"But would he have been allowed or even able to be present at the death of his mother in November 1918?"
He would be able to travel from France to home on leave (compassionate or normal).
My great uncle was at home on leave until a week before he went back to France and was Killed in Action during October 1918.
Tony
I had no idea that was even possible!
I've always thought of WW1 as trenches, mud and unspeakable horrors.
Yes the Trenches were like that
But the Soldiers didn't Live in them for Years- they we Rotated after a few days in them
They were allowed Leave
My Granddad was in Belgium in April 1915 but Registered his Sons Birth in Liverpool in May 1915
Thomas would have had to been told of his Mother's Death presumably unexpected
Then apply for leave
Get a Train in France to the Coast
Then Ferry
Then Trains to Bangor
All before the Funeral Date
And get back to his Unit after without getting a Charge
Some achievement for a 20 year old on his own.