THOMAS ARTHUR BEWLEY 

Thomas Arthur Bewley was born in Birkenhead, in 1899, the son of Thomas Bewley and Margaret Bewley. His father was born in Liverpool, in 1873, and his mother had been born a year later, in Birkenhead. Thomas and Margaret Bewley had 2 son’s and 1 daughter: Thomas A. Bewley (born in 1899), John E. Bewley (born in 1901), and Margaret J. Bewley (born in 1896), and in 1901, Thomas Bewley (Snr) was employed as a General Labourer for the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board, and was living at 5, Brook Street, Birkenhead, with his wife and 3 children.

On 17th March 1916, Thomas Arthur Bewley joined the Royal Navy, and eventually he joined the Fleet Messenger HMS Osmanieh (4,041 GRT). By then, his family were living at 65, Arthur Street, Birkenhead. He served on board this ship until she hit a mine at the entrance of Alexandria Harbour, Egypt, on 31st December 1917, with the loss of 24 men. His body was never recovered and identified from the sea, and is therefore commemorated on Panel 25, The Plymouth Naval Memorial, England.

His medal entitlement consisted of Memorial Plaque, British War Medal, and Mercantile Marine Medal.


Family application form requesting Thomas to be added to the Birkenhead War Memorial.

 

Thomas Arthur Bewley is also commemorated on the war memorial archway in Christ The King (St. Anne’s) Church, Birkenhead.




Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.