Pte 58565 Thomas Moore

Hooge Chateau and its stables were the scene of very fierce fighting throughout the First World War. On 31 October 1914, the staff of the 1st and 2nd Divisions were wiped out when the chateau was shelled; from 24 May to 3 June 1915, the chateau was defended against German attacks and in July 1915, the crater was made by a mine sprung by the 3rd Division. On 30 July, the Germans took the chateau, and on 9 August, it and the crater were regained by the 6th Division. The Germans retook Hooge on 6 June 1916 and on 31 July 1917, the 8th Division advanced 1.6 Kms beyond it. It was lost for the last time in April 1918, but regained by the 9th (Scottish) and 29th Divisions on 28 September.

Hooge Crater Cemetery was begun by the 7th Division Burial Officer early in October 1917. It contained originally 76 graves, in Rows A to D of Plot I, but was greatly increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of Zillebeke, Zantvoorde and Gheluvelt. 

His name appeared in the list of those Wounded published in The Liverpool Daily Post on 16th May 1917; 

King’s (Liverpool Regt.) - Moore, 58565, T.; 

His name appeared in the list of those Killed published in The Liverpool Daily Post on 18th January 1918; 

King’s (Liverpool Regt.) - Moore, 58565, T.; 

His father John received Thomas’ Army effects, Army Pay of £5 7s 10d and War Gratuity of £5. His mother Mary Jane, living at 55 Palatine Road, Seacombe, received a pension of 9/6d a week 

His death was reported in the Liverpool Weekly Courier on Saturday 13th December 1919 with tributes from his mother, father sisters and brother and his fiancée Martha;  

ROLL OF HONOUR.  

MOORE—In sad but loving remembrance of my dear son, Pte. Thomas Moore, K.L.R. (Pals), who was killed in action Dec. 7, 1917. (Never will be forgotten by his broken-hearted mother and father, sisters and brothers, also never forgotten by one who was true to him in life, and is also true to him in death. From his fiancée, Martha, Binns road, Old Swan.)  

Oh, my son, how I miss you.   

Never will your memory fade,   

Your mother’s love will ever wander    

To the unknown grave where you are laid.   

The foreign grave is the hard blow    

But only aching hearts can know.    

— Fondly remembered by his sister Martha and his brother-in-law Bob, and the children, from 56 Percy-road, Seacombe. 

On the 1921 Census at Palatine Road, his father John is aged 51, a labourer for a flour miller, his mother Mary is aged 46, William is 23, Rose 16 and John 7. 

In 1939 his parents John and Mary were still living at 55 Palatine Road, Wallasey, his father a retired general labourer born on 08th April 1871, mother born 22nd November 1874. 

His father possibly died, aged 75, in 1946, no accurate death has been found for Mary.

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