http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1550008/RADFORD,%20THOMAS
The above medals were given to Tom’s family & the photo was kindly sent by Lindsey Kadzevski who is Tom’s Great Niece.
Tom’s plaque sent to the family following his death, photograph sent by his Great Niece Lindsey Kadzevski.
This is the original cutting taken from the local Newspaper reporting on Tom’s death, also sent by Lindsey.
Thomas Radford: The 11th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) was raised at Derby in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Third New Army and became part of 70th Brigade in 23rd Division. They undertook training in Derby the moved to Stanhope Lines at Aldershot in December 1914, then to Shorncliffe in February 1915 and in May they moved to Bordon. They proceeded to France landing at Boulogne on the 27th of August 1915. They transferred to with 70th Brigade to 8th Division on the 18th of October 1915, in an exchange with 24th Brigade allowing the inexperienced troops to learn from those who had battle experience, returning to their orginal divisions in June 1916. The 23rd Division were at Bomy beginning a period of intensive training for the Battles of the Somme. They were in action in The Battle of Albert including the capture of Contalmaison, The Battles of Bazentin Ridge, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy including the capture of Le Sars. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/sherwoodforesters11.php#sthash.Cnlf7TKw.dpuf
Born: 1886 Buxton registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 834 J/F/M to parents Thomas & Mary Ann Radford
1891 Census: Living at 1 West Street aged 4yrs. Thomas had an older brother, Samuel, two older sisters, Mary and Ann, and a younger sister, Fanny. I have been unable to find any of the Radford children’s school records.
1901 Census: Living at Lomas’ Yard aged 14yrs. Occupation Drapers Errand Boy, another brother, William, had been born. Thomas Snr had died. Mother Mary Ann was working as a “Domestic Charwoman“.
1911 Census: Barman living and working at Grove Hotel, Buxton.
1916: Thomas was reported missing on 1st July, the news that he had been ‘Killed in Action’ was not received until the November. 2 brothers also fought Sapper Samuel Radford in the Royal Engineers & Pte William Radford in the 3rd Manchester Regiment.
Thiepval Memorial 2014.
Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 10c, 10d & 11a.
That is so interesting, I love reading about my family history and knew the Radfords originally came from Bonsal near Matlock, sadly uncle Tommy’s dad died at 40. Obviously I never met him but he is remembered fondly by my mum and myself.
They all lived in 5 New High Street, Fairfield where I visited my great grandma his sister Mary Clearly (new Radford) everyday until she went to live with my nan.
We have visited the new memorial which as you perhaps know is in the small park near St Peters Church as I have dogs and live very close so we walk through the park on our way to the common.
My nan told us of many tales of Uncle Tommy but as a child they didn’t sink in until it was too late, but mum remembers Granny Radford (Tommy’s mum) well.
Unfortunately both myself and mum not sure about my nan although we all grew up here in Fairfield never knew he was written on the stained glass window in St Peters Church as silly as that seemed.
Well thankyou for this info, I know mum will be VERY interested, as I am too.
Lindsey