Thomas Edward Tompkins

Story:
Thomas Edward Tompkins was born in Dorchester, Dorset, on 29 Jul 1888 the son of John Tompkins and Janet Allen Tompkins (nee Price).  He spent his early life in Dorchester until he enlisted with the Army Service Corps on 20 Nov 1903 using his skill as a Carpenter but was classified as a Driver (Service No. T/21298).  He married Alice Maud Hodder in West Fordington, Hampshire, on 17 Apr 1911.  He served in France and Flanders from 14 Aug 1914 with the 196th Company and was due for release on 19 Nov 1916 but was retained until final discharge on 31 Mar 1920.  He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.  His address at the time, and on the 1921 Census, was given as Verandah House, 100 Layton Lane, Shaftesbury, Dorset.  He was working as a Grocer with the local firm of Stratton, Sons & Mead on whose Roll of Honour his name appears.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at Fidelis, Ashley Road, Lymington, Hampshire, described as a Shopkeeper and Tobacconist.  His wife was then listed as Iris E. Tompkins (nee Drake) thought to have been a second marriage.  His death was recorded in Lymington on 28 Jun 1960.