Thomas John Ballard was the third of twelve children born to Richard John Ballard and Rose neé Canaver. He was born on 20th Feb 1891 in Dover, Kent. Tom had been a carter before enlisting with the 2nd Dragoon Guards, no doubt encouraged by his eldest brother Richard William who was a career soldier in the 2nd Dragoon Guards. Tom was a Lance Corporal when war was declared & Richard a Sergeant who went on to win the Military Medal. Thomas disembarked in France on 16th August 1914 & died of wounds received at The Battle of Flers–Courcelette on 16th September 1916.

Paul Ballard