Family History

Family History

August 1908 - July 1916

Thomas Jaffray Read emigrated to South Africa in 1908 to run an ostrich farm. At the outbreak of the Great War he volunteered to join the South African Brigade. He was promoted to Corporal. In 1916 the South African Brigade was tasked to secure the flank of the "great push" by driving the Germans out of Delville Wood. The entered the wood on July 15th and the survivors were eventually relieved on the 19th. Casualties suffered by the South African brigade were horrific. The chaplain wrote to Thomas Read's family in England to confirm that Thomas had died, but also added that a friend who survived had seen his body with two others on the 17th July. Thomas Read's body was like so many others never recovered, and his name was carved on the Thiepval Monument to the missing.

Created by: , Patrick15913

  • Born 1883

    Died 1916

    South African Services 6445 Corporal 3rd South African Infantry

    British Army 6445 Lance Corporal South African Infantry 3rd Regiment