Private Thomas McPadden
19191, 12th, 16th Bn., Durham Light Infantry
Thomas, a Roman Catholic, was born in 1881 at Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland. He married Laura Metcalfe in December 1907 and fathered two sons (1909 and 1914). In 1911, he lived at Red Row, Beamish and worked as a coal miner hewer.

At the time of enlistment, 12 September 1914, Thomas was attached to the 12th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He was aged 33 years 9 months, had mid-brown hair, blue eyes and was 5 feet 7 inches. He lived at 35 Front Street, Tantobie.

The 12th (Service) Battalion
September 1914 moved to Bullswater, Pirbright to join the 68th Brigade of the 23rd Division and then moved to Malplaquet Barracks, Aldershot for training.

February 1915 Moved to Willesborough, Ashford.

May 1915 Moved to Bramshott, Hampshire

21 August 1915 to 28 Sept 1915 Thomas was admitted to Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot suffering from chest pain and shortness of breath.

3 October 1915 Thomas was posted to the 16th (Reserve ) Battalion at Rugeley, Cannock Chase.

5 November 1915 Thomas was discharged from Penkridge Bank Camp on Cannock Chase as being no longer physically fit for war Service.

15 December 1915 Sadly, Thomas died at home aged 34 years. Cause of death was valvular disease of the heart.

R.I.P.

Thomas McPadden is remembered at Dipton on D46.06 and in Leadgate on L65.01

There is no CWGC entry for Pte. McPadden as he was discharged from the army before his death.