In Memory of THOMAS EDWIN DEAR Stoker 2nd Class K/29232 H.M.S. ”Victory”, Royal Navy who died on Saturday, 18th December 1915. Age 20.
Son of Mr G.W and E.J.L. DEAR of Ogdens Farm, Fordingbridge (a new house replaces the cottage on the gravel track from Abbotswell to Ogdens). On the 1911 census ‘George’ the father is a farmer and ‘Thomas’ is listed as 15 years old and a general labourer. There are also 7 brothers and sisters listed.
Commemorative Information
Hyde (Holy Ascension) Churchyard.
Source – Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Notes
Stoker DEAR is one of 7 men on New Forest war memorials listed as serving on HMS. ”Victory”. 5 of them are buried in their home villages and the other 2 at Portsmouth. It is believed ” Victory” was used as a training base for the Royal Navy.
Source – work done by Carole Standeven