On Ypres (Menin Gate ) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, is the name of 57824 Private Thomas Bowerbank Pyburn serving with the 19th Battalion The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) who died 23/07/1917.

The son of Mrs. Annie Pyburn, of 111, High Street, Carrville, Durham.

In St. Mary’s Churchyard is a family headstone which includes the name of 57824 Private Thomas Bowerbank Pyburn, serving with The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) who died 23/07/1917.

David Drinkwater in his book For your Tomorrow we gave out today, the stories behind Belmont War Memorial writes:-

57824 Private Thomas Bowerbank Pyburn D.L.I.

Private Pyburn was transferred from the Durham Light Infantry via the 429 Army Cyclist Corps to the King’s Liverpool (19th Battalion).

He was born in Belmont in 1890 and had 1 brother and 2 sisters. In 1891 he lived at Carrville Southside, aged 6 months, in his grandmother’s house, with his parents and 3 uncles. The name Bowerbank was his mother’s maiden name. In 1901 he lived at 37 High Street, Carrville, aged 10. In 1911, aged 20, he is listed at 112 High Street, with his grandmother, his mother and two younger sisters. He was a student in teacher training. At the time of his death, he is listed as the son of Mrs Annie and the late Phillip Pyburn, 111 High Street Carrville.

He was awarded the British and Victory Medals. He died 23rd July 1917, aged 26, and is named on the Menin Gate Panel 4 and 6

From the Durham County Advertiser 17/08/1917:
Official news has been received by Mrs Pyburn that her son, of the King’s Own Liverpool Regiment, was killed in action on July 26th. He was 26 years of age. He began his career at the Model School, Durham, where he won a scholarship, which entitled him to enter the Johnston Technical School. In 1910 he proceeded to Dundee Training College, and during the two years he was there his father and brother died. He struggled bravely on in his studies, and came out with a first-class certificate, being appointed to the Hetton Lyons Council School. From there he joined the forces and had been in France nine months. His platoon commander wrote: “He was killed in a direct hit from a shell, and as he died a soldier’s death was given a soldier’s grave, being buried by his comrades. He was one of the old boys of the Regiment, having been with us for some time.” In the Roll of Honour, he is listed as killed on July 23rd

Thomas Bowerbank Pyburn is remembered at Belmont on B137.01,  at Durham on D47.052 and D47.141 and on our Lists of Teachers who fell in 1914-18 and Teachers who served in 1914-18.