Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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2537   Private William John Thompson
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Dated added: 01/01/2016   Last updated: 20/05/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards (British Army)
Died: 27/03/1918 (Killed in Action)
Age: 33
Summary      
William John Thompson was born in Kilrea about 1885. He married Rachel Davison in June 1909. They lived with her mother and father in Gortmacrane, Kilrea. William was a general labourer. It is believed they had two children. William Thompson enlisted in Ballymoney, joining the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Guards. He was injured a number of times before Private William Thompson was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Guards when he was killed in action by a shell in France during the German Spring Offensive in March 1918.
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Cemetery Details
Cemetery: Douchy-les-Ayette British Cemetery
  Ayette, Pas de Calais
Grave Ref: Grave IV-F-4
CWGC Casualty 583133
Summary      
Ayette is a village some 13 kilometres south of Arras on the road to Amiens, and Douchy-les-Ayette is a village 1 kilometre west of Ayette. The British Cemetery is opposite the Communal Cemetery on the north side of the road, halfway between the two villages next to a barn.
Local Insitute / Local Book Details

No Name Page
1 Forgotten Heroes of Kilrea 1914-18 72
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Davison family 1901 census lists Rachel as age 10 living with her family at house 7 in Drumsaragh, Hervey Hill, Londonderry
2 1911 Census lists Davison / Thompson family 1911 census lists William John as age 26 living with the family at house 51 in Gortmacrane, Hervey Hill, Londonderry
3 Ballymoney Heroes 1914-18 Details of Private William John Thompson
4 Friends of the 36th Details of Private William John Thompson including small grave photo
5 Garvagh and Aghadowey 1914-1918 Brief details of Private William John Thompson
6 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of Private William J Thompson
7 National Archives UK Medal card of Private William J Thompson can be purchased here
8 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Private William John Thompson's grave can be purchased here
Magherafelt District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2014-2023