Thomas William Wright

Story:
William Thomas Wright was born in 1899 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and baptised at St. James's Church, Shaftesbury, on 30th July, 1899. He was the son of Henry (Harry) Wright, a "Groom to a Horse Dealer", and Eliza Wright (nee Foot). The family lived at 7 Tanyard Lane, St. James, Shaftesbury. By the time of the 1911 Census he was single, a scholar and living at 72 St. James, Shaftesbury, Dorset. He enlisted in Shaftesbury as a Private in the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. (Service No. 41253). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. He was killed in action on 30th June 1918 and was buried at Aval Wood Military Cemetery, Vieux-Berquin, Nord, France (grave id. I.BB.14). He is remembered on the Park Walk and St. James’ War Memorials, Shaftesbury and also appears on the Roll of Honour inside St. James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial Plaque, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury.  His mother was granted a pension of 5s. (25p.) per week.