WW1 Casualty Medals Pair to Lieutenant Lockhart, 1st Battalion,
Memorial Cross, Victory Medal: Lieut. T.D. Lockhart - 1st Bn. CEF.
KIA 23/4/1915
Thomas Downie Lockhart was born on 25 January 1879 in Neilston, Scotland, the son of Archibald and Margaret Lockhart. After emigrating to Canada, he worked as a contractor and plumber with his brother and became a well-known member of the Galt community, active in the 29th Regiment, curling, bowling, and the Masonic Order. One of the first men from Galt to volunteer in August 1914, Lockhart led the Galt contingent of the 1st Battalion. Killed in Action on 23 April 1915 during the assault by the 1st and 4th Canadian Infantry Battalions on Mauser Ridge, during the Second Battle of Ypres. Leading his platoon forward across exposed ground, Lockhart was struck by a bullet shortly before reaching an old trench and died only minutes later. “He was leading his platoon in a charge over a long stretch of open country which afforded no cover and just before reaching an old trench about 600 yards from the enemy he was struck by a bullet and was carried into the trench where he lived only a few minutes.” His body was never recovered.
Lieutenant Thomas Downie Lockhart has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
