Level Crossing Cemetery Fampoux

Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-

Thomas J. Jago was born in 1892 at Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, the youngest of 2 sons, father Joseph Jago native of Jarrow, County Durham, born 1871, mother Clara Jeffrey born 1869 in Suffolk. His parents were married in 1889 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne settling at Potts Street, Byker, where Joseph was employed as a joiner.

After the death of her husband aged 38 years in 1907, Clara remarried in 1909 to widower James Holden born 1867, Waterford, Ireland, who had 2 sons and 2 daughters of his own. In 1911 they were living at 32, Simpson Terrace, Blutcher Colliery, Walbottle, Northumberland. James Holden was employed at the colliery as a hewer, William (20) and Thomas Jago (19) were employed below ground as labourers. Before the demise of her son Thomas she had remarried for a second time to a gentleman, surname Hullighan.

On the outbreak of war Thomas left his employment and enlisted, under the alias of Jeffrey, his mother’s maiden name, October 14th 1914, assigned as Private 1478 Northumberland Fusiliers, 18th (1st Tyneside Irish Pioneers) Battalion. After initial training near to Newcastle-upon-Tyne they officially became a Pioneer Battalion, February 8th 1915 and joined the 34th Division at Ripon, Yorkshire in July before moving to Salisbury Plain for final training. They were ordered to France landing at Le Havre, January 8th 1916 where the Division concentrated east of St. Omer.

Private Jeffrey was part of “B’ Coy which along with, “A” and “C” by January 18th 1916 were billeted near the Forrest of Nieppe deployed in making roads, levelling and draining the camps, loading barges and Fanciness and hurdles. February 9th he was billeted at a farm in the Rue des Acquis and from there were moved to the front line to start work on trenches and laying tram lines and tunnelling towards the enemy lines. April 8th they were relieved by the Pioneers of the 1st Australian Division and after a period of rest were moved to the Somme.

Private Jeffrey saw action during the Battles of the Somme attached to the 102nd Brigade, 34th Division at the opening battle at Albert July 1st-13th 1916, where they captured La Boiselle, Bazentin Ridge July 14th-17th, and during 1917 participated during Arras Offensive remaining in the sector.

The CWGC have recorded Private Jeffrey under his true name. Private 18/1478 Thomas J. Jago was killed in action April 30th 1917 and interred at Level Crossing Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, grave I. B. 77. He was 25 years old and single. Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.His mother Mrs Clara Hullighan of 32, Simpson Terrace, Walbottle, Northumberland received all monies due to her son with the exception of 2 pounds 3 shillings which was assigned to his brother William. Clara commissioned at a cost of 6 shillings 5 pence, an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads, “Duty Called Him To The Lord”.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Thomas J. Jago is remembered at Newburn as T.G. Jago on N13.02

The CWGC entry for Private Jeffrey
The CWGC entry for Private Jago