Thiepval Memorial
D.L.I. Memorial Book
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Thomas Turner Dixon was born in Ryhope, date unknown, the son of Elizabeth.
He enlisted in 1914 in Bishop Auckland declaring that he lived in Chilton, County Durham. Thomas was first assigned as Private 3687 to the 1st/6th Battalion Durham Light Infantry a volunteer battalion part of the Northumbrian Division, his number was later changed in 1915 to Private 45656. His full military record no longer exists, one of many destroyed during the blitz of WW2 but he did not enter the theatre of war in France until after December 1915 as that was the deadline for the entitlement of the 1915 Star. During his service he was transferred to the 15th Battalion, 21st Division, which took part July 1st 1916 in the fighting of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, north of Fricourt. Aided by its artillery the 15th captured the German front line trenches and pressed on to Shelter Wood, beating off a counterattack and were relieved that same evening. In mid-September the next objective was between the villages of Flers and Courcelette, the territorials assisted in this phase. The Battle of Morval took place 25-28th September 1916 and it was during this attack on September 26th 1916 Private Thomas Turner Dixon 45656 Durham Light Infantry was killed in action.
Thomas has no known grave, his sacrifice is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France, dedicated to the 72,195 servicemen from Britain and South Africa who perished on the Somme between 1915 and 1918.
His mother Elizabeth was his sole beneficiary and received all monies due to him and a pension along with his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Thomas Dixon is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12
