Poppy In memoriam Poppy

Private Thomas Alexander McReynolds

 

 

 

Thomas Alexander McReynolds was born at Govan, Glasgow, Scotland, on 13 November 1892, first child of Irish-born parents, farmer Thomas Alexander McReynolds and his wife Mary Elizabeth (nee Stinson).

By 1901 the family had returned to Ireland, living at Edernagh, King's Mills, Ardtrea, County Tyrone.

Prior to the war McReynolds enlisted in the North Irish Horse, later purchasing his discharge.

On the outbreak of war he was living in Scotland. He enlisted in the Corps of Dragoons at Glasgow on 1 September 1914 (No.3369), overstating his age by two years. Initially posted to the 1st Reserve Regiment of Cavalry at Aldershot, on 9 November he embarked for France to join the 5th Dragoon Guards.

Twice wounded, McReynolds was transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 9 September 1917 and was posted to B Company of the 16th Battalion (No.32788).

A month later his battalion took part in the Battle of Poelcapelle, part of the Third Ypres offensive. McReynolds was one of the many casualties, initially listed as wounded and missing. He was later officially recorded as killed in action on 9 October 1917 or died of wounds soon after.

In a letter to his family, an officer of his regiment wrote: "He was a brave man, and a good soldier."

As Private McReynolds has no known grave, he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 26. He is also commemorated on the St. Andrew’s Ardtrea Church of Ireland Roll of Honour.

 

One of McReynolds' younger brothers, Austin, also saw service in the war, in Gallipoli, Egypt, France and Italy with the Royal Garrison Artillery.

 

 

Memorial images Copyright © Phillip Tardif with all rights reserved as set out in this Use of Material policy. Image of Private McReynolds (from the Mid Ulster Mail of 22 January 1916) and some of the above information sourced from Friends of the Somme, Mid Ulster Branch.