Thomas Wells (1891-19??)

Post date: Mar 02, 2016 11:31:1 AM

Thomas was born in 1891 to Robert and Isabella Wells of Old Road, Wateringbury. Thomas was described in the 1891 census as a "Brewhouse labourer". Thomas was the younger brother of James Wells who was killed in Mesopotamia in 1917. By 1901 the family had expanded with two daughters and another son and they had moved to Broomscroft Cottages Canon Lane where they had 4 rooms and Robert was now a farm labourer. By 1911 there were a further 3 children, two sons and a daughter. The 1911 census shows Isabel had 11 children of whom 3 had died by 1911.

Thomas is consistently shown by the vicar in all his lists of those serving in WWI as serving in the navy in HMS Biter. It is probable that H.M.S. Biter was a shore establishment representing the Royal Marines but Thomas' personal service record is not available. He may have been the Thomas Wells of the Royal Marine's Chatham Battalion (service number CH/10650 (RFR/B/1691)) who served at Antwerp in 1914. His older neighbour from Broomscroft cottages, Richard Heath (born 1875), also served in the Chatham battalion of the Royal Marines.