Friday 25th June 1915: Sergeant F. Thurley of 18 Ampthill Street, Bedford, together with his three soldier sons, was born at Bedford. He joined the Bedfordshire Rifles(1) 34 years ago, and has never left the Corps, which is now known as the 5th Bedfordshire Regiment (Territorial Force).
Two of his sons, Lance Corporal A. Thurley and Drummer C. Thurley also belong to the 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, while the third son is Regimental Sergeant Major F. W. Thurley, who has belonged to the 2nd Bedfordshires for 13 years; he is at present time with his regiment at the front and has been awarded the Military Medal. Sergeant Thurley has four brothers, all of whom have had military training, either in the Army of with the Territorial Force. One of them, Bandsman T. Thurley, was in the 5th Fusiliers and went through the Afghanistan campaign(2), being now a pensioner; he has two sons now serving in France. Sergeant Thurley’s grandfather was also a warrior, and lost a leg while in action. His other brother, Mr. A. Thurley of Saint Cuthbert’s Street, Bedford, served 33 years with the old Volunteers and was granted the rank of Honorary Sergeant Major in the Jubilee year(3).
Source: Bedfordshire Standard 25th June 1915
(1) A pre-Territorial Army militia unit
(2) 1878-1881.
(3) 1897
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