Thomas Tunnadine was born in Hough abt 1869, son of William (a brickmaker) and Ann. By 1881 he was still living in Hough but his mother was now a widow and working as a charwoman. Thomas started work as a farm servant and also served in the Territorial Army, in 4th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment.
In 1887 (age 18) he volunteered at Grantham for general service in the cavalry and joined 7th Dragoon Guards (regimental number 3575). He was described as having blue eyes and light brown hair. In 1894 he extended his service with the colours to 12 years. On 13 Sep 1898 he married Lucy Katherine Dent at Christ Church, New Cotton, Norwich. The following year he extended his service to 21 years.
He served in South Africa during the Boer War, Feb 1900 to Jan 1902, before being invalided home. He embarked for home 3 Jan 02 and was granted sick furlough from 28 Jan – 27 Feb 1902.
A daughter, Louise Alberta Alexander, was born 25 Feb 1908 in Canterbury and baptised 19 Mar 1908 at Garrison church, Canterbury.
In 1908 he was permitted to extend beyond 21 years service and was discharged (still a private) in 1913, with an exemplary record. His forwarding address was 17 Bell Road, East Molesey, Surrey.
7th (Princess Royal’s) Dragoon Guards