Louvain WW1

[Suziesmith37]

Hiya
Researching my Great Grandad William Henry Thomas.

Died Louvain Belgium - 28th July 1916.  No known grave.

Can anyone tell me if Louvain was under German occupation at that time?

I have looked at the WW1 campaign maps around that time and Louvain seems to be placed well behind the front line? (Not an expert - but appears that way)

Any help greatly appreciated.

Su

[liverpool annie]

Hi Su !

Can you tell us more about your William Henry ??

Do you have his death from CWGC ? ..... or did you get it from somewhere else ?

Do you have his service number at all ?? .... as you well know there are quite a few Thomas' !! 

Annie 

[Bill749]

I have often wondered why 2 individuals in my family tree (female) have Louvain as a middle name!

Bill

[Suziesmith37]

Hiya all

Some more details

SPTS/3143 William Henry Thomas (known as Harry)

'C' Coy 24th Bn Royal Fusiliers 2nd Sportsmans

Enlisted Redruth.  DOB unknown but 23 when he died. Chasing a few leads here and awaiting certs,

We have no documents that give where he died all we know is Great Gran called Gran Louvain and someone informed her?  We have a date of death as 28.07.1916, but on recently applying for a death cert (last week) were told it cant be traced?!?

If there are any details that I can give you please ask.

Thanks Su

[liverpool annie]

I thought this maybe of interest ! but it's still not answering your question properly I'm afraid  

It was in 1914 !! .......  

http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/louvain.htm

Annie  

[Suziesmith37]

To Bill 749

My Grandmother called Eilleen Louvain too!  Unfortuantely G Grandad never got to see her - lovely lady.

Su

[Suziesmith37]

Thanks Annie

Everything of use and indeed the Sacking of Louvain was a horrible part of WW1.

Appreciate all donations

Su

[liverpool annie]

You probably have all this but just in case !   

Medal card of Thomas William H
Royal Fusiliers 3143
Private
Royal Fusiliers Spts/3143
Private
Date
1914-1920

http://www.rootschat.com/links/02s1/

THOMAS, WILLIAM HENRY
Rank - Private
Regiment/Service - Royal Fusiliers
Unit Text - "C" Coy. 24th Bn.
Age - 23
Date of Death - 28/07/1916
Service No - SPTS/3143
Additional information
Son of Mrs. C. Truman, of Barry's Lane, Padstow Cornwall husband of Ethel Thomas of 9 Hyr Bellevue Redruth Cornwall.
Casualty Type - Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference - Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.
Memorial - THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

[Suziesmith37]

Hi Annie Thank you again

A little tale - vivited the CGWC site last month and found the record. Um'd and ah'd about finding £3.50 for the medal card - decided in the end anything has to be a step forward. 

Got and downloaded.  Pleased to have something but dissappointed with info on it. 

Sent a copy to my Auntie Anne(see a good name!) who sent a copy to My Uncle in Australia.

He then emailed her back as it reminded that he had the actual medals in his possession.  - So now we all have a photo of them!

Thank you for helping  (the info displayed will be of use to others looking in.)

Su