1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
21/03/1895
Died:
11/05/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age:
22
Summary
Thomas McClelland was the son of James and Elizabeth McClelland (nee Leslie). He was born on 21st March 1895 in Middletown, near Caledon. He was one of nine children. Private Thomas McClelland arrived in France with Royal Irish Fusiliers on 21st June 1915. Private Thomas McClelland was serving with 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on 11th May 1917.
Roeux is a village 13 kilometres east of Arras. Roeux was built over a system of caves which helped to make its capture in 1917 exceptionally difficult. It was attacked by the 9th (Scottish) Division without success on 12 April. The chemical works close to the railway station were taken by the 51st (Highland) Division on 22 April, and after incessant fighting the village was cleared by the same Division on 14 May. The chemical works were lost on 16 May, and it was finally taken by the 51st Division on the following 26 August. Roeux British Cemetery was made by fighting units between April and November 1917.
