Thomson Family Casualties in World War I
Gordon Neilson, a member of Penpont’s Joseph Thomson Group recently took time out whilst on a visit to northern France to visit the final resting places of two nephews of African explorer Joseph Thomson. The two nephews were sons of two of Joseph Thomson’s brothers who had left Nithsdale earlier to seek a new life in Canada. Sadly their hopes of a new and exciting life in Canada was tragically cut short following service for their country in northern France.
James Brown Thomson born in June 1888, son of John Brown Thomson of 27 High Street, Sanquhar. Joined the Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) and died in action on 1 March 1917. Laid to rest in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery just north of Paris and near Vimy Ridge. James lost his life in the days leading up to the final action by Canadian forces who took the ridge on 24 days later. Cabaret- Rouge was a house on the main road. It marked the spot where a long communication trench called Cabaret ended. The cemetery now contains 7,655 Commonwealth burials with more than half of them unidentified.
James Brown Thomson who was 22 died on 7 September 1916 in the weeks leading up to the battles of the Somme. James was the son of the late Rev James Brown Thomson (who ministered at Greenock) and his wife Cecilia of Nithview Thornhill. He was a Private in the Canadian Infantry. He is buried in Puchevillers Cemetery about 10 miles north east of Amiens. Puchevilers was a Casualty Clearing Station and it is assumed that James died here as a result of earlier action
