William Thomas, Quartermaster, Mercantile Marine Reserve, HMS Tara. Died of wounds whilst a prisoner of war of the Senusi, age 65, on 13 November 1915.
When the ship was torpedoed, William Thomas went below to find a mess-mate and bring him on deck. By the time they reached the deck the last lifeboat was leaving and in his attempt to board it he fell and crushed his leg between the boat and the ship's side. During the march into the desert he continued in great pain and the wound became infected. Whilst sheltering at some caves, it was decided to operate to amputate his foot. The only instruments available to carry this out was a pair of scissors and a sharp rock and no anaesthetics. Despite the efforts of the Turkish doctor and the Tara's young medical student he passed away later that night.
In 1911 he lived at Hadley Villa, Holyhead. He was registered as married but appeared to living alone. The 1901 Census records him serving as a AB Seaman on board SS Banshee, berthed at Holyhead Harbour. In 1891 he was recorded as a Seaman on board SS Shamrock berthed at the North Wall, Dublin.
In his will he left the sum of £430 to William Henry Thomas (son?).
Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Commemorated on the Chatby Memorial, Alexandria, Egypt. He was buried at the "caves" on route to Bir Hakkam. His body was not recovered for reburial.