Thomas Duerden

Son of Richard and Susannah Duerden, of 72, Burnley Road, Harle Syke, Briercliffe, nr. Burnley.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission >>

The Burnley News. Wednesday, January 10, 1917

HARLE SYKE SOLDIER KILLED.
Mr. R. Duerden, of 72, Burnley road, Harle Syke, has received official intimation that his son, Private Thomas Duerden, aged 23, met his death in the trenches on December 23rd, early in the morning. It was last March that Pte. Duerden joined the East Lancashires, and he had been out in France about six months, where he had been drafted to the Loyal North Lancashires. Writing to inform his parents, his officer said that he was killed instantaneously by a piece of shrapnel, which struck him at the back of his head. His officer speaks well of his conduct generally and of his popularity among the men. Other sources of information reveal the fact that he was just leaving the trenches for his Christmas rest, and had expressed reluctance to leave his companions. Before joining the Army he worked at Lane Bottom, and at the Harle Syke Mill Company's place as a weaver.

The Burnley News. Saturday, January 13, 1917

HARLE SYKE SOLDIER KILLED WHILE LEAVING TRENCHES FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY.
As we announced on Wednesday, Mr. R. Duerden, of 72, Burnley-road, Harle Syke, has received official intimation that his son, Pte. Thomas Duerden, aged 25, met his death in the trenches on December 23rd, early in the morning. It was last March that Private Duerden joined the East Lancashires, and he had been out in France about six months, where he had been drafted to the Loyal North Lancashires.
Writing to inform his parents his officer said that he was killed instantaneously by a piece of shrapnel, which struck him at the back of his head. His officer speaks well of his conduct generally and of his popularity among the men. Other sources of information reveal the fact that he was just leaving the trenches for his Christmas rest and had expressed reluctance to leave his companions. Before joining the Army he worked at Lane Bottom, and at the Harle Syke Mill Company's place as a weaver.

1901 Census

RG13/3868 folio 29 page 9 schedule 60

78 Halifax Road Briercliffe

Richard Duerden, Head, M, 40, Quarry Man ?, b.Colne
Susannah Duerden, Wife, M, 39, b.Great Marsden
Ellen Duerden, Daur, S, 16, Cotton Weaver, b.Briercliffe
William Henry Duerden, Son, 12, b.Briercliffe
Thomas Duerden, son, 7, b.Briercliffe
Alice Duerden, Daur, 1, b.Briercliffe