Thomas Young was born on 13 September 1873 in Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland. His parents were David Young and Margaret Wilson. His siblings were Alexander (born 1869), John (born 1871) and Jean (born c.1877). His mother died in January 1880 when Thomas was only 6 years old.

In the 1881 census, age 7, he was living with his paternal grandparents. Address: James Square, Blairgowrie. Also at this address were grandfather Alexander Young 76, grandmother Jane K. Young 76, David Young (father) 31, sister Jean 4.

In the 1891 census, age 17, he was living with his maternal grandparents (Thomas and Ellen Wilson). Occupation Millworker. Address: Applebog, Rattray, Perthshire.

On 20 July 1894 he married Margaret William Reid in Dundee.

His children were: John Reid Young (1899–1982), Joseph Hollinger Young (1902–), Margaret Wilson Young (1904–1928), Jean Hollinger Young (1906–1988), Thomas Wilson Young (1913–), George Henderson Young (1915–1996).

The 1901 census lists him (age 29) living at 159 Bank Lane, Auchterarder, Perthshire with his wife Margaret (age 26) and son John (age 2). His occupation is given as 'stone breaker'. 

The 1911 census lists him (age 37) living at 101 Castle Street, Glasgow with his wife Margaret (age 36), children John 11, Joseph 9, Margaret 7 and Jane [Jean] 4. Occupation: 'stone breaker (municipcal)'

Thomas' Attestation record is available on FindMyPast:

First joined up 6 September 1914 in Glasgow – Black Watch, Service Number 4839. Stated he was 34 years and 180 days when in fact he was 41 and over the age limit for joining. He also gave his marriage date as 20.7.1898 (in fact 20.7.1894). Having lied about his age and marriage date he left his oldest son (John born 1899) off the list of children (their birth dates are not accurate). His address on the Attestation Form is 101 Castle Street, Glasgow.

He was discharged as medically unfit after 51 days (Aldershot, 26 October 1914). Old depressed skull fracture and Jacksonian epilepsy. Interestingly in the ‘distinctive marks’ section of the Attestation Form it states ‘scar left brow’.

Private 244, 3 Company, 8th Bn., Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).

Attestation Record not found – presumably one of the ‘burnt records’.

Medal record available on FindMyPast.

Was killed in WWI at Gulley Ravine, Gallipoli, Turkey, 11 am 28 June 1915. Actually, reported missing.

War Diary makes grim reading (available from National Archives).

His name is on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 92 to 97.

His name is listed in the remembrance book in the chapel at Edinburgh Castle.

Listed in the Evening Times Roll of Honour 31 July 1915 page 6 as missing (see www.glasgow.gov.uk for index).

His eldest son, John, was so upset at Thomas’s death that he joined the Scottish Rifles underage – he was found out and discharged after 22 days.

He then went on to join the Seaforth Highlanders and served and was wounded in France.

He lived until he was 82.