Photo: Brian Chandler

Thomas William was born at Leytonstone, London, the son of Thomas William and Emily of Leytonstone. He married Mary (nee Donnelly) at North Army Camp, Aldershot on 14th April 1901 and they had six children. According to the pension records Mary was living at 13 Sceptre Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Thomas enlisted with the 3rd Battalion on 12th February 1895 and served in the South African Campaign, winning the Queen’s South Africa medal and the Long Service and Good Conduct medal. He also was awarded clasps for Transvaal, the Relief of Ladysmith and South Africa 1901.

Thomas was admitted to hospital on 26th October 1914 from the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry, suffering from Rheumatism and was transported by the hospital ship, St David, back to England.

He served as Q.M.S. at the battalion depot in South Shields before transfer to the Depot Battalion at Newcastle in February 1918. Albert was discharged on 29th March 1919 under Army Order 29, Para. 2a, King’s Regulation 392 (xiv) and was awarded the Silver War Badge on 17th June 1919.

Acknowledgements: Ron Carson

Thomas William Port is remembered at Benwell on B86.19b, part 2, page 33.

The CWGC entry for Company Sergeant Major Port