Thomas Gillan
Adam and Thomas Gillan
Sergeants 1915
Chester-le-Street Chronicle 1918
Medals Plaque and Photo
David Gillan (great nephew) and Dorothy Hall have submitted the following:-
Thomas was born in Birtley in 1890 the son of Irish immigrants David and Margaret Gillan. In 1891 the family were living at 15 John Street Birtley. David was a General Labourer. David (10), Elizabeth (8) were born in Ireland whilst Samuel (5), Adam (3) and Thomas (3 months) had all been born in Birtley. By 1901 the family had moved to 6 Warwick Square with the addition of Margaret (7).
In 1911 the family were still at Warwick Square, father David was a Labourer at the Iron Foundry, Adam was a fitter at the Iron Foundry and Thomas was a Joiner (Private Firm).
Both Adam and Thomas were in the Territorials and at the outbreak of War joined the Durham Light Infantry. Thomas (3347 later 320007), and Adam were both made Sergeants in the 2nd Line 8th Battalion as can be seen on the large photograph. Adam because of his occupation was to serve at Birtley all the War whist Thomas went to France and at some point transferred to the 19th Battalion.
Thomas Gillan was posted as Missing on 5th May 1917. His parents were informed. In March 1918 they received official confirmation of Thomas' death. They advertised in Chester-le-Street Chronicle asking for any information.
Thomas' parent living at 58 Harrass Bank Birtley received his medals, plaque and scroll. The family had the medals and plaque mounted together with Thomas' photograph.
Thomas Gillan is remembered at Birtley on B127.01 on The Boys of Birtley Card also in Durham Cathedral in the 19th D.L.I. Book D47.015 and in The D.L.I. Roll of Honour D47.013b
