This man is a candidate for addition to Keighley's Supplementary Volume under the proposal to add further names in 2024, the centenary of the original roll of honour.
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Supported by the National Lottery's Heritage Fund, our project intends to submit about 120 names for peer review to add them to the book which is kept at Keighley Library. The unveiling of the book with it's new names is planned for November 2024, 100 years after the unveiling of the original war memorial.
Private. 5th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles. Service number 124506.
Early life:
Thomas' parents were Samuel Kelk and Ada Kelk née Naylor. They had been married in St. Mary's Church, Eastwood, Keighley on 18th July 1895. At the time of their marriage, Sam was a 22 year old carter living at 14, Colne Street and Ada was a 22 year old twister living at 46, Park Lane. They appear to have had four children, two daughters Florence (Florrie) born around 1893, Lily was born in 1896 and John was born in 1898.
Thomas was born on 5th July 1900 in Keighley and his birth was registered there in the third quarter of the year.
In the 1901 census Thomas was aged just eight months and was living at 9, Wood View off Park Lane with his parents and his 66 year old widowed grandfather Samuel Naylor, a plasterer. His father Samuel was aged 28 and a carter, Ada was 30 and looking after the home and children. His siblings were his sisters Florrie aged eight, Lily aged five and his brother John aged three.
Tragedy struck the family in 1906 when Ada died aged just 34. This would have left Sam with four young children to raise and the strain must have very difficult for him.
On 30th October 1908 Sam was convicted of neglect of his family and sentenced to one month in prison with hard labour, being released on 29th November 1908.
It's possible the children had already been taken into the workhouse.
Sam died in early 1910 aged just 37 and his death was registered in Keighley in the first quarter of the year, which orphaned all his children and this meant that at least John and Tom ended up in care.
In the 1911 census we find them living at the National Children's Home (Edgeworth Orphanage) in Bolton, Lancashire.
John was aged 13 and Thomas (Tom) was ten. They were described as inmates and farm labourers.
In 1914, When Thomas was aged just thirteen, he was shipped off to Canada under the British Home Children Scheme. He went from Liverpool on the S.S. Canada on 7th March 1914 which was bound for the port of Halifax, Canada and expected to arrive there 21 days later on 28th March and going to the National Children's Home at Hamilton in Ontario.
There were annual inspections made and the dates given for Thomas are 17th March 1914, 16th July 1915 and 5th May 1916. The remarks column states he was 'on active service.' (The 5th May inspection is the date he landed in Liverpool with the Army)
He seems to have been indentured for farm work which meant that he had employment and a place to live but with no actual income and it's highly likely that this regime was harsh on those who were trapped within it.
The
War service:
Thomas attested for the Canadian Overseas Expedition Force on 22nd November 1915 and was enlisted on that date. He joined the 70th Overseas Service Battalion. He gave his name as John Foy and lied about his age, stating that he was born on 24th March 1897 and that he was aged 18 years and 243 days old. Since he was born on 5th July 1900 he was actually aged 15 years and 140 days. He gave his occupation as a farmer in the employ of Mr. Bert Parrot, R.R.no. 2, Denfield and that his next of kin was his brother Henry Foy of Brickworth in Northampton. Perhaps Thomas saw enlistment for the war as an escape from indentured service and possibly a chance to get back to England? Lying about his age and giving a false name would certainly cover his tracks.
His medical took place at London (the one in Ontario, Canada) and stated that Thomas was 5 feet 2 inches tall with a 30 inch chest and good physical development. His weight was 110 lbs which is at the bottom end of the weight chart for a young man of his height, but as he was actually 15 and not 18, he probably still had some growing to do.
Thomas later submitted his sister Lily's details as his next of kin, but he stated she was Lily Foy née Kelk, which was only partly true. Her address was 36, Brunswick Street in Keighley, where in the 1911 census, she was living as an adopted daughter of William and Priscilla Ingham, who already had eight children of their own.
Later he transferred to the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles and then to the 23rd Reserve Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force.
Thomas (alias John) embarked at Halifax on S.S. Lapland on 26th April 1916 and disembarked in Liverpool on 5th May 1916. They travelled down to Shorncliffe Camp the next day when he was treated for Mumps at the infections hospital in Folkestone. He spent 19 days in hospital and was discharged on the 30th when he was transferred to the 39th Battalion.
