CLAYDEN, Thomas


No.G/18876, Private Thomas CLAYDEN
Aged 29


6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
Killed in Action presumed on Monday, 11th July 1917


Thomas Clayden was born in Steeple Bumpstead (Risbridge Q1-1887 4A:631), son of George and Elizabeth CLAYDEN (née TARVIN).

1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Hardy Farm, Haverhill Road, Steeple Bumpstead with his father George CLAYDEN [45] born Helpstead; his mother Elizabeth [43] born Steeple Bumpstead; brothers George [22] horsekeeper and Walter [17] farm labourer and sisters Jane [12] and Minnie [11] all born Hempstead; brothers Frederick [6] and Charles [2] both born in Steeple Bumpstead. There were elder sisters Kate[ 1878] and Alice [1879]

1901 census...Aged 14, a farm labourer, he was at Endway, Steeple Bumpstead with his parents and brothers George (corn merchant's labourer) and Charles (farm labourer)

1911 census...Aged 24, farm labourer, he was at North Street, Steeple Bumpstead with his parents; brother Charles and niece Minnie DIMON [11] born Raynes Park, London (daughter of his sister Kate who married William Trott DIMON in 1894.)

His mother was later at Church Fields, Steeple Bumpstead.

His brother Charles Clayden was killed serving in France in Essex Regiment in 1916 see here



Thomas enlisted in Warley.

The 6th Battalion, The Buffs war diary:-
In the field..11/7/17.."Enemy attacked our position in LONG TRENCH at 5 am after a heavy bombardment of all calibres. Smoke and liquid fire was used. A counter- attack launched about 2 1/2 hours afterwards failed.
Consolidation of position carried out - working parties supplied by support battalion. Enemy aeroplanes flew low over our lines all day, especially during the attack and met with little opposition.
Casualties total 63 to 12 noon. 2/Lt Gunther killed.2 Platoons of Queens moved into Support line


CWGC records have 24 killed, only 4 with identified graves.


Approximate position of Long Trench






photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission



Thomas Clayden is commemorated on the Arras memorial, bay 2

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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