Thomas was the eldest son of John and Ellen McBride. He was born in Randalstown, on 15th July 1889. The family lived in Muckrim, Toome. They were a farming family. Thomas enlisted in Antrim in September 1914. Rifleman Thomas McBride was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he died of wounds in France on 4th April 1916. He was 26 years old.
Further Information
Thomas was the eldest son of John and Ellen McBride. John McBride married Ellen Nicholl on the 19th January 1889 in the district of Ballymena.
Thomas McBride was born in Randalstown, County Antrim on 15th July 1889.
Family: John McBride, Ellen McBride, Thomas McBride (born 15th July 1889), Robert McBride (born 6th September 1891), Agnes McBride (born 28th April 1894, died 27th October 1902, age 8), David McBride (born 10th August 1896), Samuel McBride (born 11th November 1899), George McBride (born 24th January 1902, died 30th January 1902), Ellen McBride (born 21st November 1902), Maggie McBride (born 1st January 1907).
The 1901 census lists Thomas as age 11 living with the family at house 6 in Muckrim, Toome Upper, County Antrim. He was still at school. His father was a farm labourer.
In 1902 the family suffered a double tragedy when 8 year old Agnes and baby George both died.
The 1911 census lists Thomas as age 22 living with the family at house 6 in Muckrim, Toome. They were a farming family.
Thomas enlisted in Antrim in September 1914.
Rifleman Thomas McBride was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he died of wounds in France on 4th April 1916. He was 26 years old.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 13th April 1916:
Mr John McBride of Muckrim, Toomebridge, has received official intimation that his eldest son, Private Thomas McBride, Royal Irish Rifles, has been killed in action. The deceased, who was 25 years of age and most popular in the Toome district, enlisted in the Ulster Division in September 1914.
In his will he left all to his sister Maggie McBride.
Last Will and Testament of Rifleman Thomas McBride dated 20th October 1915:
In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my sister Margaret McBride, Muckrim, Toomebridge, County Antrim. Signed Thomas McBride, 11th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, 48th Brigade, 36th Ulster Division. Reg. No 19633.
Rifleman Thomas McBride is buried St Sever Cemetery, Rouen. During the First World War, Commonwealth camps and hospitals were stationed on the southern outskirts of Rouen.
The inscription of ‘He gave his life’ was confirmed by his brother David McBride.
Thomas McBride is also commemorated in Grange Presbyterian Church.
The CWGC record Rifleman Thomas McBride as the son of John and Ellen McBride, of Muckrim, Toomebridge, County Antrim.
