Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Thomas Edmund Huggett was born on 2nd July 1896 in Dorking, Surrey to gardener Thomas and Ellen Jane (nee Burgess). He was baptised on 6th September 1896 at St Martin’s church in Dorking.
Thomas’s father Thomas was born in the 1st quarter of 1865 in Dorking to agricultural labourer Thomas, born about 1829 in Leigh, Surrey and Amy, born about 1830 in Dorking. Thomas snr was baptised on 8th January 1865 in Holmwood, Surrey. Thomas married Ellen Jane Burgess on 10th November 1888 at St John’s church in North Holmwood. Thomas’s mother Ellen was born about 1865 in Reigate, Surrey to grocer Edmund and Emma Maria, born about 1838 in Wilsford, Wiltshire. Ellen was baptised on 22nd October 1865 at St Mary Magdalene’s church in Reigate, Surrey.
Thomas had three siblings: Amy E. born about 1889; Helen Mary born about 1892 and Cecil Frederick born about 1895, all in Dorking.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 36 Lincoln Road, Dorking. Thomas snr was working as a gardener and Ellen was at home looking after their children.
On 11th April 1904 Thomas was admitted into St Martin’s Church of England School, Dorking (Boys). At the time of his admission the family lived at 36 Lincoln Road. He left the school on 27th July 1910.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at The Cottage, Harrowlands, Dorking. Thomas was still working as a gardener and Ellen Jane was at home. The household further comprised of their children: Helen, gardener Cecil and errand boy Thomas. Ellen stated that she had given birth to four children. The house had six rooms.
Thomas Huggett enlisted on 11th December 1915 in Dorking into the 16th Battalion, The Lancaster Regiment. He was a Private with regimental number GS/23084. At the time of his enlistment he lived at 42 Howard Road, Dorking and was working as a plumber’s mate.
He was mobilised on 21st January 1916 and posted on 23rd January 1916 into the 8th Reserve Cavalry Regiment.
He was discharged from the 8th Reserve Cavalry Regiment on 21st February 1916 at Curragh Camp as a consequence of his desire to serve with his brother Cecil in the 2nd/1st Surrey Yeomanry. Thomas Huggett enlisted at St Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex into the Surrey Yeomanry. He was a Private with regimental number 204197.
Later he was transferred into the 1st/23rd King’s Liverpool Regiment and subsequently into the 2nd/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment. His new regimental number was 260218. He served with the Liverpool Regiment for several months before being killed.
He suffered a severe abdominal wound followed by a lengthy spell in the trenches and he succumbed upon reaching the dressing station. He was actively engaged at his post in charge of an anti-aircraft gun section when he received his wound.
Thomas Edmund Huggett died of wounds on 15th June 1918 in France.
SURREY AND THE WAR
DORKING MAN’S DEATH
Friends of Thomas E. Huggett, late of Dorking, will be grieved to hear of his death in action on the 15th June. Orginally in the Surrey Yeomanry, he was transferred to the East Surrey Regt and finally to the King’s Liverpool Regt – with whom he served for several months. His death, which was occasioned by a severe abdominal wound, followed by a lengthy spell in the trenches, and he succumbed upon reaching the dressing station. All with whom he came into contact
PTE. T. E. HUGGETT
were impressed by the wonderful spirit of cheerfulness which he sustained to the last. Information received confirms that he was actively engaged at his post – in charge of an anti-aircraft gun section – when he received his unfortunate wound. This is the second severe blow which his parents have experienced within little over twelve months: his brother Fred being severely wounded under somewhat heroic circumstances in March 1917. Many letters of sympathy and condolence have been received by his parents, who now reside at 33, Brighton Road, Redhill.
13th July 1918 Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser
New British Cemetery Roll of Honour
© CWGC. org
He was buried at the Couin New British Cemetery in France. His grave reference number is G.25.
Thomas’s father Thomas received £10, 10s and 7d on 17th December 1918, and a further £10 on 1st December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
At the time of Thomas’s death, the family lived at 33 Brighton Road, Redhill, Surrey.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
|---|---|---|
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Thomas and Ellen Jane Huggett of 33 Brighton Road, Redhill | |
| Regiment | 2nd/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment | |
| Number | 260218 | |
| Former Regiment | 204197, Surrey Yeomanry | |
| Date of Death | 15th June 1918 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Died of wounds | |
| Age | 21 | |
| Cemetery | Couin New British Cemetery, France |
