Thomas O'Donnell

Killed in Action on the 17/07/1915 by the bursting of a shell in his trench near Festubert

Thomas and the Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 13/05/1915 and were part of the 28th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. Thomas was killed by a bursting shell in his trench. On the 26/06/1915 orders were received to relieve the 7th Division in the line near Festubert, and accordingly the 26th and 27th Brigades took over the front line on the nights of the 1st and 2nd July. The 28th Brigade was in reserve. This was the first occasion on which the Division was responsible for a section of the front line, which it held east of Festubert until the 18th August, and during this period all ranks became acquainted with the trials of trench warfare. See Newspaper clipping for letter to Thomas' wife from Lieutenant James D Russell. According to Lieutenant Russell Thomas was "one of my best men, always willing and ready to do his duty". Thomas is also remembered on the Stewarts and Lloyds Roll of Honour and on the Stirling War Memorial x 2 (see photos) and in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for Thomas' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, another photo of Thomas' Grave, Le Touret Military Cemetery, Thomas' Pension Records x 2 and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge.