Thomas Edward Hoskins was born in 1890 the son of Edwin & Mary Hoskins (nee Jones), who I believe married at St. Michael’s Church, Trelawnydd in 1885, (Flintshire (Mold) C20/1/E121). (Edwin’s father was Thomas PARRY on Edwin’s marriage certificate.) He was recorded on the census of 1891 living with his family at Gelli, Whitford. Head of the household was Edwin aged 30, a Quarry Man. His wife was Mary aged 28 and their listed children were Amelia 5, Eliz 4, Mary 2 and Edward 1 month.
In the next census of 1901 the family was at Gelli Fawr Whitford. 40 year old Edwin was a Lead Miner. His wife Mary was 38 and the children were Amelia 15, Mary 12, Thomas 10 and Jane 8.
The 1911 census finds Thomas Edward Hoskins working as a Carter on a farm – Llynyr Ffynongroew, Mostyn. He was 20. The Farmer was Edward Evan Davies who lived with his wife, son and a niece plus 3 servants including Edward Thomas Hoskins. The census form was completed in Welsh.
Thomas Edward’s family were still at Gelli Fawr on the 1911 census, Edwin, 51, a Lead miner still, born Cwm, and he tells us that he and Mary, 49, born Whitfords, had been married for 25 years and 6 children had been born to the, but sadly 1 had died. Only daughter Minne (sic) , 22 and single was assisting at home. She was born in Whitford.
Thomas Edward Hoskins in the UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 confirms his regimental information and that he had been born in Whitford and enlisted in Holywell.
Thomas Edward Hoskins in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that the Sole Legatee was his father Edwin who received £3 3s. 0d on the 18th March 1918 and his War Gratuity of £7 10s 0d on the 15th November 1919.
Thomas Edward Hoskins in the British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920 gives us a little more on Thomas Edwin. His Attestation Papers tell us that he was not married and his occupation was as an “Oddman on Estate,” on another he is a Grdener and he gave his age as 25 years 6 months. He also was said to have Flat Feet. Religion – Welsh Congregational. He signed the papers on the 4th December 1915 and was Approved on the 11th February 1916 (23rd Recruiting Area.).
Next Paper – Statement of Services
Attested Pte. 4th December 1915
To Army Reserve 5th December 1915
Mobilized and Posted – 10th February 1916
R.W.F. 3 – Joins Litherland 13th February 1916
R.W.F. 3 – Posted XF France Pte. 16th December 1916
1st B.E.F. Embk’d Posted 19th December 1916
Next Paper – letter from War Office, London to Infantry Records, No. 2 Coleham, Shrewsbury asking for any personal property and any medals that are now in their possession and subsequently received to be sent to Edwin Hoskins at Gelli Fawr Lloc, Holywell. Date stamped 22nd March 1918.
Next Papers – Statement of the Names and Addresses of all the Relatives of the above-named deceased soldier in each of the degrees specified below that are now living.
Widow & Children of the Soldier – None
Father of the Soldier – Edwin HOSKINS, Gelli Fawr Lloc, Holywell
Mother of the Soldier – Mary HOSKINS, Gelli Fawr Lloc, Holywell
Full-Blood brother – None
Half-Blood Brothers – None
Full –Blood Sister – Amelia JONES, Brynhyfryth, Lloc, Holywell
Elizabeth PUGH’S? Mouin? Newmarket, Dyserth.
Mary HOSKINS, 4, Kinmel St., Rhyl
June HOSKINS, Gelli Fawr, Lloc.
Declaration signed by Edwin HOSKINS, (Father and witnessed by Saml. Thomas, Congregational Minister, Newmarkeyt, Dyserth, Flintshire on the 10th September 1919 (I think, ink very faded.)
Next Paper – Home – 4th December 1915 to 18th December 1916 – 1 year and 15 days.
France – 19th December 1916 to 26th October 1917 – 0 years 312 days – Total 1 year 327 days.
Thomas E Hoskins in the British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 does not tell us where his first Theatre of War was nor when he entered it.
There is a Flintshire WW1 Index Card (Whitford F2) for Thomas Edward, it confirms his family’s address and his regimental details, it also tells us his Service was for 2 years and 9 months and the card was signed by Edwin Hoskins and Ellis Davies* on the 18th September 1919.
*I believe that this is the Vicar of Whitford who was assigned to distribute and collect the cards for the Whitford Parish on behalf of the Memorial Committee (Gladstone Family).
