George Arthur Thomas, Royal Welsh Fusiliers

The Battalion was formed at Llandudno in November 1914 by the Welsh National Executive Committee from recruits surplus to 13th Battalion. In November 1914 it was attached to 128th Brigade, 43rd Division at Llandudno. On 28 April 1915 the formation became the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division. The Battalion moved to Winchester in August 1915 and landed in France in December 1915. He arrived in France with the Battalion on 2 December 1915. The battalion then moved up to the area north of the Somme close to Richebourgh St. Vaast. During part of the month the battalion was attached to Guards Companies for instruction in the front line. On the 6 January the Battalion moved to take up front line duties for the first time. On 9 January the Battalion War Diary recorded "Our artillery shelled enemy wire at S16A.58. Enemy artillery retaliated on our front line and 2 men were killed and 8 wounded. An officer's patrol went out after dark but could find no gap in enemy wire." Amongst the listed casualties was "19137, G A Thomas, 'B' Company, killed". Also killed at the same time was 19138, Lance Corporal John Henry Jones, 'B' Company, from Holyhead. They were best friends, had joined up together with consecutive service numbers and are buried alongside each other.

Born at Rhyl the son of Edward Clayton Thomas and Elizabeth Thomas (nee Davies). In 1901 he lived at 12 Cybi Place, Holyhead with his parents, sister, Ann Mary Thomas (18) and brother, Huw Edward Thomas (16), a Surveyor's Clerk. His father was born in Pernambuco, Brazil (a British subject) and was employed as a Iron and Brass Turner. His mother was born at Rhuddlan, Flintshire. He also resided at 3 Park Street, Holyhead. He attended Park School, Holyhead before going onto Normal College, Bangor in 1907 to train as a teacher. Prior to joining the army he taught at Cybi School, Holyhead.

Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'avoul, France. Grave location II.L.5.

He is also remembered on the Normal College Roll of Honour Plaque.

War Diary information and image of the gravestone courtesy of www.penmon.org and Ann Hughes where further information is available resulting from research completed by Ann Hughes, supported by Clive Hughes and RWF Archivist, Anne Pedley. Obituary details can be found at http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4243312/4243318/88/Holyhead%20AND%20Thomas