No.9526, Acting Corporal, Thomas JASPER
Aged 19
| Identification inconclusive There is a possibilty that he was actually Jesse THOMAS, son of John Alfred and Lena THOMAS of 13 Rosemount Terrace, Hotwells, Bristol who appears to have served under an alias of JASPER. No pension card has been found for Thomas JASPER, but there is one for Jesse THOMAS who was born in Bristol (qtr 4-1895 6a:22). In the 1901 census, aged 5, he was at 1 Reeces Court, Clifton, Bristol with his father John A THOMAS 45] a deal runner; his mother Lena [39]; brother Alfred 18 a deal runner; sister Lena [14; brothers Harry [9] Bert [7] Jim [3] and Percy [18 months]. All were Bristol born.
In the 1911 census, aged 15, a milk/errand boy, he was at North Green Street, Bristol with his parents father now a coal porter; mother recorded as born Glastonbury; brothers Harry ship platers helper; Herbert coal porter; James, Percy and Jack all scholars.
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In 1801 the Gloucestershire Regiment (the 28th Regiment of Foot) faced the French at the Battle of Alexandria, where on 21st March 1801 they occupied an area
of sand dunes facing the coast, in advance of a key British defence position. The French attacked and the 28th Foot took the full brunt. They were surrounded
but fought with great skill front and rear and defeated the French. Their gallant actions won them the honour of wearing the Egyptian Sphinx on their cap
badge and wearing a badge front and rear.
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