Gunner Thomas Williamson, 39307, 180th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in action on September 21st, 1917. He had first arrived in France on August 20th, 1914.

Capt S. W. Harvey, in a letter to parents Lewin and Ellen Williamson, of 9 Alfred Street, Luton, said: "Our position was so far forward that we could shoot into Boche batteries that no one else could reach. Knowing this, the Boche shelled us heavily. It was while we were moving into another position that you son was killed."

Gunner Williamson had been helping in the moving of the stores and the task was nearly completed when a shell burst with six yards of Gunner Williamson and a sergeant. Gunner Williamson was killed on the spot, but the sergeant was unhurt.

"We buried him with full honours, and a Church of England padre officiated. We afterwards erected a cross over his grave," wrote the Captain.

Tom Williamson had been in the Royal Garrison Artillery for four-and-a-half years, He had been invalided home in the winter of 1916-17 with trench foot, during which time he spent a short leave at home. He returned to his siege battery the following March.

Thomas Williamson, known as Tom, had worked as a hat stiffener in his father's hat business. At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 15 Alfred Street with his parents, two brothers and three sisters.