Private Thomas O’Donnell

Private Thomas O’Donnell, 4th Regiment ( South African Scottish ) South African Infantry. He was killed in action in France, aged 39, on 8th October 1918 during the ” Advance to Victory” and is buried in Beaurevoir British Cemetery, Aisne France. He was the brother of Neil and William ( see above).  Apparently both Thomas and William had changed their surnames to Donald whilst in South Africa and are recorded accordingly in the War Graves records.   He had been born in Bathgate and was the son of Peter and Catherin O’Donnell and the husband of Annie Donald of Johannesburg. He had been a Regular Soldier in the Royal Scots Greys and had fought in the South African War from 1901-1903. He then bought his discharge and settled in Soth Africa. The photos show Allied troops advancing during the final 100 days of the War.