Thomas Jacob Metson was the son of an Aythorpe Roding farmer. He worked as a gardener in Ingatestone and married in 1940. He joined the army and served in Italy where he was killed in action in July 1944. His wife lived in Broomfield Road, Chelmsford.

Thomas was born in the Dunmow registration district in 1916, the son of George Metson (1877-1923) and Annie Metson (nee Clayden) (1879-1959). His parents had married in 1905 at Aythorpe Roding. A Chelmsford newspaper reported:

"At the Church, on Nov. 1, before a large congregation, the marriage was solemnized of Miss Annie Clayden, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clayden, of Keer's green, with Mr. George Metson, eldest surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Metson, of the Bury Farm, Great Waltham. The Rev. J. A. Kershaw, rector, officiated. The bride wore ivory voile, trimmed with chilfou and lace. The bridesmaids were Miss Florence Clayden and Miss Eva Metson. They were attired in pale blue voile, trimmed with ecru lace. Mr. Frederick Clayden was best man. The presents numbered over 70."  

Thomas' siblings included Edgar George Metson (1908-1980), Peggy Kathleen Metson (1909-1997), and Eva Mary Metson (1911-1997).

In 1911 Thomas' parents had been living at Keers Farm, Aythorpe Roding, where his father was the farmer.

Thomas' father died in 1923 and left an estate valued at £2,842 6s. with probate granted to his widow and the farmer Cyril Douglas Metson.

Thomas Jacob METSON, Private, 1/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment

Killed in Italy. Aged 27

Prior to the war Thomas was a gardener for Col. Frank Hilder J.P. of Ingatestone. In 1940 he married Margaret Martha Crisp.

Thomas served as Private 6022044 in 1/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment. He was killed in Italy on 15th July 1944. He was 27 years old.

Today Thomas lies in Arezzo War Cemetery (grave IV. D. 5).

At the time of his death Thomas' wife was living at Garden House in Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, while his mother was resident at Great Saling.

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