Private Thomas Henry Archer
| Date of Birth | c. 1858 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 57 |
| Date of Death | 25 November 1915 |
| Service Number | 20588 |
| Military Service | 24th Battalion London Regiment |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Morden Cemetery |
Additional Information
Thomas Henry Archer was born at the beginning of 1858 to parents Thomas (senior) and Mary Ann (nee White). His father worked as a painter and decorator, a trade in which the young Thomas followed in. The family resided in the Battersea area and Thomas had one younger sister called Jane Isabella.
Thomas's mother Mary died in 1876 when Thomas was aged 18. By 1881 Thomas was enlisted with the army and training at the Shoebury Garrison, in Essex with the rank of Bombardier in the Royal Artillery. He possibly joined up in 1879 or 1880. Thomas's father and sister Jane were living at 2 Carters Cottage, Latchnmere Lane in Battersea.
Thomas married Jane (nee Neal) on 16th April 1887 and listed his occupation as a Home Decorator. His sister also married in this year.
By 1891 Thomas and his wife Jane now had 3 children: Thomas 3, Charles 2 and Mabel 7 months. The family were living at 1 Chatham Street, Battersea and Thomas's occupation was listed as a paper hanger/painter. Further children followed: James in 1893 and Beatrice Victoria in in 1989.
In 1901 the family address was 9 Henley Street, and by 1911 they were living in 3 rooms at 37 Austin Road. Of seven children born to the couple 2 had died. Their four eldest children were all working whilst the youngest was still at school. The children attended Battersea Park Road School.
When war broke out Thomas would have been aged 56, well past the aged men were expected to enlist. However, he enlisted as a Private with the 24th Battalion of the London Regiment, possibly due to his previous military experience. He was issued with the service number 20588. The 24th Battalion proceeded to France on 16th March 1915, landing at Le Havre.
Thomas died the following year on 25th November 1915 at the London General Hospital aged 57. His cause of death is unknown. Thomas was buried in Morden Cemetery, Garth Road on 2nd December 1915 and his name also appears on a stone memorial in the churchyard.