Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Tom Bilsdon a domestic groom, born 1874 in Uppingham, Rutland and his wife Annie Bilsdon (nee Birch, married in the 3rd quarter of 1895 in the Leicester district), born 1873 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Thomas Alfred was born in the 4th quarter of 1895 in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 16, Goodriche Street, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 Thomas was employed as a domestic groom and was residing in the family home at 26, Goodriche Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his mother and siblings, William Arthur, born 1904 and Reginald, born 25th May 1904, both siblings were born in Melton Mowbray. Thomas first entered the theatre of war in France on the 21st December 1915, he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 7 Jul-17 – VADENCOURT. 10.00pm. A sneak raid worked in conjunction with a Divisional artillery shoot was carried out under XI -?- and their immediate vicinity with the object of gaining clarifications. Strength 20 men. The raid was entirely successful. Identification was made of the 63. Infantry Regiment, both by the raiding party and the troops sent out to protect their left flank.
On Friday July 20th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. Mrs Tom Bilsdon, 26, Goodriche Street, Melton Mowbray, received official notification on Wednesday afternoon that her eldest son, Pte. Thomas Alfred Bilsdon, of the Dragoon Guards, had been killed in action, the letter being as follows:- “Cavalry Records Office, Canterbury, July 17th 1917. Dear Madam, It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of No. 14313 Pte. Thomas Alfred Bilsdon, Dragoon Guards, which occurred in France on the 7th July 1917. The report is to the effect that he was killed in action. By his majesty’s command I am to forward the enclosed message of sympathy from their Gracious Majesties the King and Queen, and I am at the same time to express the regret of the Army Council at the soldier’s death in his country’s service. I am to add that any information that may be received of the soldier’s burial will be communicated to you in due course. I am, madam, your obedient servant, Charles F. Smith, for the Officer in Charge of Records.” The news of her son’s death was first received by Mrs Bilsdon the previous Thursday morning in the following letter:- “Dear Madam, I am just sending these few belongings of your son. It was his wish they should be sent home if anything should happen. I hope you will accept my sympathy for your great loss, also that of the men of the squadron, by whom he was well liked. If you wish for further particulars of your son’s last moments, I would be only too pleased to let you have them. I remain, yours in sympathy, (Pte) J. Duffy.” This was followed on Saturday morning by a letter from his officer as under: “Dragoon Guards, B.E.F., Dear Mrs Bilsdon, I am writing to offer you my deepest sympathy in the great loss you have just sustained. Your son had been in my troop since he joined the regiment, and was one of the best fellows one could have, whether working behind the lines or fighting, and his loss will be deeply felt by us all. I was with him at the time he was killed yesterday evening about 10.30 and can only say that he died upholding the traditions of the British soldier. Yours very sincerely, Lawrence Hastings.” Deceased who was 21 years of age, was well known and highly respected in Melton. After leaving school he was for two years in the employ of Mr Harry Beeby, then went as covert boy to Mr R. L. Fenwick, Little Belvoir, subsequently becoming second horseman to Lady Dorothy Fraser. Just prior to the outbreak of the war he went to the local Army Remount Depot, but after being there seven weeks he enlisted on Sept. 2nd 1914. He had not been home for nearly two years. His father enlisted from the Remount Depot on Sept. 23rd 1914 and is still in France.
On Friday July 5th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – BILSDON. – In loving memory of Pte. Bilsdon, Dragoon Guards, killed in action, July 7th, 1917, age 21.
He left home in perfect health.
He looked so strong and brave.
He little though how soon he would.
Be laid in a hero’s grave.
We think we see his smiling face.
As he bid us his last good-bye.
And left his home forever.
In a foreign land to die.
He went out there to do his best.
God grant him now eternal rest.
For England’s honour and France’s right.
A supreme sacrifice.
From sorrowing Mother, Father, and Brothers, Melton Mowbray.