Thomas Frederick Dade

Thomas and his twin sister Martha Eva were born on 3 November 1889 and were baptised at St. Mary’s Church Saxlingham Nethergate on 6 April 1890. Their parents were Ozias and Sarah Ann Dade. His father was a farm steward and they lived on Saxlingham Green.

In 1901 his father was a farmer and they lived at Hall Farm, Saxlingham Green. In 1911 Thomas was working on his father’s farm and his sister Martha was working in the dairy.

He married Fanny Ethel English, born 29 September1889, in 1911. His sister married Arthur Emms in 1912. Fanny and Arthur both came from Saxlingham Nethergate. His sister Martha Emms and her third son died in childbirth in November 1914.

He and Fanny had six children.

Dolly Ethel born 22 September 1911

Lille Eva born 29 January 1920

Muriel Ann born 1921

Thomas Ozias born 1921

Lucretia Elizabeth born 1927

Dolly Ethel born 1930

Thomas and Fanny Dade with Dolly. (Original photograph of poor quality)

Thomas was a member of the Norfolk Yeomanry.

 This was a territorial force which was intended for home defence. It had a drill station in Long Stratton. Members could not be made to serve overseas. When war broke out in August 1914 the force was split into two units with the 1st Line liable for service overseas. Thomas was in 1/1st Norfolk Yeomanry, Service number 1702, his service number later became 320130. Initially the Brigade were involved with the coastal defence of Woodbridge in Suffolk. In September 1915 they were sent to reinforce the Allied Force in Gallipoli.

They left Liverpool on RMS Olympic on 25 September 1915 for Lemnos. There were 25 officers and 504 men. They arrived at Mudros Harbour on 1 October but had to stay on board until 8 October. They changed ships but bad weather prevented them from landing till 10 October 1915. They fought in the area till December 1915 after which they were sent to Egypt and Palestine. In the spring of 1918 they were sent to France as reinforcements.

Thomas’s service records have not survived but the medal index cards show that he entered the war on 10 October 1915 in Gallipoli. He was awarded 1914-15 Star as well as the British and Victory medals. He left the army on 23 March 1919.

He returned to live in Saxlingham and worked as a farmer. He lived at various farms on the Green. In later life he lived at Low Farm, Saxlingham Green and had a milk round. He was known as Tom.

He played cricket and in 1921 was in the Saxlingham Cricket team that won the Soames Cup.

Tom is in the centre of the photograph, with his arms folded.

Saxlingham Cricket Team 1921, after winning the Soames Cup.
( Thomas is in the centre with his arms folded)
Thomas Dade 1921

In 1939 he was living with his wife on the Green with three of his children. He was a farmer and his daughter Muriel was helping him on the farm. He was also a Special Constable.

When he died on 16 November 1957 he was living at Porch Cottage, Saxlingham Nethergate. Probate was granted to his widow Fanny Ethel Dade.

Acknowledgements

www.ancestry.co.uk

England & Wales, Birth, marriage, death index 1837-2005

UK Census Collection

British Army Medal Roll Index cards, 1914-1920

1939 Register- www.findmypast.co.uk

Norfolk Electoral Rolls-Southern Division Saxlingham Nethergate and Thorpe,  (Absent Voters Lists 1918-1920)

Norfolk, Church of England Diocesan Baptismal Records, Saxlingham Nethergate.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar 1858-1995

St Mary’s Church Saxlingham Marriage records (transcribed by Mary Muir)

Tick/Dade Family Tree- www.ancestry.co.uk

Wikipedia Norfolk Yeomanry

Photograph of 1921 Cricket Team, courtesy of Edna Carr, niece of Fanny English.

( Details of men on the photograph, starting at the right hand side)

Sid Fulcher, 3rd from right George Baker, 4th right Wallace Brighton, 5th right James Baker, 7th right Tom Dade.

From left, William  (Buck) Harris, 3rd from left Tom English.

If anyone has any photographs or information about this person please contact me. Email jan@janmfox.co.uk