Private 8837 Thomas Riding. 17th Bttn & 29740 1st Border Regiment x

[Tim Bell]

Private 8837 Thomas Riding. 17th Bttn & 1st Border Regiment
Private Riding was a Warehouseman at Tootall Broadhurst Lee when he enlisted in the 2nd City / 17th Battalion on 3 September 1914. He trained with X Platoon of C Company.  Thomas disembarked with 17th Battalion on 8 November 1915 and served with them until disbandment in July 1918.  He had a period of Leave in England and was subsequently transferred with many of the remaining men to 1st Battalion Border Regiment, as Private 29740 on 24 September 1918.  Thomas returned home on 5 April  and he was demobilised on 30 April 1919. A Pension was awarded for TB attributable to service.
Thomas Riding died from TB on 2 April 1921, aged 30. Registered Fylde Q2 1921 8e/691.  He was the son of Thomas & Annie Riding of 100 Regent Road, Blackpool.
Buried in Darwen Cemetery on 6 April 1921.  NC.G.195.

[Tim Bell]

DC confirms TB as cause of death. Thomas Riding died at 14 Rose Avenue Blackpool. Occupation as Cotton Warehouseman Ex Army.

[Tim Bell]

We need to see if there is a headstone on Thomas Riding's grave in Darwen and review the condition of any inscription.

[familyhistoryman]

Have you been able to check to see if there was a gravestone? In 1990 I transcribed the stones in Section G and the was a family stone which included Thomas Riding died April 2, 1921 aged 31. I will check the state of the stone when I am next in the cemetery
Regards, Tony

[Tim Bell]

Thanks Tony,
Your notes suggest there was a legible headstone a few years ago.  An up to date photo would be very welcome.  Please PM me and I'll send you my email address.
Tim

[Tim Bell]

Thomas Riding's case has been rejected for commemoration by CWGC
The pension record clearly states he had "Pul Tuberculosis Attrib" to service and he died from this condition.  There is no evidence contradicting the statement of attributable.
Maybe we'll receive an explanation some time....