Pte 47482 Thomas Roland Kent – 23rd Bn

[Tim Bell]

Tom Roland (known as Roland) Kent had been a shipping clerk & buyer with F Majdalany & Co when he enlisted & embodied in 7th Bn ‘4066’ on 09/06/1915 and posted to 3/7th Bn in Southport. He had previously served 18 months with the OTC KLR. A sputum sample found TB on 07/09/1915.  Tom was discharged unfit due to TB on 29/10/1915. 
He attested again on 01/02/1916 and was mobilised with 8th Bn on 14/02/1916 and transferred to 3rd Bn on 28/12/1916.  Roland served overseas on 01/01/1917, initially posted as 16th Bn he was posted to 23rd Bn on 21/01/1917.  At 6’ 2” tall he must have been a very different figure from the original Bantams. Rolandwas diagnosed with TB ‘originating’ at Etaples and treated at 1st Canadian Gen Hosp.
Roland returned home on 14/02/1917 and admitted to Keighley War Hospital with TB. He was discharged unfit from 3rd Bn, due to sickness on 11/04/1917 and received a pension.   The Medical Board found the TB was due to exposure on active service.
Roland died from unspecified disease on 26/04/1918, aged 30.
The son of Emily and Thomas Kent of 293 Moss Lane East.

Seeking advice from IFCP

[PaulC]

Born at Southport in 1887.

1891 Census: 26 Manchester Road, Southport
1901 Census: Flax Lane, Lathom
1911 Census: 293 Moss Lane East, Manchester

Cremated at Manchester Crematorium: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBPRS%2FLANCS%2FMANC%2FCREM%2F001873

[Tim Bell]

Well spotted Paul,
Roland Kent is the first Manchesters non-com we've found as cremated. It looks like there's no spare space on the Screen Wall at Southern Cemetery.
The extract from MEN confirms the evidence, although I think he'd contracted TB before service and this was actually aggravated.
On the 26th inst after long suffering heroically borne from pulmonary tuberculosis contracted on Active service, Tom Roland, dearly beloved and only son of Thomas and Emily KENT, of 293 Moss Lane East. Service at the crematorium on Tuesday, 12 noon. Friends kindly accept this (the only) intimation. (Manchester Evening News Sat 27 Apr 1918)
Appperently there was a memorial palque at Southern Cemetery for Tom and his parents:-
   In loving memory of our dear son. T. Roland KENT who passed away April 26, 1918 aged 30 yrs. Manchester Regt France 1916-7. "He is not dead, such spirits never die". Emily KENT 10th Feb 1924 aged 73 his dear mother. Thomas KENT 19th Sept 1925 aged 82 Father. Red WOOD 28th Feb 1925 in his 76th year a devoted tutor. [4] (Manchester Crematorium Memorial Plaque)

Following advice from IFCP I'll be ordering the DC.
Thanks
Tim

[Tim Bell]

DC confirms cause of death as TB - due to service.  Thomas died at his parents' house.  A textile clerk and Ex-Private 9th Manchesters.

[PaulC]

Headstone found at Manchester Crematorium.

(Still Legible-Thanks Paul TB)

[Tim Bell]

Tom Kent's commemoration in the UKBOR was accepted today.  In due course his commemorative headstone at Manchester Crematorium should be accepted as a war grave.
https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/75469796/tom-roland-kent/