Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Thomas was born to parents, Thomas (born in Co. Mayo, Ireland) and Mary Ann at Fatfield, Co Durham in 1896. He was the eldest of 6 children born to the couple. All the children survived infancy.
In 1901 his parents, brothers Daniel and James, with James Gallagher aged 72 years, a boarder who was probably Daniels’s father were living at 13 Coke Ovens, Washington, Co. Durham.
By 1911 the family had moved to Eighton Banks although their accommodation was still 8 people for 2 rooms. At the age of 15 Thomas was working at the pit as a pony driver. His father now was a drainer for the District Council. Additional siblings were Martin, Mary, and Norah.
Thomas enlisted into the army serving with the Durham Light Infantry and was in France by 25 August 1915.
There is an entry in the War Diary for the fighting of the 12th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on the 24 September 1916 the day Thomas died. It is recorded as the Battle of Thiepval Ridge :-
“Orders received at midnight 23/24 for battalion to attack T 26th Avenue. 2 platoons were detailed in addition Bombers. They left trenches at 8.00am but were unable to make much progress owing to heavy M.G. fire from 2 points viz. 2.9 and 5.3. These points had not been secured although information had been received that all were silenced. The attacking force was caught between cross M.G. fire from these points and were after some time compelled to return to their original trenches.
Casualties 1 officer 2nd Lieut. Bollom and 5 O.R. killed- 27 O.R. wounded 1 O.R. shell shock.Battalion were relieved about 5.00am on 25th.”
It is probable Thomas was killed in this action although his death was presumed as his body was never found. At the time of his death his mother was living at 7 Beacon Lough, Gateshead.
Medals :- 1915 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal
Thomas Gallagher is remembered at Gateshead Fell on G39.064
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 260
