Thomas William Read

A Trimmer with H.M. Trawler Vitality, Thomas died on 20th of October 1917 at the age of 30. 

Thomas was born at Covehithe, Suffolk, on 4 November 1886, a son of James Martin Read and Jane Read. In 1891 his family lived near the Coastguard Station, Covehithe and they were still living at Covehithe in 1901. 

On 26 October 1910 Thomas married Alice Maud Beamish at Saint Edmund’s Church, Kessingland. Thomas was fisherman, living at Kessingland, and Alice lived at 16 Oaklands Terrace, Kessingland. In 1911 their home was with Edward and Miranda Taylor, at 10 Elms Cottages, London Road, Kessingland. Miranda was Alice’s sister. By 1914 Thomas and Alice’s home was at 4 Elms Cottages, Kessingland, and later Alice lived at Russell Cottages, Kessingland.

On 7 November 1914 Thomas enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He was working as a fisherman at the time. Thomas joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 50221, and was posted to No 4 Depot at Great Yarmouth. On 7 June 1915 he was transferred to the York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 20467. He was posted to the 3rd Battalion. On 27 October 1915 he was deprived ten days’ pay for absence. Thomas was posted to the 2nd Battalion, in France, on 23 February 1916. 

Thomas was suffering from rheumatism, and he returned to England and was posted to the strength of the Depot on 28 July 1916. Thomas was admitted to 5th Northern General Hospital, Leicester, for treatment. Onn 30 September 1916 he was posted to the 3rd Battalion.

On 13 February 1917 Thomas was discharged from the Army and allowed to enlist in the Trawler Section of the Royal Naval Reserve, the next day. Thomas served on the requisitioned trawler Vitality, which was used as a minesweeper. On 20 October 1917 the Vitality, along with five other minesweepers, was clearing a field of mines laid off Orford Ness. During the morning five mines had been swept and disposed of. Around 1.50 p.m., as the Vitality was positioning to begin a new sweep with its partner the Craigmore, two large explosions occurred beneath the stern of the Vitality. The ship broke up and sank. Thomas, and other man, were killed in the loss of the Vitality.

Thomas’ body was recovered, and he was buried at Saint Edmunds Churchyard, Kessingland, on 25 October 1917.  

Thomas’ brother-in-law, Ernest Beamish, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1915. His brother-in-law, Alfred Brown, served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.