Clayton, Thomas

Thomas Clayton was born on September 21, 1877 in Kersley, England to parents Thomas and Jane Clayton. He spent his childhood in England with siblings Elizabeth, Ellen, Ernest, Minnie, Percy, Susannah, Albert and Edith. At age 23, Thomas made the trip across the Atlantic, landing in New York on February 17, 1900. He then traveled westward, eventually immigrating to Canada. He made his home in Lethbridge, Alberta with wife Anna. The couple had three children, Elsie, Percival and Ernie. Thomas was employed as a teamster, and also worked at the Alberta Meat Market. On August 16, 1915, Thomas Clayton enlisted with the 51st Battalion CEF. Pte Clayton arrived in England on April 28, 1916, and remained in England until embarking for France on June 8, 1916. Immediately after arriving in France, Pte Clayton was taken on strength by the 2nd Battalion CEF. He proceeded to the frontlines in Belgium, where he would serve for only four days before being reported missing on June 13, 1916. Pte Clayton was never seen again and it was presumed for official purposes that he had passed away on June 13, 1916. As his remains were never recovered or identified, he is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial. Thomas Clayton was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His wife, Anna received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her husband