THOMAS WILLIAM LAWS

Born: 1894, Ipswich.

Died: 30th September 1917; age 23; KiA.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 43759

Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

Formerly 2474, Suffolk Cyclist.

Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.

Grave Reference:

III.G.17.

Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery,

West-Vlaanderen,

Belgium.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Walter & Sarah Laws, of 28, Station Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

CENSUS

1901   89, Rectory Road, Ipswich.

Thomas was 6 years old and living with his parents & siblings.

Walter Henry Laws, 46, a Boiler Maker, born Ipswich.

Sarah Jane Laws (nee Potter), 43, born Ipswich.

Walter George Laws, 21, a Boiler Maker, born Ipswich.

Florence Caroline Laws, 18, a Tailoress, born Ipswich.

Charles Joseph Laws, 16, a Clerk, born Ipswich.

Ethel Louisa Laws, 13, born Ipswich.

1911   58, Rectory Road, Ipswich.

Thomas was 16 years old, a Time Clerk – Iron Works. He was living with his parents.

Walter, 56, a Boiler Maker – Loco Dept Railway Co.

Sarah, 53.

1 boarder.

Probate to Walter Henry Laws – father, a Boiler Maker.

Soldiers’ Effects to Walter H. Laws – father.

Thomas is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Mary at Stoke Church, Ipswich.

Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion:

2nd Battalion the Suffolk regiment attacked between St. Julien and Tower Hamlets in the Zonnebeke area.
The 2nd Battalion assault began at 05:30 in thick mist adding to the difficulties in communications between each unit coming up against concrete pill boxes. The assault was a success and the honour of capturing the village of Zonnebeke fell to the 2nd Battalion. During the evening a strong counter attack began but was repelled. This continued the next evening with snipers and aircraft attacking during the day. Over 4 days the Battalion received 258 casualties.

Suffolk Regiment Battalion movements

Friends of The Suffolk Regiment