THOMAS ALFRED HORWOOD
Thomas Alfred Horwood was born 5 January 1896 in Woodchester, the son of James Goulding Horwood, a labourer, and his wife Emma Jane nee King. He was baptised on 17 October 1897 at All Saints Church, Selsley.
In 1901, the family were living at Rubble Hole, Rodborough and by 1911, Thomas Alfred was a 15 year old assistant wood sawyer living with his widowed mother at the Alms Houses at the top of Bospin Lane. He was her only surviving child.
He enlisted as a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and went to Egypt on 8 July 1915. After that, his service is unclear but he must have returned to Europe as at some point he was taken prisoner. The medal roll suggests he was in 102nd Siege Battery and the Register of Soldiers' Effects suggests 26th Heavy Battery.
As Alfred, he died of tuberculosis, aged 23, as a prisoner of war at Lazarett zu Czersk (Military Hospital), then in Prussia now in Poland, on 18 November 1918 and was buried locally. After the war, the bodies of Commonwealth service men were moved to Poznan and his resting place is in Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery.
Medals 1914-15 Star, Victory and British War
Another Life?
It is possible that 'Alfred' had an earlier military career. A Thomas Horwood born c1894 Woodchester, enlisted in the 23rd Foot (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) on 27 October 1911. By May 1912, this man was already in trouble for being absent without leave, losing his equipment and stealing goods. In June 1912 the Army decided to dispense with his services - discharged for misconduct.
In 1901, the family were living at Rubble Hole, Rodborough and by 1911, Thomas Alfred was a 15 year old assistant wood sawyer living with his widowed mother at the Alms Houses at the top of Bospin Lane. He was her only surviving child.
He enlisted as a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and went to Egypt on 8 July 1915. After that, his service is unclear but he must have returned to Europe as at some point he was taken prisoner. The medal roll suggests he was in 102nd Siege Battery and the Register of Soldiers' Effects suggests 26th Heavy Battery.
As Alfred, he died of tuberculosis, aged 23, as a prisoner of war at Lazarett zu Czersk (Military Hospital), then in Prussia now in Poland, on 18 November 1918 and was buried locally. After the war, the bodies of Commonwealth service men were moved to Poznan and his resting place is in Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery.
Medals 1914-15 Star, Victory and British War
Another Life?
It is possible that 'Alfred' had an earlier military career. A Thomas Horwood born c1894 Woodchester, enlisted in the 23rd Foot (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) on 27 October 1911. By May 1912, this man was already in trouble for being absent without leave, losing his equipment and stealing goods. In June 1912 the Army decided to dispense with his services - discharged for misconduct.