Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Nadin an ironworks fitter, born 1851 in Ockbrook, Derbyshire, and his wife Mary Nadin (nee Wagstaff married on the 8th October 1872 in All Saint’s, Ockbrook, Derbyshire), born 1853 in Staveley, Derbyshire. Tom Wagstaff Nadin was born in the 4th quarter of 1887 in Asfordby, Leicestershire and was baptised on the 6th November 1887 in Melton Mowbray Parish Church, his siblings were Ethel, born 1885 in Holwell, Leicestershire and was baptised on the 6th November 1887 in Melton Mowbray Parish Church and Nellie Wagstaff Nadin, born 1893 in Asfordby, in March 1901 the family home was at Asfordby Hill, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Tom was employed as an engine fitter and was residing in the family home at Asfordby Hill, together with his father, now a foreman fitter and his sister Nellie. Tom first entered the theatre of war in France on the 27th February 1915. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 26 May-15 - TRENCHES. At 7.00pm Enemy shelling, high explosive and shrapnel. No result. An account written by Captain John David Hills, M.C., Croix de Guerre records. “We stayed in these trenches for a month, taking alternate tours of four days each with the 4th Lincolnshire Regiment (Colonel Jessop). We lost about two killed and ten wounded each tour, mostly from snipers and stray bullets, for we did not come into actual conflict with the enemy at all. Amongst the wounded was Company Sergeant Major J. Kernick, of “B” Company, whose place was taken by H. G. Lovett. This Company also lost Sergeant Nadin, who was killed a few weeks later.”
On Friday June 4th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – ASFORDBY TERRITORIAL KILLED. – We much regret to announce the death of Sergt. Tom Wagstaff (Wag) Nadin of the 5th Battalion Leicestershire Territorials. The deceased was killed in action in France on May 26th, the sad news being conveyed to his parents in letters from his chum, Sergt. B. Smith, and also from Sergt. Major Small, in addition to which the Church of England Chaplain, who performed the last rites over his body, also wrote. Probably no more popular N.C.O. has gone to the front than the deceased, who was a native of Asfordby, having been born at Asfordby Hill and lived there with his parents all his life. His father, Mr. Tom Nadin, is the oldest living employee of the Holwell Iron Co., and the family is held in the highest respect by all in the district. The deceased was, previous to mobilisation, employed by the Holwell Iron Co. as a fitter, and his kindly, genial nature, and hearty laugh, endeared him to all who came in contact with him. The deceased was a fine example of the robust young Englishmen, who are giving their lives for their King and Country. A good all round athlete, he was well known on all the local football and cricket fields, and for some years was Captain of the Melton Swimming Club. He won Capt. Forester’s Cup for swimming three years in succession, afterwards presenting it to the club. By his death the children of Asfordby Hill have lost a kind friend and hero. Years ago he joined the Boys’ Brigade, and was promoted to lieutenancy, and later was a Scout Master in the local troop of Boy Scouts. He joined the Territorial’s five years ago, and rapidly won promotion to the rank of Platoon Sergt. The following letters have been received:- May 27th 1915. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nadin, - It is with feelings of sorrow that I have to write on behalf of the N.C.O.’s and men of the Melton Company to express our deep sympathy to you in the loss of your son “Wag,” who was killed in action on the 26th ult., and as his chum since mobilisation, I feel that I must say a few words. I was not with him at the time, but I was told that death was instantaneous, and that he died like a soldier, unfortunately caught by a German sniper. I can hardly put it into words, as I am fairly knocked over about it, but I can tell you what is a very great loss to you and yours is also a very great loss to our company. He was respected by officers, N.C.O.’s and men alike as a plucky and fearless Section Commander, and if he had lived to see the finishing up of war, would undoubtedly have made a name. I will now close with best respects, yours sincerely, SERGT. B. SMITH. 26th May 1915. Dear Mrs. Nadin, - I regret very much to have to write and tell you that your beloved son was killed in action this morning, and to convey the deep sympathy of his comrades in your great trouble. Sergt. Nadin has been all along a fearless and cheerful soldier. Your loss is a dear son, ours and his country’s, a brave, capable man. It may be some consolation to you to know that his death was instantaneous, and he was thereby saved the slow and painful death so many brave fellows have suffered during this awful war. He is being buried tonight in a little cemetery that has been made against a rather pretty house about two miles from the trenches. Please convey to Miss Peel my deep sympathy. Yours very sincerely, R. E. Small, Sergt. Major, 5th Leicester Regiment.
And in the same issue published under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATH. –NADIN.- Platoon Sergt. Tom Wagstaff Nadin, 5th Batt. Leicestershire Regt. Killed in action in France, May 26th 1915. Aged 26 years. “He hath done what he could.” And under the heading - THANKS. – Mr. and Mrs. and family wish to express their deepest thanks to all who have sent them messages of sympathy in the loss of their dear son.
