Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

Born in 1872 Thomas was the son of John & Margaret (nee Stayman). He was later baptised on March 18th 1874. He was one of several siblings including William, Annie, Alice (died aged 8), Frederick, Margaret, John, Greta, Robert, Florence (b/d 1891).

The 1881 census shows father working as a nursery gardener.

By 1891 his elder brother William was a gardener’s labourer whilst Thomas was starting out as a stone mason.

Thomas married Mary Alice Snailham at Wycliffe, Barnard Castle on October 21st 1899 .

In 1901 Thomas was a family man and still working as a stone mason. His first child, Wilfred, had been born in 1900. The couple had 5 children together namely Wilfred, Francis (1904), Molly (1906), Winifred (1910) and Kathleen (1913). Unfortunately his mother died the following year in 1902.

Thomas was still working as a stonemason in 1911. He had worked in the town for many years.

Thomas enlisted at Beaumaris on March 31st 1915 as a sapper although it appears he had previously served with the Durham Light Infantry around 1910. On signing his papers he gave his date of birth as 1878 possibly because he didn’t want to appear too old for service. The service number 397510 is also showing on his records. He was 5’7” tall and weighed 164lbs.

He embarked for France on July 25th 1915 where he served until October 2nd 1915. He was sent home probably due to signs of illness.

A medical report dated November 1915 reports him to be suffering from tuberculosis attributable to army service. It stated his condition showed ‘extreme shortness of breath, a slight cough and occasional night sweats. He is very emaciated and has dyspnea even at rest. Moist creps over enteric chest. Quite unfitted to work and in need of immediate treatment.’

He remained at home until February 7th 1916 when he rejoined the B.E.F. in France.

An undated letter was written by Tom’s eldest son, Wilfred advising his father that Alice had been taken into Darlington Hospital and that he should come home urgently. As Alice was so critically ill Thomas was allowed leave to be with her. Several letters were sent by Thomas from early February 1916 asking for extensions to leave as her doctor’s instructions. Although her death was imminent Alice managed to survive until April 1st 1916 when she died at the age of 39 from cancer of the rectum. Thomas was present at her death. He returned to his duties at Beaumaris camp soon afterwards.

Thomas was promoted to acting lance corporal (unpaid) from October 21st 1916 until December 27th 1916 when he reverted back to private ‘on being relieved from police duty’.

He was sent to France once again February 8th 1917 embarking at Southampton then later disembarking at Rouen.

He was discharged from the service on April 3rd 1919 and later died of pulmonary tuberculosis on July 6th 1921 aged 48 years. His brother, Robert Cecil, also fought in Great War serving with 12th Lancers and Signals S Royal Engineers.

There is no CWGC entry for Thomas.

Thomas Stayman Hunter is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25