Matthew Lomas was born in December 1887, in Mossley near Manchester. He was baptised at St. James church Staleybridge. He married Laura (nee Maude) in the parish church at Moston in Manchester on 1st August 1914. One month after his marriage Matthew volunteered for service in the Army. Enlisted 2nd September 1914 in Manchester. 16th (Service) Battalion (1st City) Manchester Regiment. The first “Manchester Pals”. No.6773. 27 y 10 m old. “Home” from the 2nd September 1914 to the 7th July 1915. "Posted” to France on 8th November 1915. Billeted Suzanne on the right bank Somme River, 13 kilometres south-east of Albert. 15th May 1916 received at gunshot wound to the arm repatriated home from 3rd June 1916 to 28th August 1916. Returned France 29th August 1916. 8th Battalion Loyal Lancashire Regiment. No. 27029. Died of wounds on 15th October 1916 aged 29 years. Left widow Laura and daughter also Laura aged 1yr.

Carol Timney