Thomas Edward Harlow
1893 - 1918

Deck Hand DA/13100 Thomas Edward HARLOW. His Majesty's Motor Launch M.L 522, Royal Naval Reserve (RNR). Formerly (1651) Territorial Force (Army). Died Wednesday 8th May 1918 aged 24 years. Born Chartham near Canterbury 21st October 1893. Son of Thomas G and Annie Harlow of 13 New Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference 2256.

Thomas's name also appears on the St Leonards School war memorial plaque, St Leonards Road, Hythe, Kent (he was a teacher there).

Thomas was educated at the Ashford Grammar School. The school records list his home address as being 108 New Street, Ashford. He was a gifted cricket player and played for the school cricket team from 1911 to 1913.

It is recorded that Thomas attended Cambridge University after leaving school and obtained a 3rd class honours degree. His name does not appear on the Cambridge University War List (1914-1919). After leaving university Thomas became a teacher at the St Leonards Church of England School in Hythe. During the war Thomas was called to the colours and served on HMS Victory before being posted to the Motor Launch 522.

His personal records state that Thomas whilst of unsound mind, apparently committed suicide by hanging himself in the ship�s forecastle. His family brought his body home to Ashford and he was buried quietly in the towns cemetery. The local papers did not report the circumstances of Thomas�s sad and tragic demise.