GS/75261, Private, 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. (Formerly 10/1869 21st Training Battalion. Royal Fusiliers)
Killed In Action on the 8th September 1918 aged 19
Private Thomas Stephenson Austin
Thomas was born on the 25th January 1899, the second son of Samuel & Elizabeth Austin of 10 Alleynes Road, Stevenage. Before joining the Army he was employed in the family business of Austin & Son, Builders & Carpenters. His elder brother, David, died of his wounds whilst serving in Gallipoli.
Thomas did not enter in service with the Army until 1918, arriving in France on the 18th February 1918 with the 17th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. He received a wound to his legs on the 21st March 1918 and was evacuated to Warrington Hospital for treatment. After recovering from his wounds he returned to France on the 8th August 1918 and was attached to the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The Battalion was in action in a successful attack on Nurlu and pursued the enemy back to Sorel Wood. They were in action during the battles of the Hindenburg Line, including The Battle of Epehy. The dawn assault on the enemy trenches was made in the pouring rain and Thomas is reported to have been killed by machine gun fire after assisting in the taking of the last trench.
He is buried in the Epehy Wood Farm British Cemetery.
Medal Entitlement: British War Medal & Victory Medal
