Thomas Lee, Welsh Regiment

Private, 11080, 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Died, killed in action, aged about 20, on 14 September 1914 on the Western Front.

The 2nd Battalion was at Bordon, Hampshire in August 1914 as part of 3rd Brigade in the 1st Division. It landed at Le Havre on 13 August 1914.

Private Lee arrived in France on 22 August 1914. The Battalion was not directly engaged at the commencement of the Battle of Mons on 23 August. However, they took part in the "Retreat from Mons", a march of 200 miles in 13 days, after which the British Army turned and on 6 September 1914 attacked the Germans at the River Aisne. Heavy fighting ensued as the British advanced against a long ridge. In all the Battalion lost 11 Officers and 210 Other Ranks before the fighting came to a standstill and both sides dug in to commence the trench warfare that characterised the rest of the conflict. It is probable that Private Lee lost his life during the battles at the Aisne. His service in France lasted only three weeks.

Private Lee was born at Holyhead the eldest son of Thomas and Ann Lee. In 1901 he lived at 32 Baker Street with his parents, Thomas (30) and Ann (32) together with sisters, Ann (5) and Mary Ann (3 months). His parents originated from Mullingar, Ireland. All children were born at Holyhead. His father was employed as a General Labourer. In 1911 the family still resided at the same address. He was employed at a Bottling Store, aged 16.

Awarded the 1914 (Mons) Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous- Jouarre Memorial, France. He has no known grave.