This gravestone is Section C is to the memory of the Holden family and at the foot of the memorial it records the death of Private Thomas HEAP who died in France of wounds received in action July 17, 1916, aged 34 years. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, which commemorates over 20,000 officers and men with no known grave. The CWGC records show – Thomas Heap No 17513 7th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, date of death July 17, 1916. However, the Darwen News records that a Private Thomas Heap, of 1 Henry Street, died at Netley Hospital on Tuesday from wounds received in action. He was wounded in both legs and arms. He was formerly a carter for Messrs J and W Tomlinson and enlisted in September 1914. The interment is to take place at Darwen.
Are there two Thomas Heaps who both died on the same day? No! The Register of Deceased Passengers arriving at Southampton records that Thomas Heap, 7th East Lancashire Regiment No 17513 died at Southampton Waters. His body was returned to Darwen and his interment took place on 22 July 1916. The CWGC have been informed of Thomas’ final resting, and we now wait for the records to be corrected.
Researched by Tony Foster
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FODC November 2024