On Friday June 11th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – ASFORDBY. – THE LATE SERGT. NADIN. – A large congregation assembled in All Saints’ Church on Sunday afternoon, when a memorial service to the late Sergt. Nadin was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. F. A. Gage Hall. Speaking from the text “He that overcometh,” etc., taken from the 21st chapter of Revelations, the rector said it could truly be said of Sergt. Nadin that he had indeed overcome “self” in order to serve his King and Country, and by his noble death he had assured to himself the ultimate victory of those who overcame. He was sure their late friend was now enjoying his reward. Sergt. Nadin was a member of their choir, and a regular and devout communicant. The last time he saw him was at the “Lord’s Table.” Special reference was also made to the three victims of the Lusitania outrage referred to in our last issue. At the close of the service the “Dead March” in Saul was played by the organist, Mr. F. Houghton.
On Friday June 25th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “THE ROLL OF HONOUR.” The following casualties in the 4th and 5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment are reported from General Headquarters and the Base:- OFFICER WOUNDED.
4th Battalion. Dyer-Bennet, Capt. and Adjutant R.S.
KILLED. 4th Battalion. Baker, 2533, Lance-Corpl. T. G. 5th Battalion. Beadman, 2566, Private C.T. Clarke, 1956. Private D. Keeling, 3038, Private T.G.
WOUNDED. 4th Battalion. Jones, 2593, Lance-Corporal G.J. Shipman, 1280, Lance-Corporal W. Walker, 2346, Private H. 5th Battalion. Dakin, 2173, Private E. Lord, 1474, Private S.D. Minckley, 1776, Lance-Corporal G.
LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT.
5th Battalion (T.F.). KILLED. Nadin, Sergt. T.W.
On Friday May 26th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. NADIN – In loving memory of Sergt. T. W. Nadin, 5th Leicestershire Regiment, killed in France May 26th, 1915. He sleeps not in his native land. But neath some foreign skies. And from those who loved him best. In a hero’s grave he lies. From Mother, Father, Sisters, Brother. NADIN – In loving memory of Dear “Wag” killed in France, May 26th, 1915. Worthy of true respect was he. From those he left behind. A better brother there could not be. Nor more true and kind. From his loving sister Nellie. NADIN – In loving memory of our dear brother Sergt. T. W. Nadin (Wag), who was killed in action in France, May 26th, 1915. “Loved in life, remembered in death.” From Albert and Nellie, (Brother and Sister-in-law.) NADIN – In loving memory of Tom Wagstaff Nadin (Wag) Sergt. 5th Leicesters Regt., killed in action May 26th, 1915. Yet still for him high service waits. Though earth’s last fight is fought. God did not give that martial soul. To end at last in nought. That steadfast soldier heart was not. For his brief life alone. Tis as a soldier he will stand. Before the Great White Throne. God judges by a light, which baffles mortal light. And the fallen soldier lad, the crown hath won. In his vast world above, and world of broader love. God hath some grand employment for His son. Mother, father, sisters and brothers at home and abroad, and his sorrowing fiancée Florrie.
On Friday May 25th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM.- NADIN. – In loving memory of our dear brother, Sergt. T. W. Nadin (Wag), who was killed in action May 26th 1915. In the bloom of life death claimed him. None knew him but to love him. None mentioned his name but in praise. From Albert and Nellie (brother and sister in law). NADIN. – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. T. W. Nadin, 5th Leicester’s. Killed in action 26th May 1915. He is gone but not forgotten. And as dawns another year. In our lonely hours of thinking. Thoughts of him are always near. Yet again we hope to meet him. When our days on earth are fled. And in heaven we hope to greet him. Where no farewell tears are shed. From Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers at home and abroad, and his ever faithful Flossie. NADIN. – In loving memory of our dear brother, Sergt. T. W. Nadin (Wag), who was killed in action in France, May 26th 1915. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. From Annie M., Arthur and family.
On Friday May 24th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – NADIN. – In ever loving memory of our dear brother. Sergt. T. W. Nadin (Wag) who was killed in France May 26th, 1915.
Until the day dawns and the shadows flee away.
From Albert and Nellie. Brother and Sister-in-law.
NADIN. – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. T. W. Nadin, 5th Leicester’s. Killed in action 26th May, 1915.
He is gone but not forgotten.
And as dawns another year.
In our lonely hours of thinking.
Thoughts of him are always near.
Yet again we hope to meet him.
When our days on earth are fled.
And in heaven we hope to greet him.
Where no farewell tears are shed.
From Father, Sisters and Brother in France.
On Friday June 21st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – NADIN.- In loving memory of Mary Nadin, of Asfordby Hill, who died on June 19th, 1917. From her still sorrowing husband, daughters at home and abroad, and son in France.
NADIN. – In loving memory of our dear mother, Mary Nadin, who died June 19th, 1917.
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away.
Also in loving memory of our dear brother Tom Wagstaff Nadin, who was killed in action in France, May 26th, 1915.
Ever remembered.
From Hannah, Minnie, Ethel and families.
NADIN. – In ever loving memory of our dear mother, who entered into rest June 19th, 1917, also our dear brother (Wag) who was killed in action May 26th, 1915.
Someday, some time, our eyes shall see.
The faces kept in memory.
From Annie, Mary and Arthur and Grandchildren, Eva, Arthur, Annie, and David.