Thomas William Read was born in Kilburn, London, soon after the 1901 census and was baptised at St Augustine's church, Kilburn, on 24th April 1901, when his parents' address was stated to be 126 Kilburn Park Road. Thomas was one of 6 children born to Thomas Joshua Read, a house painter, and his wife who was born Lucibelle Taylor. Thomas' parents were still living in Kilburn in 1911 although neither Thomas nor any of his 3 surviving siblings were recorded. In fact, nothing is known of Thomas' life until his marriage in 1923 although it is clear that his family continued to live at the same address in Kilburn for many years. Thomas' father died in 1923 and his mother in 1929.
Tom Read (left), pictured at the wedding of his sister-in-law in 1936
Thomas married Elizabeth Mary Brown, always known as 'Lil', at St John the Evangelist church in Kilburn on 19th March 1923, by when he was already serving in the Royal Navy; it is believed that he continued to do so until war broke out in 1939. In 1943, Thomas was serving as a 'Leading Stoker' on HMS Eskimo, a Tribal-class Destroyer which had been commissioned at the end of December 1938. The ship took part in numerous operations during the war and, in July 1943, was involved in 'Operation Husky', which was the codename for the Allied invasion of Sicily. The operation began on the night of 9-10th July 1943 and on 13th July the ship was badly damaged when 2 German dive-bombers attacked her. One bomb penetrated 2 fuel tanks, causing an explosion and fire which wrecked the 'Gear Room' and killed or injured 19 men. One of those killed was Thomas Read who, according to the website "http://www.naval-history.net/index.htm" died of wounds received on 12th July; why there is a discrepancy in the date is unknown, but some 29 men lost their lives in this incident in all. Thomas was aged 42.
Thomas William Read is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial which records that he was the son of Thomas Joshua and Lucybelle Read and the husband of Elizabeth Mary Read of Cricklewood, Middlesex. The commemoration also notes that he had been mentioned in despatches, though no other details are known.
Thomas left a small estate, valued at a little under £400 and Probate of his Will was granted to his widow. Thomas and 'Lil' had no children and 'Lil' remarried in 1967, outliving this second husband and surviving until October 1991 before she died, aged 91.
Thomas William Read was my great uncle thorugh his marriage to Elizabeth Mary Brown.