Thomas Ash Napper

Thomas Ash was baptised 20, Oct 1874 in Seavington St. Mary.

He started school in 1879

The 1880 Education Act made education compulsory until the age of ten. Thomas would have completed his education in 1884.

Thomas went to work for Joseph H Anstice a baker who lived and worked in Silver Street, South Petherton. It was here that Tom learnt his baking skills. (Even my mother could remember the pies he used to make for the family). Although in 1891 he was only a lowly work boy. In later years Tom could put  "Baker" on his CV.

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Within the next 5 years Thomas had enlisted and had been discharged from the Army

His army number suggests that he enlisted in August 1895. Discharge means that it wasn't his choice to leave. The usual cause of discharge was, "Not being likely to become an efficient soldier". This was not a reflection on his character or conduct - both were "good". 

2 April 1896, Thomas found himself in London. At this time, My great uncle, Joseph Russell, was living at 9 Meadow Place and working for Thorns Brewery. After leaving the army my grandfather went to work at Thorns as a delivery driver (Carman)

We can assume that it was through Joe Russell, that my grandfather met Joe's sister, Sarah Russell.

Tom and Sarah were married at St. Steven's Church, Vauxhall, 2 April 1899.

They began their married life at 6 Meadow place. (Now the site of the school playground), but by 1901 they had moved to 24 Dawlish Street, the home of Benjamin Barlow. Tom and Sarah had the two and half unfurnished rooms upstairs, whilst Ben & Martha Barlow and their 4 children occupied the 2 rooms down stairs. No bathroom or kitchen, and shared outside toilet in back yard, (Which of course meant going through the Barlow's rooms.) Dawlish Street was a classified as "poor" with an average income of between 18s - 21s per week. In 2018 terms an income of between £101.95 and £141.59 per week. Well below the minimum wage of £7.50 an hour.

Tom & Sarah's first child, Thomas Albert, was born 29 June 1903. Tom was still working as a Carman, and they were still living in the two rooms up stairs at the Barlow's.

Their second child, Queenie Ada was born 21 September 1905. Tom still worked as a Carman, but they were are now living in their own house at 22 Dawlish Street. Four rooms all to themselves!

On 11 February 1907 their third child was born: Charles William.  Tom's occupation is now given as "Coalman". 

20 November 1908 their fourth child was born: Harold George. Tom's occupation is given as "Carman" This could mean that he he driving a horse and cart delivering coal.

Percy (Nobby) was born 21 December 1911. Tom is employed as a Carman on the Railway.

Tom & Sarah, together with 5 children are still living in the 4 roomed terrace house 22 Dawlish Street.

Reginald was born 7 December 1914. Thomas' job description is now that of a "Labourer",

Despite his initial discharge from the army in 1896, 20 years later in January 1916, and in the midst of the First World War, Thomas joined the Royal Field Artillery. He served until 1920.

Thomas' wartime career didn't seem to stand in the way of a growing family.

Violet was born 16 December 1916, Dora 23 December 1918 and Edward 19 September 1920.

After the war, Thomas once again worked for Thorn Brewery in Nine Elms. There then followed a succession of different jobs. In 1921 he was a Farrier in a Smithy Shop tending to the needs of horses.

It is probably then that he was kicked by a  horse. In later life the injury to the shin was to bring about an ulcerated leg, which meant frequent trips to Brook Street Infirmary. Tom never again worked with horses after this. Tom went on to become a "engineer" at Fields the Candle Makers in Westminster Bridge Road.

My Father, Horace, was born 10 August 1922. At this time Tom was working as a Gas Labourer for the Metropolitan Gas Company. Over the years he rose to become a "Retort Worker" there.

In 1924 my Aunt Vera was born bring the number of people living in the 4 1/2 roomed house to 12

Thomas continued working with Metropolitan Gas as an Engineer until his retirement when he received as pension of 7shillings and 5pence a week. 

In 1929 Harold got married and left home followed by Tom Jnr in 1930, Charlie 1931, and Nobby & Vi in 1938.

My Grandmother and my uncle Eddy C 1930

On the 6 May 1935 the whole family joined neighbours for a street party to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King George Fifth.

A rare holiday for my grandparents - A day trip to Black Rock, Brighton.

On the eve of the second world war, on 30 March 1939, my grandmother Sarah passed away.

By 30 March 1939 Tom was still living in Dawlish Street and working as a gas engineer at the Metropolitan Gas Co. However, with the outbreak of the Second World War, everything changed. By 29th September that year, Tom had retired and was living at 6 Stockdale Road with his children: Eddy, Reg & Vera.  Also living with him was his brother-in-law, Billy Russel's son, William Russell. (The following year, young William was to marry Dora Napper)

On Sunday 10th September 1940, at about 7pm the Luftwaffe began a raid on Battersea.  At about 11:40 a land mine was dropped by parachute. There was a terrific explosion. After it was over, air raid wardens appeared, shouting through megaphones to stay put and keep quiet. It was pitch black. Gas pipes had been fractured. The water mains destroyed. Ambulances tried to get through the rubble. Eventually people emerged from their shelters. They were greeted by a scene total devastation and the sight of Winston Churchill. Whole streets had been flattened to the ground. The Prime minister together with the Home Secretary, Herbert Morrison. had come to offer their support, as did the Salvation Army who arrived with Vans supplying tea and sandwiches.

My Grandfather moved to 56 Luscombe street. He stayed here throughout the war years, joined by various family members.

1944 - Horace, Thomas Napper, Melville Truman, Harold Biggs

1948. Thomas Napper. Melville Truman, Horace & Margaret Napper, Eliza Walters

1949 - Thomas Napper & Doreen Truman

Post-war reconstruction meant that Luscombe, Dawlish and surrounding streets were demolished and replaced by modern flats. In the early 1950's Thomas and his son, Edward moved into 12 Basil House. Wilcox Road.

1952 - Thomas Ash Walking along Wilcox Road toward Basil House.

By 1952 Thomas' son, Eddy had moved out to be replaced by his son Horace, (Margate and young son, Colin)


Thomas passed away at home, 6th April 1953 and was buried at Lambeth Cemetery

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