RSM T. BISHTON

Tom Bishton was born in Caerphilly, Wales, in 1909 and after leaving school he worked as a miner in the Rhonda. In 1933 he volunteered for the army and decided to become a professional soldier and joined the Royal Armoured Corps. Tom, who was usually known by the name of Jim, was a first class runner and footballer in which he represented the army during the 1930s. Prior to the war he served in Egypt with his regiment. After returning to England he served for a short while at Aldershot and then at Catterick. It was while he was stationed at Catterick that he met Agnes Leach a local girl from Northallerton and on the 3rd of August 1936 they were married at the All Saints Church Northallerton.

They lived in New Row where their daughter, Shirly Anne, was born on the 10th August 1939. By this time Tom had progressed through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Regimental Sergenat Major, the highest non- commissioned rank in the British Army.

Tom Bishton suffered a series of serious throat infections during the latter years in the army and in 1943 he was taken to hospital for a routine tonsilectomy. Sadly he died on the operating table after a severe haemorrage. Agnes Bishton still lives in Northallerton and her daughter regularly visits her with the grandchildren.

Tom Bishton was given a full military funeral and was laid to rest in Northallerton Cemetery in an official Commonwealth Wargrave. He lies with several members of the armed forces in a circular lawn with a backdrop of evergreen trees and a garden seat. He also is remembered on the Northallerton War Memorial.

Tom was aged 34 years.