Photo: Dorothy Hall
Medal Card
11981 L.Cpl.
T.W. McKenzie
Durham Light Infantry
25th December 1915
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Born at Winlaton in 1894 the son of Annie Jane Mckenzie, it is probable Thomas William was an illegitimate birth.
The 1901 census shows young Thomas (aged 6 years) living with his grandparents at premises at Black Hall Mill Winlaton whilst his mother was working as a servant at Hedley Grange at that time.
Annie married Isaac Winskill Jennings at Lanchester in 1902 then started a new family with Isaac. They had 3 children together sons John George and Percy and daughter, May, who died in 1911 at the age of 2 years old. The 1911 census shows Thomas aged 16, still living with his grandparents. He now has a job at the pit as a colliery labourer (above ground).
Thomas enlisted into army service 11 August 1914 at Newcastle almost immediately after war broke out. His attestation papers state that he was 5’9” in height with a fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. His faith was Church of England.
Thomas embarked 21 May 1915 for France. He arrived at Boulogne then journeyed on to the front. He was stationed in France until 29 September 1915.
The details are vague but it seems he was wounded possibly in the Ypres area, about 23 September 1915, where his battalion was involved in heavy fighting. His wounds were deemed bad enough to be sent home for treatment on 30 September 1915. The medical report from that time states he was dangerously ill. His right arm which was extremely swollen had to be amputated due to gangrene. He also had a large swelling to his leg and right foot. Thomas died at Royal Free Hospital, Gray’s Inn Road London of wounds. His total service amounted to 1 year 137 days.
Thomas's back pay amounting to £6 2s. 6d was sent to his mother plus an additional amount for War Gratuity of £5 10s. which was sent to his step father, Isaac Jennings, paid 1919/20 as his mother had died in 1916. His effects were valued at £56 2. 6d and were left to his mother Annie Jane.
Recipient of the 1915 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Thomas William McKenzie is remembered at the Teams on T68.02
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance
