Thomas Hindson Mellish

Key Information

Name: Thomas Hindson Mellish
DoB:  September 5 1894
Regt:  Sergt., 16th Battalion Royal Scots. 270876
DoD: Killed in action, 22 October, 1917. Commemorated on Tyne Cot memorial.
Academic Career: adm. Sept.1909 Left, July, 1913.  Pupil teacher, Aug. 1911. School Master.
Biographical Information:

  • Family Background:

    Thomas was the only son of William Mellish and Sarah Hindson. He had a younger sister Evelyn Mary. William was a railwayman – a platform inspector in 1901 and 1911 – and assistant stationmaster in 1917. He was the son of a farm labourer and was born in Sebergham. Sarah was the daughter of a stonemason from Lazonby. According to Thomas’ attestation papers the family was Wesleyan. Thomas was 5’8 and a half inches tall. At the time of Thomas’ death the family was living at Station House, Halifax. 

  • Academic Record:

    Thomas was educated at Brook Street School followed by  Carlisle Grammar School from 1909 – 1913. He was captain of the football team and was also in the school cricket team in 1913. After leaving the Grammar School he became an assistant master at  Ashley Street Boys School. 

  • War Service:

    Shortly after the outbreak of war, Thomas volunteered for service with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was transferred to the Royal Scots in September 1917. His military history sheet from 1916 shows he received instruction in York and qualified in muskets, physical drill, bayonet training, squad drill and rifle exercises.

    On the night of 20/21 October 1917 the 16th Battalion Royal Scots was in the Salient as part of the 3rd Battle of Ypres known as Passchendaele. They went into the front line just to the north of Poelcapelle “After the usual dreary sojourn in the depressing camps near Ypres” and were “buffeted by shell fire on the way”. The attack was to be launched on the 22nd at 5.35am, the 15th and 16th Royal Scots being the leading battalions but Ewing argues the task given them waqs “difficult and complicated.” Ewing continues:  “The water-logged nature of the country rendered the punctual assembly of the troops a very anxious business. The men could scarcely drag themselves through the mud, and the Boches added to their misery by putting down a savage barrage along the assembly positions, causing many casualties and throwing the troops into confusion. But the excellent leadership of the officers and NCOs and the discipline of the men triumphed.”

    Captain Sutherland wrote to Thomas’ father: “Your son was hit by a piece of shell about 1am, a few hours previous to moving into a position for attack. I had him taken into an old German ‘pill-box’ and attended to as best we could, but he was rendered unconscious from the first. About midday on the 22nd I myself got back wounded to the same ‘pill-box’ and was told that Sergeant Mellish had just died. I had a very high opinion of your son, and he was held in the highest esteem by the officers and men of his company. He was my most reliable N.C.O. and I noticed that his moral qualities had a great effect upon his men.” The Cumberland News also reported that of 25 Carlisle teachers who had volunteered for service: “Sergeant Mellish is the first to pay the supreme sacrifice for the defence of those at home.” The news of his death was greeted with great sorrow by the staff and students at Ashley School: “with whom his fine personal qualities made him very popular” and the school flag was displayed at half-mast. An unofficial account of his death was accepted so 22 October was registered as the official date of death. However Carlisle Grammar School Memorial Register lists his death as having occurred on October 21. His possessions were listed as discs, letters, photos in case, pen, cards, note case, mirror, watch, knife, belt, purse, diary, religious book.

    Thomas is commemorated at Tyne Cot. 

  • Battalion:

    Sergt., 16th Battalion Royal Scots. The Battalion was formed in Edinburgh in 1914 and had moved to France in January 1916.

    “The 22nd October was probably the most ghastly day experienced by the 15th and the 16th Royal Scots…the latter (lost) twelve officers and 244 other ranks in killed, wounded and missing…For their failure the Royal Scots were in no sense to blame: the conditions which they had to endure were such that it was not in mortals to command success”. (Ewing)

  • Sources:

    a)            Carlisle School Memorial Register 1264-1924

    b)            Census:  1911 RG14/ 31308; 1901 RG13/4865; 1881 RG11/516381

    c)            The Cumberland News 8 December 1917

    d)            ‘Royal Scots’ by John Ewing