Pte Thomas James Holliman, 18236, 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, was killed in action on May 6th, 1915 (CWGC record, but chums at the time said May 5th). He lived at 404 Hitchin Road, Luton, and was aged 28.

An old Volunteer, he joined the 3rd Battalion Beds Regt just before Christmas 1914 and was quickly transferred to the 1st Bedfords before being sent to France.

Official notification of Pte Holliman's death followed a letter to his widow from one of his chums, Pte J. Cole. In it he said: "He was killed in action on May 5th, but you may be proud about his death, as he was one of the bravest men, and he died in the trenches doing his duty like a true British soldier. Rest assured your husband died very bravely indeed."

Pte Holliman had lived in Luton all his life and had been employed at the Gas Works for some years before enlisting. He followed local boxing matches and was the bell ringer at local cycling sports.

He left a widow Annie Elizabeth (nee Allen). The couple married in 1907 and had two young children, Frederick William (born 1908) and Ruby Annie May (born 1909). At the time of the 1911 Census they were living in Ramridge End Road, Round Green.

Pte Holliman was the son of Frederick and Louisa Holliman and lived at 3 Stanley Street, Luton, as a child.