Description
Military Medal, WW1 Pair British War and Victory Medals, Sergeant Thomas Chidlow, 1st Bn Central Ontario Regiment and 15th Bn Canadian Infantry, aka 48th Highlanders of Canada.
MM officially impressed: “192005 Pte – L. Cpl. T. Chidlow. 15/Bn: 1/C. Ont: R.”
BWM & Victory officially impressed: “192005 A. Sjt. T. Chidlow. 15 – Can. Inf.”
Military Medal award announced in the London Gazette on 11th February 1919.
You can click here to visit the memorial website for the 15th Battalion Canadian Infantry here.
His full recommendation for the award of the Military Medal reads:
Name and Rank: Private, Acting Lance Corporal Thomas Chidlow:
Place and Date of action: Attacks of September 1st and 2nd 1918, west of the Drocourt Queant Line, the line itself, and the Bois de Bouche.
“In the attack of September 1st this N.C.O. showed great initiative and daring in leading his section under heavy fire and captruing an enemy strong point.
In the attack of September 2nd. The section commander on his right flank was wounded, Lance Corporal CHIDLOW took command of both these sections and advanced under enemy shell fire at point blank range.
He later assumed command of the entire platoon, led them to the final objective and consolidated his position.
He carried out this work in the face of the enemy under very heavy fire showing the greatest bravery and daring.“
The recommendation was made on 6th September 1918, he was wounded soon afterwards leading to his invaliding when he was shot in the thigh.
Thomas Chidlow was born in New Brighton, Cheshire on 17th November 1887.
He died in Toronto Ontario, on 27th December 1965, being buried with his wife Lucy Isabella Chidlow in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
He was working in Canada as a Cook when he signed up for service in the First World War choosing to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
Thomas had travelled by Sea to Canada on the S.S. Metagama from Liverpool on 25th June 1915, noted as a 27 year old Chef.
After his service he settled in Canada and would live there for the rest of his long life.
WORLD WAR 1
Having landed in Toronto during the summer of 1915, he did not waste much time in enlisting at Toronto on 24th August 1915.
He saw active service in France with the 15th Battalion Canadian Infantry, Canadian Infantry Force.
His Miltiary Medal is named to the 1st Central Ontario Regiment, the 15th Battalion Canadian Infantry, also known as the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
He was wounded in action on 27th September 1918, receiving a Gun Shot Wound to this thigh.
This was during the Pursuit to Mons as the Allied Army attempted to close out the war.
The wound at this time would suggest a connection to his Military Medal, which was issued shortly afterwards.
Following his wound he was invalied home as wounded and posted to the 1st C.O.R.D. Witley via the Hospital Ship Ville de Liege on 29th September 1918.
At the end of the war he was demobilised on 19th May 1919.
Thomas is noted as having also taken the Empress of Canada to Montreal during his retirment in 1952 and later the Carinthia during 1958, where it looks like he was visiting family in England.
His later marriage is recalled in the Toronto Star, 22nd June 1946:
“CHIDLOW – MULLIGAN
Lucy Isabella Mulligan, daughter of James R. Mulligan, Toronto and the late Mrs Mulligan, was united in marriage with Thomas Chidlow, Toronto, son of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Chidlow, Liverpool, England, today in Cooke’s Presbyterian Church.
Rev William Mcroberts officiated. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of power blue faille. A matching hat and bouquet of cerise and pink roses completed her costumee.
Lillie J. Egan, the Bride’s only attendant, was frocked in gray mesh with white hat trimmed in pink and carried deep pink roses.
Walter Saunders was best man and ushers were WJ Connor and John L Connor.
Following ht ereception, the couple left for a wedding trip. The Bride travelling in a suit of alice blue wool, navy accessories.”
