| Notes: | MMP. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 24/7/1915 to 6/4/16 and 22/6/16 to 4/7/17. He was born in Gibraltar, enlisted in Brighton and resided in Handcross.
5/12/1890 He enlisted in the Essex Regiment, No. 3120, age 18.6 years, born Gibraltar, occupation gardener. 1/5/1897 transferred to the 18 Hussars, No. 4614, 1/1/1903 transferred to MMP No. 522, 4/12/1911 he was discharged at Shorncliffe having served 21 years. Served Home 5/12/1890 to 19/2/1893, India 20/2/1893 to 14/10/1898, South Africa 15/10/1898 to 6/6/1902, Home 7/6/1902 to 11/12/1903, Egypt 12/12/1903 to 11/3/1907, Home 12/3/1907 to 14/12/1914 time expired. Obviously re enlisted in WWI. Awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Army Order 101 of 1909. 5/5/1911 he married Emily Hurst at Headley, Southampton.
Info from Army Register of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929. Died in an accident in Egypt 21/3/18. 21/3/1918 RP Recharge £20-00-04d, 7/9/1918 widow Emily received £11-06-11 and 22/11/1919 she received £19-10-00 war gratuity.
Info from Pension Index Cards: Thorndyke, William Joseph, No. 522, MMP, A/Sgt. 21/3/1918 died internal haemorrhage due to injuries. Widow Emily, born 22/2/1877, South Down Villa, Handcross, Sussex. They had two children Edward Thorndyke born 27/5/1912 and Elsie Thorndyke born 5/9/1915. 8/4/1918 widow received £5 grant, 23/9/1918 she received 27/11d per week pension.
His name is spelt Thorndike in CWGC roll and Thorndyke on medal card and Soldiers Died.
5/12/1890 he enlisted in the Essex Regiment later transferred to 18 Hussars, born Gibraltar, occupation Gardener, transferred to MMP. Served India 5.8 years, South Africa 3.8 years, Egypt 3.3 years. Awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal. 7/12/1911 discharged time expired, conduct exemplary, address 4 Ford Road, Folkstone.
He is listed in the GPO Memorial Book, Crawley Area.
William Joseph Thorndyke.
He has the same No. as Sgt E J Badham, MFP.
Extract from the Aldershot News, 4 June 1909.
MILITARY POLICE - RECORD OF MEDAL PRESENTATION.
We had pleasure in our last issue in reporting a record parade for the presentation of medals for long service and good conduct, this taking place in the Army Service Corps, when fourteen members of that Corps were so decorated. Now we have pleasure in placing on record an even more remarkable record, which the members of the Military Police have achieved for no fewer than 20 non-commissioned officers of that corps at one time. The record is the more remarkable from the fact that the whole strength of the Corps is no more than 500, of whom a good proportion are already in possession of the same devotion. The following are the names of those who have been the latest recipients of the medal :- Sergeant J Cook, 367, Sergeant. C H Dale, 377, Sergeant A Burrill, 407, Sergeant E Baldwin, 414, Sergeant F West, 419, Corporal J Savage, 368, Lance Corporal H W Freeman, 501, Lance Corporal W Thorndyke, 522, Lance Corporal J H Salter, 633, Lance Corporal J Finch, 629, Military Mounted Police; Sergeant W Barrett,494, Sergeant W Howard, 501, Sergeant W Vernon, 502, Sergeant W Weaver, 503, Sergeant J Alder, 529 and Sergeant E A Siddle, 597, Corporal A E Alliston, 596, Lance Corporal H E Richardson, 861, Lance Corporal R L Handley, 675, Lancer Corporal A H Downton, 990, Military Foot Police.
Of these, six are doing duty in Aldershot and they were presented with their medals by Major J W M Wood, MVO, the Provost Marshal.
Extract from the Wells Journal 12 May 1910.
SOLDIER AND SWEETHEART: CLAIM FOR THE RETURN OF PRESENTS.
Corporal William Thorndike (Thorndyke), of the Military Mounted Police, stationed as Shorncliffe, sued Miss Nellie Thompson, in the service of the Daily Supply Company, South Farnborough, at Farnborough County Court, for the return of money and article handed to her by the plaintiff at a time when they were engaged.
The plaintiff wore a number of medals. His counsel said the young woman was ambitious; she preferred a soldier of higher rank than the plaintiff and transferred her affections to a sergeant. During their courtship the plaintiff made her presents to the value of over £20 and also deposited with her, towards the furnishings of their prospective home, a number of articles and £10 in money. it was for the latter that the claim was brought., The articles included things he had collec6ted during his service in India, Egypt and South Africa.
His Honour Judge Harington, after hearing both sides, gave judgement for £6.
Extract from the Mid Sussex Times 24 August 1915. Roll of Honour - Slaugham. W. Thorndike ?, late 18th hussars.
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EGYPT
