Thomas born at Finnis Field, Plough Lane, Christleton in 1879, was the son of Samuel and Sarah Broster, Bentley’s Cottage, Christleton Road, Boughton. He was a Butcher’s Assistant in Christleton and lived with Jo Mosford his Uncle and Family at Rock House. He worked for the family who had two slaughter houses and a butchers shop in the village. He was a lifelong member of Christleton Young Men’s Institute.
Obituary Cheshire Observer 28 August 1915 page 7
We deeply regret to announce that Private Tom Broster, late of the Grenadier Guards attached to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, has been killed in action at the front. The sad intelligence was received on Sunday morning by his uncle Mr Joseph Mosford, butcher, with whom he resided, and in whose service he had been prior to the commencement of war. The Official notification was as follows;- The Record Office Shrewsbury. It is my painful duty to inform you, that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of No 11882, Private Thomas Broster, which occurred at a place not stated on the 7th day of August 1915. The cause of death was “killed in action”. A letter also has been received from Lord Kitchener stating; “The King commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of his Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow” The sad news soon spread throughout the district, and on every hand were heard expressions of deepest regret at the private’s untimely death. After serving his apprenticeship with his Uncle at Christleton, he joined the Grenadier Guards and at the end of his term of service, returned to Christleton to assist his uncle. He was called up as a reservist at the outbreak of war, having only a few months to complete his full service. At Christmas he came home on leave from the front for a few days leave, looking fit and well. He was a well known for miles around, and was highly respected. He was a lifelong member of the Christleton Young Men’s Institute. A Memorial Service was held in the Parish Church on Monday evening, at which there was a crowded congregation. The Rector officiated and the hymns were “Rock of Ages” and “Soldiers who are Christ below” which were feelingly sung by the congregation. At the conclusion of the service, the choirmaster and Organist Mr F. R. Finch rendered on the organ the Dead March in “Saul”
The Broster Grave in St. James' Churchyard
HEROES TOGGLE