Thomas Alcock was born in Rhyl, Flintshire, North Wales on 1 August 1898.

The 1911 Census shows that the family lived at 7 Wood Road, Rhyl, Flintshire.  The head of the family was Robert Alcock aged 53, who was employed as a Sawyer at a local Mill.  His wife Margaret Alcock aged 50 and their 7 (seven) children – Robert Henry Alcock aged 23, a Leather Worker, William Alcock aged 19, a District Council Labourer, John Alcock aged 17, a Saw Mill Worker, Margaret Elizabeth Alcock aged 14, Thomas Alcock aged 12, Lily Alcock aged 10 and Elsie Eva Alcock aged 4 years.

Thomas Alcock enlisted in the South Lancashire Regiment at Flint, Flintshire.  He was given the Service Number 50482 and served in France.  At some point he transferred to the 1st/4th (Territorial) Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.  His new Service Number 28201 and was posted to ‘A’ Company, who were part of the 164th Brigade, 55th Division.

On Tuesday 14 May 1918, ‘A’ Company conducted a raid against a German front-line post, known as Willow Drain in the Givenchy sector.  They succeeded in taking the German line and managed to hold it until 22.30hrs until the Germans strongly counter attacked.  They were forced to retreat back across no mans land to their original position, sustaining heavy casualties in the process.  Thomas was severely wounded during this operation and died on Friday 24 May 1918 from these wounds.

During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. The cemetery contains 10, 771 commonwealth burials of the First World War, the earliest dating from May 1915.

There is a Flintshire Roll of Honour Card for him at the County Record Office, Hawarden, Flintshire which is dated 4 September 1919 and signed G Jones.

First World War Memorial Plaque in St. Mary’s Church, 119 Wellington Road, Rhyl, Flintshire.

Thomas Alcock is also remembered on a Remembrance Plaque at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire, on the above plaque in St Mary’s Church, 119 Wellington Road, Rhyl and on the North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales.