Category: Military
Rank: Sapper
Regiment or Ship: Royal Engineers
Service Number(s): 1643; 534292
Occupation: Boot maker and repairer
Date of Birth: 19.09.1881
Place of Birth: Greenwich, Kent
Date of Death: 1980
Address: 66 Windsor Road, Bexhill
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Parents: William Slatter and Rose Slatter (nee Stevens)
Spouse: Thomas married Edith Wooller in March 1906 in the Battle area. They had three children – one of these was Jack Slatter (1917-2003). Edith was born in Hailsham in 1871. In 1911 Thomas and Edith were living at 58 Reginald Road but had moved to 66 Windsor Road by 1913 – staying there until after 1915. When Thomas was demobbed in 1919 they were living in Leopold Road.
First World War Experience
Thomas enlisted on 23rd October 1914 at the Town Hall, Bexhill. He was then 5’ 6” tall, with a chest measurement of 37” – expansion 2”. He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, and a good physical development. His next of kin was his wife, Edith, and his Theatre of War was France, where he was a member of the 2nd Home Counties Brigade, Royal Engineers.
Sometime in May 1918 Thomas was wounded and was hospitalized from 18th May until 10th July. We do not have any details of his injuries.
He returned to the United Kingdom on 3rd March 1919 and was then demobbed – with a Very Good character reference.
Thomas was awarded both the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.