Alnwick Gazette Almanack 1918
Joyce and Neil Brison have submitted the following:
STRAUGHAN Thomas Arthur, Lieutenant, Northumberland Fusiliers died 5 February 1918 aged 26. His parents Thomas, a slater and plasterer, and Margaret are shown on the 1891 census as living at 9 Percy Street Alnwick with their first child Edward (1). Thomas was born later that year. By Feb 1918 his mother was dead and the address on the CWGC website is listed as 32 Howick Street just around the corner to Percy Street. They must have been a fairly well off family as the houses in this area of Alnwick are quite grand stone built town houses.
He shows up on Alnwick war memorial, also on the roll of honour in St Michael’s Church and the Duke’s School but has no headstone in Alnwick cemetery (grave reference BU303) indicating that he is buried there. He may be in a family plot.
An unnamed newspaper report reads:
We regret to announce the death of Lieut. T.A. Straughan, son of Thos. and the late Margaret Straughan, of Beaconsfield Terrace, Alnwick, which took place at the New Military Hospital, Cannock Chase, Staffs on Tuesday. Lieut. Straughan obtained his commission at the outbreak of the war and was posted to the N.F. He went to the Dardanelles with his Batt. and was wounded at Suvla Bay landing. While there, the late Colonel Fishburn recommended him for his second star which he obtained. Since Lieut. Straughan was wounded he has undergone several operations but without success. He was a Duke's School scholar and during his school career he won many prizes. His death will be much regretted by all, from the Head Master to the scholars of his time. Lieut. Straughan was at Cambridge University for three years, studying for the Mediaeval and Modern Language Tripos, at which he obtained his B.A. Degree. At the finish of his University career he went into the scholastic profession and was made Senior French Master, at Hurstpierpoint College, near Brighton. We all feel sure, had he been spared, a great future was before him.
Thomas Arthur Straughan is remembered in Alnwick onA11.01,A11.03,A11.09,A11.16 and A11.21
