Thomas Paterson was born at Elgin Place, Edinburgh. He was very close to his older sister, Ina. They both attended Roseburn Primary School (beside Murrayfield Stadium), Edinburgh. By WW1, the family had moved to Montague Street, Edinburgh. “Tommy was a painter and signwriter. Killed in action in France. Cathie was 8 years old and at home helping her mother when the telegram arrived. Father was working in the munitions factory as an engineer. Thomas was going to night school at Heriot Watt before going to war” dictated notes by Cathie Paterson (sister) Tommy was brought up in a large, loving family who had a strong Christian Faith. The family attended the Carrubers Close Mission on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, known for its music and uplifting hymns. It was a home where music was encouraged, through song, violin and piano. Getting a trade was important to the family; a trade offered the opportunity to ‘better oneself’ and opened the door to educational opportunities. It is interesting to note that Tommy attended Heriot Watt. His younger brothers, also later attended night school at what was then the Heriot Watt College in Chambers Street. The story goes that brothers Tommy and his younger brother George Paterson signed up for war. Tommy was too young to be sent to the front but lied about his age. He was part of the 1st/2nd (Lancs) Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. When his mother found out where he was, she wrote trying to have him sent home/ behind front lines. The orders did make their way eventually, but as he was leaving the front lines, he was blown up in heavy shell fire Catherine Paterson gave birth to her last child shortly after the death of her eldest son. Within months, his mother received another blow, the death of her brother Archibald Campbell (Tommy's uncle), 1st Bn., Royal Scots Fusiliers who died age 35 on 10 April 1917. Tommy Paterson is buried at Montauban Cemetery. His grave was visited by both Ewan and Alasdair Watson, his great great nephews (the first family members to visit his grave) when participating in the Trenches Trips in 2009 and 2011 as part of a party from Portobello High School Edinburgh.

Marion Watson