William Noel Birch-Thorpe 1894–1918

Gunner, Royal Field Artillery

Alderwasley Roll of Honour

Photo courtesy Peter Patilla

Alderwasley Roll of Honour

 

Derby Daily Telegraph, 14 February 1918
ROLL OF HONOUR
BIRCH-THORPE – On Feb 10th 1918 at 30 Casualty Clearing Station, France, Gunner William Noel Birch-Thorpe, 1st City of London RFA aged 24, beloved only son of Mr and Mrs C E Birch-Thorpe, 20, Mill Road, Derby

Daily Telegraph, 15 February 1918
YOUNG DERBY GUNNER’S SAD DEATH
Mr and Mrs CE Birch-Thorpe, of 20, Mill Hill Road, Derby, have received the sad news that their only son Gunner William Noel Birch-Thorpe died in a casualty clearing station in France on February 10. This “most expert gunner and excellent soldier,” as his officer described him, was only 24 years of age. He was educated at the Municipal Secondary School, and was in the Bank of Messrs Thos. Cook and Sons, Ltd, when war broke out. He promptly answered the call joining in the first month of the war, the 1st City of London RFA. He was engaged on coast defence until 1915 when he went out to the principal theatre of operations – the Western Front. Since then he has been in all the big pushes. In the back end of last year he was gassed, and this no doubt affected his constitution. A fortnight ago he was admitted to hospital and operated upon for appendicitis. Three days later most unusual complication set in, and despite every attention he passed away. Much sympathy will be extended to Mr and Mrs Birch-Thorpe on the loss of their only son.

Derbyshire Advertiser and Jounal, 22 February 1918
DERBYSHIRE ROLL OF HONOUR
DERBY GUNNER’S DEATH AT THE FRONT

We regret to record the death of Gunner Willie Noel Birch-Thorpe, son of Mr C E Birch-Thorpe 20, Mill Hill road, Derby, of the General Managers Dept, Midland Railway. Deceased was engaged by Messrs T. Cook and Sons tourist agents, London, and on the outbreak of war joined the First City of London RFA He went with the Ulster division to France, and came through all the big pushes without being wounded. He was gasses at Ypres last year and broke down about three weeks ago with appendicitis.

War Graces Certificate for William Birch-Thorpe

William Noel Birch-Thorpe's CWGC Certificate

Medal Roll for William Birch Thorpe

William Birch-Thorpe's Medal Roll

Medal Index card for William Birch Thorpe

William Birch-Thorpe's Medal Index card

Alderwasley Roll of Honour