Thomas Bryan

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

BRYAN, Thomas. (reg No. 140)

Lance-Corporal 25th (S) Battalion, The Northumberland Fusiliers.

London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.

Born on 21st January 1882 at Stourbridge, Worcestershire.

Died on 13th October 1945 at Doncaster,Yorkshire.

Memorials at Arksey Cemetery, Doncaster and at Castleford Civic Centre, Yorkshire.

Digest of Citation reads: On 9th April 1917 near Arras, France, a during an attack Lance-Corporal Bryan although wounded, went forward alone in order to silence a machine-gun which was inflicting much damage. He worked his way along the communication trench, approached the gun from behind, disabled it and killed two of the team. The results obtained by Lance-Corporal Bryan's action were very far-reaching.

Additional Information: Lance-Corporal Thomas BRYAN served in the European war (WWI), and was awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette 80th June, 1917) "Thomas BRYAN, No. 22040, Lance-Corporal, 25th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. For most conspicuous gallantry during an attack. Although wounded, this non-commissioned officer went forward alone, with a view to silencing a machine-gun which was inflicting much damage. He worked most skilfully along a communication trench, approaching the gun from behind, disabled it and killed two of the team as they were abandoning the gun. As this machine gun had been at a serious obstacle in the advance to the second objective, the results obtained by Lance-Corporal Bryan's gallant action was very far reaching." Lance-Corporal BRYAN was born in Bott Lane, Lye, near Stourbridge, Worcestershire. In his infancy his family moved to Castleford, Yorkshire and lived at 29, Hunt Street, Whitwood Mere. He was educated at the Potteries Council School. He also attended the United Methodist Church. He was employed by Henry Briggs and Co at Whitwood Colliery. On the 9th November 1914, the City of Newcastle, headed by the Lord Mayor, formed the 25th ( Service ) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, ( 2nd Tyneside Irish). This Battalion was attached to the 103rd Brigade (34th Division) in June 1915. From the 6th July to 22nd August 1916 this Brigade was attached to the 37th Division. The Victoria Cross was presented to him, on 23rd June 1917, by his Majesty King George V at an Investiture held at St James' Park, Newcastle. He was watched by his family and a crowd of more than 40,000 people. A receptionfor Lance-Corporal Bryan, organised by a Mr T R Dawes, was held in Castleford and Whitwood. It consisted of procession of decorated landaus along Carlton Street, Aire Street and Bancs Street and forward to the Hightown Cricket Ground. The Whitwood Colliery Band played, in Thomas Bryan's honour, "See the conquering hero comes." He was able to spend a week in Newcastle with his wife and four children. At the end of the war he returned the mines in Castleford. A fund was raised for him, and Mr Brown was able to buy a horse and cart, setting up in business for himself. Then in 1926 he moved to Norton, followed, in 1934, by a move to Doncaster. Here he set up home at 44, Askern Road, Bentley, Doncaster. He took a job at Askern colliery. On his death on 13th October 1945, at the age of 63, his funeral took place four days later when he was interred at Arksey Cemetery, Doncaster, with full military honours after a service at St Peter's Church, Bentley. I am grateful to Mike Gomersall of Castleford, Yorkshire, who's interest is in the Yorkshire VCs, for the local information on Thomas BRYAN VC.