Royal Army Medical Corp
Born: 25th March 1912
Story
Thomas was the son of John William Mackenzie (1874-1952) and Martha Cheesbrough (1876-1969) who married in Kippax on 15th April 1897. Thomas’ father served in the First World War and had a long and distinguished medical career, and was still in active service during World War Two, and Thomas plus his two older brothers, followed their father into medical work, whilst also working as a joiner.
Thomas married Katie Woodmansey (1906-1981) in Kippax on 2nd April 1934, and Thomas moved from his family’s home of 2 Robinswell Terrace to Mount Pleasant. They had a son in 1934, whom they named John William Mackenzie in tribute to Thomas’ father. During the War, Thomas was part of the Medical crew serving in Malaysia. Many medical personnel were taken prisoner during the war, as they often remained with the wounded. In the Far East, many British and Australian medical personnel were amongst those taken prisoner at the Fall of Singapore in 1941, whilst the Malayan Campaign lasted from 8th December 1941 to the 31st January 1942, when Allied forces were driven out of Malaysia by the Japanese.
After the War, Thomas and Martha moved to 19 Maltkin Lane. He passed away in 1991.
Below: A surrendering British soldier holds his arms up as he is searched by Japanese troops, January 1942:
Charles E Mathieson & Anna M Barclay >>
Kippax Roll of Honour 