On the 17th July 1916 he was transferred again, to the 5th Canadian Mounted Company and they proceeded to France where they landed on 18th July. Thomas left for the 3rd Battalion on 6th August and then arrived with his unit on the 12th September.
Thomas was admitted to hospital on 19th November with scabies and bursitis (housemaids knee) He went from no. 8 Canadian Field Ambulance to no. 42 Casualty Clearing Station before being admitted to Oakbank War Hospital in Glasgow. He eventually recovered from both and was at the King's Canadian Red Cross Convalescent Hospital at Bushey Park for 11 days, between 29th January and 9th February 1917. He was taken on strength of the 22nd Reserve Battalion on 12th April 1917.
Thomas landed in France again on 2nd November 1917 and was taken on strength of the Canadian Base Depot. He then joined his unit in the field three days later.
On 23rd January 1918, Thomas developed impetigo, an infectious skin disease. He was treated at 2, Canadian Field Ambulance, 13, Canadian Field Ambulance and once recovered he rejoined his unit on the 26th January.
Thomas was killed in action on 9th August 1918.
War diary:
5th.Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS.
Aug 8th.1918.
The 5th.C.M. R. Battalion, in conjunction with the 4th.C.M. R. Battalion, were in Divisional Reserve, and when the attack opened at 4.20 a.m. morning of Aug.8th. 1918, was assembled in the area of T. 24.d.50.70 with H.Qs., in a dug-out at T.24.d.50.60.
ZERO PLUS 2 Hours.
The Battalion was moved forward to 0.21.c. with H.Qs., at U.21.c.50.60.
4.50 p.m.
Orders were received from Brigade to move to Field South-west of DEMUIN, at approximately D.6.c.20.60, where the Battalion arrived at 8.00 p.m. and bivouacked.
11.30 p.m.
Tentative Instructions were received to the effect that the 3rd. Canadian Division, and attached troops, would move, providing their own protection, on the 9th.inst.in a South-easterly direction along the AMIENS-ROYE Road: the 8th.Canadian Infantry Brigade under Command of Brigadier-General D.C.DRAPER, D.S.0., forming the ADVANCE GUARD: the 5th. C.M. R. Battalion with One Troops C.L.H. 2 Sections 9th. C.F.A. 1 Battery No.3 Coy. 3rd. Bn. C.M.G.C.-forming the VAN GUARD under Command of Major W. RHO ADES, D.S.0.,M.C.
Aug 9th 1918.
5.00 a.m.
Brigade Operation Order received confirming Tentative Instructions, and the 0.C. VAN GUARD issued his orders accordingly. (See Appendix No.1 attached.)
7.15 a.m.
Orders received from 8th.C.I. Brigade that the march as ordered had been changed, and that the Brigade would assemble at D. 14. a. where further instructions would be issued. The Battalion, upon reaching this point, was mot by the Divisional Commander, who instructed the 0.C. to push on, and that the 4th. & 5th. C.M. R. Battalions would continue the attack of the 3rd. Canadian Division. The Battalion pushed on, and upon reaching D. 28.b.50.00, were met by the Brigade Major, 8th. Canadian Infantry Brigade, and informed that the Brigadier had gone forward to reconnoitre, and that further instructions would be issued immediately upon his return.
12.00 noon.
Verbal Orders were received from the G.0.C., 8th.Canadian Infantry Brigade, that the 5th.C.M.R. Bn. on the RIGHT and the 4th.C.M. R. Bn. on the LEFT would attack and capture FOLIES and if possible BOUCHOIR, the attack to be made as soon as possible.
1.30 p.m.
Message received from 8th. Canadian Infantry Brigade that the French were in K. 14. b. & c. and were being held up by large number of enemy machine Guns in Wood in K. 15.a. & c.
1.50 p.m.
Battalion reached Assembly positions at Western edge of LE QUESNEL Wood. Operation Order was then issued for the attack. (See Appendix No.2 attached).
Touch was established with the 4th. C.M. R. Battalion with a view to co-operation during the attack. There was considerable enemy scattered shelling and machine gun fire at this time.
2.10 p.m.
