Thomas McLaughlin was born one of eight children, five boys and three girls.  His mother was called Elizabeth Herdman and father Robert McLaughlin.  His dad was a cook in the army at Palace Barracks, Holywood, Co. Down.  He came from East Belfast and when the cattle were driven over the Albert Bridge to Market, he, as a young boy took a tin can and milked the cows, then sold it round the doors to help make some money for his family.  He was always a hard worker and indeed ended up working for Dobson's Dairies on the Beersbridge Road.  They moved premises to the Montgomery Road sire where 'Tommy' became manager of the Dairy.

He married Elizabeth McChesney in 1936 and had three children, Eileen, Tom and Margaret.  When World War 2 broke out he joined up and served from 1939-1945 with the 8th Belfast H.A.A.  In ranks, he rose to sergeant and worked a lot with the Physical Education of his comrades.  He was indeed present at Dunkirk and also later at Kohima Ridge, Burma, where they were cut off and surrounded by the Japanese.  He was very brave and didn't speak much of his experiences until later on in life when he was prompted by his daughter.

He died at the age of 96, sadly of lung cancer.

a husband who devoted his love.   a father who supported his children.
a grandfather who gave and expected nothing in return.  a light-hearted man who enjoyed a song
and a soldier who fought in a war so that we may have our freedom.

                                                             ~~~~~~~ Thomas' daughter Margaret, January 2011

INDIA 1942

Xmas Comes But Once a Year,  And usually brings us all good cheer,
Parted again must we be dear, So we must look to the coming year,
Let's pray and hope this be the last, So we can be just like the past.

Chin up pal and don't look down, For we are only part of the crowd,
Keep that smile and grin and bear, While I am here and you are there,
The tide will turn how big the wave, So until then must we wait,
Now lots of love to you my dear,
And all best wishes for the coming new year.

To Mt Darling Wife  Lily

From Tommy  X X X

present

"COMBINED HOPS"

       1     Opening Chorus                               The Cast
       2     The Merry Yodler                        Bdr. McLaughlin
       3     1891 And All That                            The S.S.
       4     The Ballet                                    Gnr. Cootes
       5     Songs                            Sgt. Robinson & Pte. Hunter
       6     Sketch   'Snow'                            The Gunners
       7     A Little Bit of Scotch                   L/Sgt. Weeks
       8     Health and Strength                       Gnr. Cootes
       9     Impersonations                             Gnr. McQuitty

INTERVAL

  10     The Compere                               Lieut. William, R.N.
  11     Sketch   'The Chittagong Camp'      Gnrs. McQuitty & Cootes
  12     Gags and Gags                                 Pte. Mathison
  13     Songs                                                  Gnr. Kean
  14     Into to The 'Pig & Whistle'                   The Cast

"The King"

Curtain

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ministry of Pensions
Norcross, Blackpool, Lancs.
stroked out
Cheltenham, Glos.

     Sir, The Minister of Pensions is commanded by His Majesty the King to forward to you the King's Badge for members of the Armed Forces, the Merchant Navy, the Home Guard and the Civil Defence Organisations who are disabled as a result of war service.

I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, H. Parker, secretary

     "Daffy" the little girl about whom I wrote last month has become quite a celebrity.  The "RA lads" have now added theirs to the tribute paid her by the "RAF boys."
     One of them writes: "Me and a pal happened to be ?iving on a short holiday last Sunday, when we got to reading the "Corner" and an item entitled "To Daffy" caught our eyes.  We be lads of the Royal Artillery stationed at two separate posts, and I drew my pal's attention to this little bit.  We also happen to know this charming little kid, as she has also been kind to us, bringing us the same gifts as she has to the RAF lads, once every week, and my pal says he knows her too.  This means she visits the Forces three times a week and who knows what other good work she is doing other days.  We would like to add our appreciation, as this kiddie means much to us now that she is a pal of us all.  So will you print this as a token of appreciation from the Royal Artillery?  We owe her much."

Coventry and District

Ald. T. J. Harris has celebrated his 80th birthday recently. At present he is spending a short holiday in Wales.