Sjt 22714 Thomas Edwind Healy

• Age: 34
• From: Sleaford, Lincs
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• K.I.A Wednesday 25th April 1917
• Commemorated at: Arras Memorial
  Panel Ref: Bay 3

Thomas Edward was born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire on the 7th October 1882, the son of Thomas Alexander Healy, an actor, and his wife Florence Helena (née Walton) who were married in the third quarter of 1881 in Chorlton, Lancashire. He was baptised on the 24th December 1882 at St Peter and St Paul, Kettering, Northants, his father a tragedian(actor) of 3 Green Lane Terrace. 

His mother died, aged 32, in Liverpool in 1890.  

The 1891 Census shows his widowed father and Thomas are living as lodgers in the property at 48 Exmouth Street, Everton, Liverpool. Head of the household is Ann Fielden a 60 year old widow and a seamstress by trade. His father is aged 50 and a professional actor born in Knaresborough, Yorkshire. Thomas E. is an 8 year old scholar born in Sleaford and a Rowland E. Healy is 7 years of age, a scholar born in Birmingham. There is another lodger John Miller a 25 year old ironmonger, salesman. 

The 1911 Census shows Thomas E. living at 9 Fowler Street, Everton, Liverpool as a 28 year old boarder, employed as a pawner, born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. He lives in the household of George Frederic Oliver, a 33 year old clerk, his 31 year old wife Margaret and their two children, Walter Stanley aged 8 and Margery Nicol aged 1.    

In 1911 his father is again shown as a lodger, this time at 55 Star Street, Ware, Hertfordshire. He is now 70 years old and still shown as a professional actor. 

Thomas enlisted in Liverpool on 09th November 1914 joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 22714. He gave his age as 32 years and 1 month old, his occupation as a Salesman and previous service of 18 months with the South Lancs Rifles. He is described as being 5'3 3/4s inches tall and weighed 118lbs, had a 36 inch chest and was of fresh complexion with eyes and brown hair. He gave no parental details, advised that he did not have an address for either of his siblings but named his adoptive sister Margaret Oliver of 26 Clapham Road, Anfield as his next of kin. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

His father died on 11th February 1915. His death was registered by his son Claude who gave his address as 7 Paragon Buildings, Walworth, London. His fathers address was stated as 3 Chapel Place, Brunswick Road, Liverpool. 

Thomas was confined to Barracks for 2 days following an absence between 30th July- 31st July 1915 whilst at Grantham. 

He reached France on the 07th November 1915 and was hospitalised with influenza between 25th March - 01st April 1916.

A series of promotions followed, to Corporal on 30th July 1916, then Serjeant on 01st January 1917. 

Thomas was killed in action on 25th April 1917, aged 34.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on Thursday 10th May 1917; 

We currently have no further information on Thomas Edwin Healey. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.