Four (4) Tanks of the 5th. Tank Battalion under the Command of Capt. DAWSON reported.
2.20 p.m.
Enemy Machine gun fire was very intense, and Lieutenant . H.L. ATTO, M.C., Battalion Scout Officer, was severely wounded in the neck, and a number of men were also hit.
2.50 p.m.
Attack launched. Two (2) Tanks had been detailed to accompany the LEFT Company of the Battalion. The other two tanks were sent forward along AMIENS-ROYE Road with Instructions to clear up machine gun nests which were holding up French Advance. This was very quickly did, and the attack progressed very satisfactorily.
3.00 p.m.
Wood in K. 15.a. & c. and the trench system immediately North were cleared of the enemy, About 30 prisoners passed back. Our own casualties reported very slight.
3.10 p.m.
The Right Company (B. Coy.) was held up for a short time upon emerging from the Wood, by a nest of Machine Guns on AMIENS-ROYB Road at approximately J.22.a.1.8. These were dealt with.
4.20 p.m.
Our advance had reached ARVILLERS-ROLIES Road, and Beet-Root Factory at K. 22. Central & Southern outskirts of POLIES in our possession.
The French, immediately on our right, were at this time very weak, and unable to continue their advance East of the Railway in K. 14.d. The SUPPORT Company (C. Coy.) of 5th.C.M. R. Battalion, was ordered to take the necessary steps to protect our RIGHT Flank.
Numbers of the enemy, estimated 300, at this time could be seen retiring South-eastwards from ARVILLERS.
5.00 p.m.
BOUCHOIR reported captured. Both our flanks, at this time, were "in the air".
Owing to the French not having come up, the Reserve Company (A. Coy). 5th. C.M. R. Battalion, and Two (20 Platoons Ex of SUPPORT Company (C. Company).5th. C. M. R. Battalion, were ordered to form a defensive flank along the AMIENS- ROME Road from K. 21. b. ton BOUCHOIR.
A. Company of 1st.C.M. R. Battalion was later moved up by the G.0.C., 8th.C.I. Brigade to reinforce this flank. About this time a squadron of Cavalry (Imperial) came up, dismounted and occupied trenches in K.23.c.&.d.
5.20 p.m.
Our line at this time, ran as follows :- K. 24.c.8.9. - K.30.a.9.6. to K.30.a.0.0. - Southern outskirts of BOUCHOIR to Cemetery K.23.0.2; 2. thence North-west along AMEINS-ROYE Road to K.22.a.1.8.Batta- lion H.Qs., had moved to K. 22. b.92.55.
5.30 p.m.
As enemy appeared to be evacuating ARVILLERS a platoon of C. Company, under Command of Lieutenant . RUTHERFORD, was ordered to move South-west and clear ARVILLERS. One Tank was detailed to assist in the operation. This was fully accomplished and ARVILLERS reported cleared of the enemy at 5.45 p.m. and the French so advised.
5.40 p.m.
A considerable number of enemy vehicles were noticed retiring South-eastwards from Southern outskirts of ARVILLERS. This was pointed out to a Squadron of Imperial Cavalry, who had just moved up in close proximity to our H. Qs., and we suggested that they could, with very little difficulty, make a good capture, but they were either unable or unwilling to seize the opportunity. A small detachment of C.L.H. consisting of Lieutenant . STEWART, a Sergeant and 2 men, who had reported to the 0.C. 5th.C.M. R. Bn. for Scouting purposes, volunteered to try and cut the convoy off. The party galloped forward and succeeded in turning back the head of the column (first 3 wagons) and had returned with same about 300 yards, when some Huns who had been concealed in a dugout in the vicinity, opened fire on them with machine guns. The Officer and Sergeant, first shooting the lead horses, managed to get back. On of the men was wounded and the other remained out to guard the prisoners and his wounded comrade. As the French were now beginning to move on ARVILLERS and our own situation was well in hand, a platoon of A. Coy. under Lieutenant . W.H.A. SHORT and One Tank were ordered to round up this enemy convoy, and bring in the two C.L.H. Men and their prisoners. Subsequently this party had to be recalled before accomplishing their object, on account of the French putting down a rolling barrage on ARVILLERS. This barrage also necessitated the recall of the Platoon and Tank which were mopping up ARVILLERS.
