Private 205660 Thomas Stibbon,10th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), formerly 2015, of the West Kent Yeomanry...

...was born 1881 at Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, the son of John and Sarah A Stibbon.

The 1891 census records him living with his family at The Swan’s Nest, Necton, Norfolk. John, aged 39, born at Runcton Holme, Norfolk. Sarah, aged 40, born at Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, was a publican’s assistant. Children recorded are Thomas, aged 10, born at Long Sutton and John aged 8, Robert, aged 7, William, aged 5, Frank, aged 3 and Oliver, aged 2 all born at Necton. Also present was 43 year old cousin Harry Stibbon, born Runcton Holme, Norfolk.

In 1901, Thomas was one of ten servants at Park Place, Old Windsor, the home of James Southampton.

By 1911 he had returned to the Swan’s Nest. John (senior) is now a widower and farmer. Thomas, Robert, Frank, Oliver and William are now working on the farm. Also present is Elizabeth Stibbon, farmer’s daughter in law, aged 26, born at Glasgow.

In June 1917, Thomas married Maud Griffiths at St George Square, Hanover Square, London.

Thomas had enlisted into the Yeomanry at Eridge Castle. Later he transferred to the 3/4th and then the 10th Battalion, the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), service number 205660. His Medal Index Card only records that he served with the QORWK so it might be that his service with the Yeomanry was very brief.

He was killed in action at Ypres on the 31st of July 1917, has no known grave and is remembered on the Menin Gate, Ypres upon which are recorded the names of 54,386 Commonwealth soldiers who have no known grave. 

His probate records his address as The Swan’s Nest, Swaffham. His estate of £91-14-8d was administered to Maud, his widow.