Sgt Thomas Wilson Ross 1878 – 1929

The UK was put into lockdown on 23rd March in an unprecedented move to protect the NHS and the nation’s population against the Coronavirus. Just over a month on, I’m beginning to venture back into the graveyard and spending my permitted exercise time cutting back brambles and removing ivy.

Today’s endeavour uncovered the grave of Sgt. Thomas Wilson Ross and his wife Minnie.

Military Crest on top of headstone with motto:

Ubique quo fas glorio ducunt.

“Everywhere … whither right and glory lead”

In loving memory of my dear husband Thomas Wilson Ross (late Sgt. RGA) who died July 4th 1929 aged 50 years. Also his dear wife Minnie who died 11 June 1955, aged 71 years. Re-united ‘Till we meet again.’

Thomas was born on 24th October 1878 in Gortnegougerry, Leitrim, Ireland, He was one of nine known children born to John Ross and his wife Mary Anne, née Wilson.

At the age of 18, Thomas joined the army and was assigned to the Royal Artillery. He was described as being 5ft 8¾ inches, weighing 138½ lbs and having a fair complexion, light brown hair and blue eyes with a scar on each patella. At the time of the 1911 census he was in barracks at Great Yarmouth. His records show that he extended his service on 28th April 1906 to serve for a continuous period of 21 years. He was discharged from the army on 15th February 1919, at which time it was noted that as a result of his service he had sustained a hearing disability, Myalgia and Nerve Damage. During the last quarter of that same year, 1919, he married Minnie Armstrong.

Thomas and Minnie set up home in New Street Castle Bromwich and two years later welcomed a son, Thomas Jnr., into the world. Thomas Snr., died in 1929, his wife Minnie in 1955. Both are buried in Castle Bromwich Graveyard.

 

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