Lieutenant . G.W. CARTER who had been previously sent out with 2 signallers, to reconnoitre ARVILLERS, returned at this time with eight prisoners.
5.45 p.m.
Battalion H.Qs., established at K.22.central (Beet Root Factory).
7.00 p.m.
Our situation remained substantially unchanged. The French on our right came up, occupied ARVILLERS, and establish an Out Post line 500 yards in front.
8.00 p.m.
No material change. Considerable enemy movement could be observed on ERCHES-ARVILLERS Road, and also in Squares L.31.-L.25.- K.36. Enemy Machine Guns very active especially on our SUPPORT positions, and a good deal of shelling on south-eastern outskirts of BOUCHOIR.
9.00 p.m.
1st.C.M. R. Battalion moved into SUPPORT, in close proximity to 5th.C.M. R. Battalion.
(P.T.0.)
10.00 p.m.
Special Battle Patrol under Lieutenant . W. P.LOGIE, A. Coy. was sent out to find 2 C.L.H. men who had been left out in the afternoon,- Protective Patrols were also detailed by B. & D. Companies.
10.20 p.m.
French Line connected up with out RIGHT Company at South-eastern outskirts of BOUCHOIR.
The 2nd.C.M. R. Battalion having been ordered to continue the Advance and capture LE QUESNOY, were brought up during the night, and assembled in front of our Out Post Positions.
August 10th 1918.
3.00 a.m.
Lieutenant W.F. LOGGIE's Patrol returned and reported having found One (1) man of the C.L.H. who had died of wounds, No Trace of the other man or the prisoners could be found.
TANKS. The four (4) tanks under Capt. DAWSON rendered invaluable assistance. They responded quickly and with great effect, whenever called upon, and at all times showed great initiative and resource. It was due in a great measure to the efficient handling of the Tanks that the casualties of the Battalion were so slight.
ARTILLERY. The Section of 9th. C.F.A. was handled by Lieutenant . PHILLPOTT with marked ability. They kept pace with the Advance, and were always in a positions to open fire on selected or opportunity targets, a large number of which were dealt with by this Section during our attack.
GENERAL.
PRISONERS. Over One Hundred (100) Prisoners were captured.
CASUALTIES.
Officers.
Killed. 0.
Died of wounds. 0.
Missing 0.
Wounded. Lieutenant . H.L. ATTO, M.C.
Wounded at Duty. Lieutenant . G. R. POLEY,
Total. 2.
0.Rs
Killed. 8.
Died of wounds. 2.
Missing. 2.
Wounded. 50
Wounded at Duty. 1.
TOTAL 63.
TROPHIES 1
1, 4.1 Howitzer, Carriage & Ammunition Limber.
1, Minenwerfer (Medium).
1, Heavy Machine Gun.
4, Lewis Guns (Re-captured).
3, Light Machine Gun.
1, Automatic Rifle.
2, Horses.
1, British Road Wagon. (Re-captured).
Note:- A number of wagons were captured in ARVILLERS, but were left in the hands of the French.
All ranks showed great gallantry and resource, and from the moment the attack was launched until the final objective was secured they pressed on the attack with great dash and determination. The enemy was given no breathing time once his first opposition was overcome, and it was due to this fact, in my opinion, that the Battalion suffered such small casualties during their advance of approximately 4500 yards over ground that lent itself admirably to defence.
12-8-18.
(signed) Lieutenant Colonel. 0.C., 5th.C.M.R. Battalion.
Aftermath:
Thomas was killed in action on 9th August 1918 and was buried in a battlefield grave. After the war his remains were exhumed in late February 1920, and reburied by Graves Registration Squad number 36, at Bouchoir New British Cemetery in the Somme region of France. He is in grave 26 of row B, plot V.
His name does not appear on any memorial in his home town of Keighley. He is remembered on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
Information sources:
West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1813-1935
England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915
1901 England Census
England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1837-1915
West Yorkshire, England, Prison Records, 1801-1914
1911 England Census
Passenger Lists Leaving UK 1890-1960 - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
British Home Children Registry
Library and Archives Canada records. Canadian Expeditionary Force Personnel files.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Canadian Great War Project - War Diaries
Canadian War Memorial.
