Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Mr John Thornton and his wife Sarah of Leicester, and the husband of May Thornton. He is shown as living at 21, Highfield Street, Leicester in 1881 with his six siblings and three servants. In 1901 he was Manager, Gas Appliances in Plymouth, Devon. The War Diary entry for the 5th December 1916 records. BETHUNE. At 9.30am Captain S. P. THORNTON died of wounds received on the previous day. At 8.00am “A” Company continued work on communication trenches and trench mortar emplacements. At 10.00am “B” Company left MAZINGARBE (24th Division area) and marched to billets in ANNEZIN for work with 18th Infantry Brigade. At 7.30pm “C” Company continued repairing trenches in BOYAU 6 and DUNDEE WALK. At 8.00pm “D” Company continued work in GUNNERS SIDING and communication trenches in vicinity. At 11.29pm Captain W. A. RODGER and 2 men proceeded to ENGLAND on leave. 1 man to Filed Ambulance sick. At 4.00pm Major R. H. RADFORD, 3rd LEICESTERSHIRE REGT attached 9th SUFFOLK REGT reported for duty as 2nd in command.