Thomas Ernest Dent came to Chelmsford between the wars and worked as a carpenter for a local builder. He married in 1939 and went on to have two children. Later he joined the army and served in the north African, Sicily and Italian campaigns. He died of wounds in Italy in January 1945. His home was in Springfield Park Road, Chelmsford.

Thomas was born in Wivenhoe in 1910, the son of Ernest Edward Dent (1875-1959) and Caroline Dent (nee Bloom) (1874-1960). His parents, both born in Manningtree, had married in 1900.

Thomas had three elder sisters; Doris Ellen Dent (born in 1901), Ivy Kate Dent (born in 1903), and Hilda Florence Dent (1906-1985).

In 1911 the census recorded eight month-old Thomas living with his parents and sisters at 197 Bergholt Road in Colchester. At the time his father was employed as a house painter.

Between the wars Thomas moved to Chelmsford where he worked as a carpenter for the Chelmsford builders Messrs. A.J. Arnold and Company. The firm had premises on the eastern side of Victoria Road South (then 'Market Road'), close to the junction with Duke Street.

In 1939 Thomas married Ruby Gertrude Reynolds (1911-1990) in the Colchester registration district. The couple had a son born the following year, and a daughter born in 1942.

During the Second World War Thomas served as Corporal 14346413 in the 9th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). He served in the north African, Sicily and Italian campaigns.

At the time of his death Thomas' parents were living at 69 Springfield Park Avenue, whilst his wife and two young children lived nearby at 26 Springfield Park Road, Chelmsford.

On 7th January 1945 Thomas died of wounds in Italy. He was 34 years old. Today he lies at Forli War Cemetery, some 45 miles south-east of Bologna (grave: III, C, 14.).

Thomas' widow remarried in 1947, had another child, and died in 1990.

150313