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Private Neil Thompson, 201316, was born on 30 June 1884 in Invergordon, Ross & Cromarty.  He died on 25 July 1918 in a Rouen hospital as a result of wounds sustained while engaged in active service with the 4th Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs).  He is buried at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. 

Neil was the third son of Neil and Isabella Thompson and for fourteen years was employed as a house painter in the Scottish highland town of Invergordon.  Affectionately known as "Neilly Thompson", he was a distinguished sportsman and was best known for his footballing achievements as goalkeeper for Caledonian F.C., Inverness.  During his time at the famous "Caley", Neil was the winner of no less than eleven badges. 

Ninety-eight years on from making the supreme sacrifice, we will remember Neil Thompson.

My grandfather died in the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Dunston Hill, Gateshead in 1929.  On his death certificate his occupation is given as coal miner and then, in brackets, army pensioner.  This surprised me, as in the 1911 census his occupation is given as pony driver in mine, and on his marriage certificate in 1916 his occupation is given as miner.  From this it looks like he wasn't a regular soldier but still qualified for an army pension.  Might a pension have been given to someone who had signed up for the duration of WW1 and then was invalided out of the army? 

Thanks,
Foffie

       

My father contracted smallpox as a child in 1925 and he used to talk about being in a hospital with red glass windows.  He lived in Annfield Plain at the time and I wonder if anyone can tell me which hospital he was likely to have been in.

Thank you!
Foffie

My great-great-grandfather, James Owens, was born between 1825 and 1831 in Clones, Monaghan to father Michael Owens.  James moved to Co Durham, England sometime before his marriage in 1857 but I don’t know if Michael also moved or remained in Ireland.  I have no information about Michael other than he worked as a labourer.  Any help would be much appreciated! 

Thanks!
Foffie