Author Topic: Srgt Tom McAlister 8th ( Ardwicks) Manchester Regiment ( 1938-45 )  (Read 7735 times)

Mercian

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It is my sad duty to report to the forum the death on Christmas Day in Macclesfield Hospital of Srgt Tom McAlister of the "8th Ardwicks" to use Tom's own words! He was one month short of his 92nd birthday. Born in Ardwick, Tom joined the 8th Manchesters in 1938 and was one of the youngest soldiers at just 18 years to embark to France and was with the 8th Manchesters throughout the war until demobbed in 1945. He was active member of the Bollington British Legion and the Stockport branch of the Western Front Association where he was a regular attender. The funeral arrangements will probably be at Macclesfield Cemetery but the arrangements are not yet known. :'(

A true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him :'( :'(

Update :- Tom's funeral will be at Macclesfield Crematorium at 12.00 noon on Thursday the 12th January.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2012, 02:31:34 PM by Mercian »

Offline george.theshed197

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Re: Srgt Tom McAlister 8th ( Ardwicks) Manchester Regiment ( 1938-45 )
« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2012, 09:58:35 AM »
Regret to say that I lost contact with Tom a couple of years back when one of my Cards was returned 'Unknown'.
Another of the 'old Malta ' crew.

May you rest in peace old friend.
Will be remembered in our prayers.
George and Alice.

PS. Eric last week and now Tom. R.I.P.
« Last Edit: December 28, 2012, 10:05:51 AM by george.theshed197 »

Offline Robert Bonner

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Re: Srgt Tom McAlister 8th ( Ardwicks) Manchester Regiment ( 1938-45 )
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2012, 03:34:07 PM »
That really is very sad news.  Tom was a fine man and a tremendous supporter of his old regiment in which he took a great deal of interest.  He regularly attended the evening talks at the museum.  I shall hope to be able to attend his funeral.
Robert

Offline rafboy

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Re: Srgt Tom McAlister 8th ( Ardwicks) Manchester Regiment ( 1938-45 )
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2012, 03:45:17 PM »
Posted on behalf of George who said "went looking for a photograph I knew I had of us at the Trip to Francilly Selencey for the  unveiling of the Memorial to the 16th Bn a few years back"
The photo below is of Cliff Howcroft, George Swetman and Tom McCallister in Francilly Selencey.
Cliff
Cliff P Son of 3525679 Sgt Arthur Phillips 1st Bn Manchester Regiment and RAPC

Offline Robert Bonner

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Re: Sgt Tom McAlister 8th (Ardwick) Manchester Regiment ( 1938-45 )
« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2013, 03:33:07 PM »
It was standing room only at Tom's funeral. A fitting tribute to a much loved and admired old soldier.  His coffin was brought to the church led by a very impressive Dixie Land Band.
Robert

Offline george.theshed197

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Re: Srgt Tom McAlister 8th ( Ardwicks) Manchester Regiment ( 1938-45 )
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2013, 06:35:20 PM »
Thanks for that Bob, I am very glad that he got a good send off - I knew about his love of Dixieland music .
George.