Driver Thomas Ireland (T/7007689) served in 282 General Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps during the Second World War. Born on 11th December 1900, he was the son of William Ireland and Ellen Ireland of Belfast.
Thomas was the husband of Mrs. Margaret Ireland (née McCaughey) of 5 Stanley Lane, Belfast. Stanley Lane was a small lane running off from 34 Little York Street in the Sailortown area of the city. While living there, the couple had seven sons and three daughters.
Thomas Ireland served in the Royal Ulster Rifles after enlisting in Belfast. In 1940, he transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps. On 11th August 1944, during the Battle of Normandy, Ireland died on service in France. He was 44 years old and had served 12 years in the British Army. Posthumously, Ireland received the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, and the 1939-1945 War Medal.
Thomas Ireland’s grave is in Section 12, Row C, Grave 12 of Bayeux War Cemetery, Normandy, France. His name is on the Mariner’s Church War Memorial, Belfast.