Thompson, W (William)
Serjeant William Thompson was the son of John and Margaret Foy Thompson, of 544, Princess St., Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He was born in the Shankill, Belfast and served with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. William passed away in Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry from heart failure.
The 3rd Reserve Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was based in Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry from September 1914 until April 1918 when it moved to England.
Their duties were to recruit and train soldiers for the front line. They alone recruited and trained more than twelve thousand men.
Throughout the war the 3rd had the same commander who was Lieutenant Colonel McClintock. He retired in 1919 when the battalion was disbanded.
On a few occasions, they had to host hundreds of shipwrecked sailors, including those from the Brisk (sunk October 1917) and the American transport ship SS Tuscania (sunk February 1918). They received praise and gifts for their hospitality on both occasions.
William was not eligible for any medals as he never left the UK or entered a theatre of war.
Date of Death: 13/12/1916 (Aged 33)
Service: Serjeant, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 3rd Battalion.
Service Number: 6994
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, GA. Mil. 1.