Thomas Robinson Bain

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from Mavis Williams, Researcher.

Thomas Robinson Bain was born in Dent, Westmorland and Furness district (formerly in West Riding of Yorkshire). His parents, Robinson Bain & Elsie Jackson had married in the March quarter of 1922. Sadly, Elsie Bain was to die on the 15th of November 1936, aged 46 years. She was living then at 91-93, Saxon Street, West Derby Road, Everton, Liverpool, so we know that the family had moved down to Liverpool before her death.

We see Thomas Robinson Bain on official documents for the first time when he is attested in 1938 to join the Royal Artillery, but sadly again, it does not add anything to his story and it only records that he was ‘Killed in Action 6.6.44.’ He would have been only 16 when he was attested but it appears he lied about his age as the Royal Artillery casualty card states that he was 23 when he was killed.

As he was away serving in the Royal Artillery he is not on the 1939 National Register, which was taken on the 29th of September 1939, just after was declared on Germany. However, on this National Register, his father Robinson Bain, who is recorded as a widower, is seen living at 93 Saxon Street, Liverpool. He was working as a Cowkeeper and Dairyman (Master) and his son, Charles S. Bain, who was living with him was working as a Vertical Driller. There is a redacted or closed record, which may have been a sister.

Also on this register at the same address was a Margaret A. Felton, a widow, who was a ‘Housekeeper,’ and two of her children. It is this source that tells us that Margaret A. Felton married Robinson Bain. Their marriage is recorded in the September quarter of 1941 in the Liverpool North Registration District.

Thomas Robinson Bain was only 21 years old when he was killed in action whilst serving with 33rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. They landed on Sword Beach but he was killed when a German 88mm shell hit the tank he was in, completely destroying it. There is no known place of burial for him so he is commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial to the Missing, Calvados.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Thomas Bain. If you are aware of one, or you are related to Thomas, we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.

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