Pte. Thomas Clemson

Thomas Clemson was a farmer at Gate Pa in Tauranga. He signed up for World War I and was killed in action in France on 27 September 1916. Biography by Debbie McCauley.

Thomas Clemson was born in Cannock, Staffordshire, England on 27 February 1871 to the Reverend William Clemson and his wife Elizabeth. He was a farmer at Gate Pa in Tauranga. Thomas enlisted for World War I (Serial No: 23345). He embarked from Wellington on 27 May 1916 aboard the Tofua for Devonport, England. Thomas was a rifleman with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade (7th Reinforcements 1st Battalion, E Company). He was killed at Somme, France, on 27 September 1916. Thomas was aged 45. The New Zealand Herald ran the following: PRIVATE T. CLEMSON. Private Thomas Clemson, who was killed in action on September 27, was 45 years of age. Prior to enlisting he was engaged as a farmer on his own property at Gate Pa. He was born in Cannock, Staffordshire, England, being the youngest son of the Rev. Wm. Clemson, of Manchester. He came to New Zealand about 25 years ago, and shortly afterwards settled in Tauranga, farming first on Cambridge Road and later at Gate Pa (24 October 1916, p. 6).

• 23345 – Private, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, E Company, 7th Reinforcements
• Born: Staffordshire, England, 27 February 1871
• Family: Son of Reverend William and Elizabeth Clemson
• Occupation: Farmer, Gate Pa, Tauranga
• Enlisted: 7 February 1916
• Killed in Action: 27 September 1916, France
• Aged: 45
• Name recorded on Tauranga Domain War Memorial