b. 26/08/1897 Wallasey, Merseyshire. d. 01/10/1918 Cambrai, France.
Thomas Patrick Neely (1897-1918) was born on 26th August 1897 at 13 Tabor Street, Poulton-cum-Seacombe, Wallasey, Cheshire. The surname is sometimes seen spelt incorrectly as Neeley. His father, James Herbert Neely, was born at sea. He found employment difficult to find and spent many years as a casual labourer. He married Mary Agnes Egan at Poulton-cum-Seacombe in 1897 and having lived at 13 Tabor Street, they later moved to 10 Gladstone Road, by which time James was a gas fitter’s salesman. Thomas had at least 14 siblings.
Thomas P Neely VC MM
Thomas was educated at St Francis de Sales School, Hale Road, Walton, Liverpool. He was then employed by J Bibby & Sons Ltd, seed crushers, soap and cattle food manufacturers in Great Howard Street. Thomas never married. He is believed to have enlisted as a bantam in September 1914 in the Cheshire Regiment, but this is not recorded on his Medal Roll or his Medal Index Card. As his service record has not survived it is difficult to piece together his service. It is known he did not qualify for the 1914-15 Star, indicating that he did not serve in an operational theatre until 1916 at the earliest. He transferred to the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) and was posted to 8th Battalion. He is known to have been wounded twice. The London Gazette announced the award of the Military Medal to Thomas on 16th July 1918 but there is no record of what this was for. After a period of leave in England he returned to the front on 26th August 1918. He was promoted to corporal soon afterwards.
At Flesquières on September 27th 1918, his company was held up during the advance of heavy machine gun fire from the flank. Corporal Neeley, realizing the seriousness of the situation, at once under point blank fire dashed out with two men and rushed the positions, disposing of the garrisons and capturing three machine guns. Subsequently, on two successive occasions, he rushed concrete strong points. The splendid initiative on fighting spirit displayed by his gallant non-commissioned officer in dealing with a series of posts, in some cases single handed, was largely responsible for the taking and clearing of a heavy fortified and strongly garrisoned position, and enabled his company to advance 3000 yards along the Hindenburg support line.
His colonel wrote home after the event of September 27th, saying that before he went into action young Neeley (sic), of whom he spoke in terms of high praise, was promoted to lance sergeant, and that for his brave deed subsequently he was being recommended for another decoration. Three days later he was in action again, and was killed, so that the VC will be awarded as a posthumous honour.
His captain had wanted him to go in for a commission, but his company offers sir persuaded him not to do so, saying he was of more use in the ranks. He was buried in the Masnieres British Cemetery, Marcoing, France, four miles south west of Cambrai. He is commemorated with a VC commemorative stone placed at Birkenhead War Memorial on 11th November 2018, is named on the Wirral VC Memorial at the Cenotaph, Birkenhead, named on the VC Roll of Honour in Wallasey Town Hall, named on the Liverpool Roll of Honour, and named on the J Bibby & Sons War Memorial (now in Bootle).
Thomas Neely’s parents were presented with his posthumous Victoria Cross by King George V at a private ceremony in Buckingham Palace on the 27th February 1920. In addition to his VC and MM, he was awarded the British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal 1914-19. The medals were passed down generations of his family until they were sold (minus the two campaign medals) for £110,000 to a private bidder at a Spink’s auction on 25th November 2010. The current location of the VC is not known.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NOT PUBLICLY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: MASNIERES CEMETERY, MARCOING, FRANCE.
PLOT II, ROW B, GRAVE 21
Acknowledgement:
Kevin Brazier – Cemetery Map.