Thomas William Tagg was born  at Toad Hole Cottage, Toad Hole, Jacksdale on 24^th February 1885, first child of John Thomas Tagg (born 27^th January 1863) and Fortuna Ann Tagg (nee Waterall ~ born Selston 3^rd Feb 1865).  His father originated from Codnor and was an Engine Winder at the nearby Pye Hill Colliery.  Thomas, known to the family as ‘Will’ was the eldest of 5 children.  His brother Frank who also served in WW1 and named on the Jacksdale War Memorial, was born on 20^th July 1886.  (Frank is listed on the Absent Voters Roll of 1918/9 as an absent resident of New Westwood, serving as  Sapper 146905 with the 5^th Royal Engineers – Field Company).  Next in line was Elsie Tagg born 17^th Dec 1892, mother of Mrs Joan Lowe of Barrows Hill Lane, Westwood.  Ida Grace was born 5^th Feb 1899 and John Waterall Tagg on 24^th Nov 1903.  

Will and his brother attended Selston Church of England School with Elsie following them several years later.  Will later married Annie and they had one daughter named Gwendoline. We have been told that they lived on York Avenue Jacksdale but we have also found Thomas William Tagg listed on the 1915 Electoral Roll as living at Albert Avenue, Jacksdale.  Tom’s brother Frank did not marry until after his return from the war. 

Will was employed at James Oakes Pipe yard before he enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters at the Eastwood registration office on 8^th June 1916 at the age of 31. After training he was sent to France in October 1916. 

Sadly, his military career was to be short.  He was wounded in  battle whilst serving in the line, South of Ypres, Belgium and later died of his wounds on Christmas Eve, 24^th Dec 1916, aged thirty-one. Will left a wife Annie and a daughter Gwendoline, thought to be about 7 or 8 years of age. Gwendoline later went on to marry and had a son named John. 

A Roll of Honour published in the Free Press in 1917 pays tribute to the 37 soldiers lost to the Parish up to that date at which time; Will Tagg was the most recent casualty of the war.  The article reads “ In fulfilling the promise of last week to insert a full list of those who have fallen in action, the writer desires to acknowledge his indebtedness to the curates-in-charge of Underwood St Michael’s and Westwood St. Mary’s Churches – the Revs. JS Callister and J Kahn - who have kindly provided details of the Honours List in their respective wards.  The total number of those from our parish who have fallen is 37, composed of 15 from the Jacksdale Ward, 13 from the Selston Ward, and nine from the Underwood Ward.  In addition to these there are several men – chiefly from the Jacksdale Ward – who have been reported by the War Office as missing”.  The last entry for the Jacksdale Ward reads “Pte. W.T. Tagg, 16^th Sherwood Foresters, enlisted June 8^th 1916, sent to France Oct. 1916, wounded and died (Sunday) December 24^th, 1916.”  

Thomas William Tagg is buried at Essex Farm Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.  The cemetery is midway between Ypres and Boezinge and is situated near the site of an old farm, known by the Army as ‘Essex Farm.’  The land South of the farm was used as a dressing station from April 1915 to August 1917.  There are over 1,200 war casualties commemorated. 

Family history and photographs kindly provided by Mr & Mrs Edgar and Joan Lowe of Barrows Hill Lane, Westwood.

Last Updated 28^th Dec 2002