Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Thomas was born to his parents, John and Martha (nee Miller) on 26 March 1889 at Gateshead. During their marriage the couple had no fewer than 10 children only one of whom died. They included : Mary, Wilson, Margaret Jane, Martha, John, William, Charles and Matthew and, of course, Thomas.
According to 1911 census the men of the family worked in the mines. Father, John, as a hewer as did Wilson and Thomas. John (junior) was a colliery screener above ground. The girls, Margaret and Martha were both domestic servants. The family of 10 lived in 3 rooms at 6 Blue Quarries Road, Sheriff Hill.
Thomas enlisted into Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 19 October 1914 where he served at C.P Depot (probably Crystal Palace training unit). His personal details were that he was 5 ‘4” tall, medium complexion, dark brown hair, grey eyes, had a mark on his left hand, his religion was Church of England. His conduct sheet reported him as being ‘very good’ whilst his ability was satisfactory.
He was posted to Anson Battalion 8 February 1915. On 1 March 1915 he was on board H.M.S. Victory sailing for the Dardanelles where he served until his death 4 months later.
Thomas received a gunshot wound to his head 19 June 1915 from which he died at 11th Casualty Clearing Station the following day aged 26 years.
He is buried at Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Helles in Turkey.
His mother added the following sentiment to his gravestone :- A British hero laid to rest, Gone but not forgotten by all at home.
Thomas Wood is remembered at Gateshead in G39.004 and at Gateshead Fell on G39.064
