As rememberance day approaches I thought it would be good to remember "Uncle Tommy" one of my ancestors who served in World War 1. Thomas was my mothers Uncle. He was a member of the 15th (Service) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. It was a World War I unit formed in Glasgow, Scotland, in September 1914. Nicknamed the "(Glasgow Tramways)" Battalion, it was a "Pals Battalion". The battalion was part of the 97th Brigade in the 32nd Division and served on the Western Front, landing in France in November 1915.

The pals battalions of World War I were specially constituted battalions of the British Army comprising men who enlisted together in local recruiting drives, with the promise that they would be able to serve alongside their friends, neighbours and colleagues, rather than being arbitrarily allocated to battalions. While initially popular as a means to appeal to volunteers, heavy casualties to several pals battalions would devastate local communities throughout Britain.

He died on the 15th July 1917 in a battle near Nieuport in Belgium. The battle was part of Third Battle of Ypres, which began in late July 1917, continued throughout August. This battle was characterized by heavy fighting and significant casualties as British forces attempted to capture key positions in Belgium.

He is buried in the Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery that is located 2 Kms east of Nieuwpoort on the N367, which leads from Nieuwpoort to Sint Joris.