H.M.S. Isis
H.M.H.S. Dongola
Thomas Edmenson was born at Houghton-le-Spring, Durham, on the 25th August 1880, he was the third son of William Edmenson, Foreman Fitter at Houghton Colliery and his wife Catherine, daughter of Robert Potts. His two brothers were called William and Norman and they were also in the armed forces. See also N34.48 page 18 and 29.
Thomas was educated at the Church of England schools in Houghton-le-Spring. He joined the Navy in 1896, and was on H.M.S. Isis when the ship was commissioned for particular service during the hostilities between the United States and Spain in 1898. He obtained his discharge in 1907, and became a Seagoing Steward until a short time before the War.
Thomas then became an employee of the Houghton Colliery. He married at North Shields Annie (2 Stanley Street, Houghton-le-Spring), daughter of William McEwan. They had a son called William Hunter who was born 9th May 1910.
Thomas enlisted on the 13th January 1915, and was sent to the Dardanelles on the 18th July 1915.
He died on the Hospital Ship Dongola, on the 25th August from enteric fever contracted whilst on active service.
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour
He is remembered in Houghton-le-Spring on H132.01 and H132.02
