Fusilier Thomas Greaves Cartlidge (6982699) served in 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers during the Second World War. Known as Tommy, he was the second son of William Percy Cartlidge and Mary Emily Cartlidge of 6 Earl Haig Gardens, Belfast.
Tommy’s father was known as Percy and served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during The Great War. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Tommy worked for the printing firm Messrs. Carswell and Son in Belfast.
He died on 11th July 1943 aged 21 years old during the early stages of Operation Husky. The Allied invasion of Sicily had begun on the night of 9th-10th July 1943. Following the Second World War, Cartlidge was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches. He was also recommended for the Military Medal for his actions during his final engagement in Sicily.
Cartlidge’s elder brother Lance Corporal Frederick Charles Cartlidge also died during the war. Newspaper reports from the time of Frederick’s death suggest that Thomas died in North Africa.
Thomas Greaves Cartlidge has no known grave. His name is on Panel 6 of the Cassino Memorial, Italy.