Rank: Ordinary Seaman J/29310 Regiment: H.M.S. Vanguard R.N. Died: 09/07/1917 Age: 18 Parish: Budleigh Salterton Local Memorials: Budleigh Salterton War Memorial Other Memorial: Plymouth Naval Memorial [Google] PDF Download: VEAL Francis Thomas
Born 1898 in Plymouth, Devon to Francis Charles Veal and Elizabeth Louisa (Rogers). As his father was in the Coastguard Service the family moved about and in 1911 are living in Ireland.
The family arrived in Budleigh Salterton after 1917 but before 1922 when the War Memorial was erected. His parents lived in the Coastguard Cottages for the rest of their lives and are buried in St Peter’s Burial Ground, Moor Lane.
The Veal family stayed in Budleigh Salterton for many a year and a great niece is visiting this summer as a result of hearing about this exhibition.
Francis Thomas is remembered on the War Memorial and the Plymouth Naval Memorial but for a reason unknown he does not appear on the plaque in St Peter’s Church.
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