Major Thomas Roche

Regiment: Wiltshire Regiment
Date published: 04/12/1914
Killed in action: Yes
Date of death: 19/11/1914
Age at death: 40
Cemetery: Artillery Wood Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Plot: XI. D. 19.
Information: Major Thomas Roche, Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion, killed in action on November 19th. He was the third son of the late Mr. Thomas Roche, J.P., of Annakissa House, Castletownroche, Co. Cork, and joined the Wiltshire Regiment from the Militia (9th Batt. K.R.R.) in 1895. His promotion to Captain's rank followed five years later, and he was gazetted Major in April, 1913. He served in the South African War from 1898 to 1901, took part in the operations in the Transvaal from November, 1900, to January, 1901. He was also present during the operations in Cape Colony, and was mentioned in despatches, obtaining the Queen's Medal with four clasps. He was Adjutant for four years, and held the post of Brigade-Major for the regulation period. Sir John French, telegraphing to Lord Kitchener, said, “The counter attack was gallantly lead by Major Roche, Wiltshire Regiment, and I regret to say he was killed.”