Thomas Astall volunteered at Caernarfon to join the 6th (Carnarvonshire and Anglesey Battalion), Royal Welsh Fusiliers, one of four peacetime battalions of the RWF Territorial Force. At his attestation, Thomas gave his address as 6 Bellevue Terrace, Great Orme, Llandudno and his occupation as a fishmonger. He was given the service number of 2341 (later 265786). It was around this time when the 6th Battalion split into the 1/6th, its men electing to serve overseas, and the 2/6th for home service. Though having signed for overseas service, when the 1/6th sailed for Gallipoli on 19 July 1915 he had been posted to the 2/6th (21 May 1915). He was promoted to acting lance corporal in June 1915, to acting corporal in May 1916 and to acting lance sergeant in November 1916. At the time he served with the 2/6th, the battalion was engaged in home duties at Bedford and Southwold. On 19 May 1917, Thomas was posted to the 4th (Reserve) Battalion RWF, formerly the 3/4th, and in July 1917 was posted to the 1/6th RWF, now in Egypt, having reverted to the rank of private.

Thomas James Astall was killed in action on 28 December 1917 aged 27 during the Battle of Jerusalem. He was buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery.

Known memorials:

  • Llandudno Roll of Honour
  • Llandudno War Memorial
  • Memorial Chapel, Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno

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