THOMAS Neighbour was one of the first Commonwealth soldiers to be killed in the First World War.

It is said that the first to die was John Parr, a 17-year-old milkman’s boy from North London, serving with the Middlesex Regiment. He was reported missing on August 21, 1914.

Thomas, a member of the 1st Life Guards, Household Cavalry, who lived at Kidlington, was killed the following day. He was 27.

Details of his military career have been uncovered by retired fire officer John Lowe, who has been researching the lives of fallen heroes from the village.

Thomas came from a military background – his father, also Thomas, had risen to the rank of Colour Sergeant with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.

The younger Thomas, a shop assistant after leaving school, had enlisted with the Life Guards in 1905, at the age of 18. He was promoted to Corporal in 1910 and extended his service in 1913.

Mr Lowe writes: “Thomas was killed the day before the battle of Mons, the first battle with the Germans. His troop of Life Guards was despatched to assist a squadron of the 19/Hussars, who were patrolling five miles north of the Conde canal and were heavily engaged with Germany cavalry.

“The Hussars eventually retired to Le Petit Crepin and re-crossed the canal with the assistance of the Life Guards.

“It was during this mobile and confusing action that Thomas was killed, although it is unlikely that he was seen to fall by his comrades as he was reported missing in action.

“It was not until July 1916 that he was confirmed as having been killed in action. This must have been a traumatic period for his family.”

Thomas had married his wife, Thomasina, from Camden Town, London, in 1911 and they had two daughters, Helen and Thomasina.

His father and mother, Mary Ann, ran the Six Bells pub in Mill Street, Kidlington.

The family spent nearly two years wondering what had happened to their son, husband and father.

After confirmation of his death, the following notice and verse appeared in our sister paper, The Oxford Times: NEIGHBOUR: In loving memory of my dearest daddy, Cpl T G Neighbour, 1st Life Guards, Son of Colour Sergeant T Neighbour (Six Bells, Kidlington), who died in France 22/8/14. From his wife and children Helen and Thomasina.

A loving father and husband killed, A beautiful memory left behind, Tis sad, but tis true we cannot tell why, The best are the first that are called on to die Thomas is commemorated at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial, east of Paris, among 3,740 officers and men of the British Expeditionary Force who fell at the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne from the end of August to early October 1914 and have no known graves.

His name also appears on a plaque at St Mary’s Church, Kidlington, and on the village war memorial.

Mr Lowe is keen to discover more about Corporal Neighbour and other village war heroes. Call him on 01865 372167 or email johnclowe@hotmail.com if you have pictures or information.