Thomas, B Waistell

Born in Hamesterly, one of six children of a tenant farmer at Witton le Wear, he joined the 12th (Service) Battalion DLI in 1914. He was awarded the Military Medal in July 1916 as a stretcher-bearer when "he showed great gallantry and devotion to duty" near Pozieres during the Battle of the Somme. In March 1918, whilst serving with 15 DLI, he was awarded the Bar for his bravery during the German Offensive. Tom Waistell was killed in action on 22 April 1918, aged 32. He is buried at Wytschaete Military Cemetery in Belgium.