Sergeant Thomas Alford King (1450483) served in 24th Battery, 9th (Londonderry) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Second World War. Born on 9th April 1912, he was the son of William King and Sarah Jane King (née Alford) of 53 Fountain Hill, Derry/Londonderry. The family later moved to 6 Ashcroft Place, Waterside, Derry/Londonderry.
Thomas was the husband of Mrs. MJ “Dolly” King of 7 Violet Street, Waterside, Derry/Londonderry. During the Second World War, he was Mentioned in Despatches. He died on 14th April 1941 aged 29 years old.
His death came while serving in a special forces operation against the Royal Italian Army, not while serving in the Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. The cause of death was wounds sustained in fighting during a mission to demolish a bridge denying its use to Italian troops. The Regio Esercito or Royal Italian Army conducted a burial with full military honours.
Thomas Alford King’s grave is in Section 4, Row G, Grave 4 of Asmara War Cemetery, Eritrea. His name is on the 9th (Londonderry) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment Memorial in St. Columb’s Cathedral, Derry/Londonderry. His headstone in Eritrea bears the inscription:
He fought a good fight. He finished his course. He kept the faith.
Thanks to Richard Doherty – Chairman of the Irish Regiments Historical Society, and Chairman of the Royal Artillery Council, Northern Ireland for his assistance with researching the military record of Sergeant Thomas Alford King.