| Notes: | RMP. 175 Pro Coy. Died Cause of death coronary, UK. on the 5 May 1974 Cpl Lea as part of an arrest and finds team was blinded and lost his left hand in a booby trap explosion in Belfast. He died suddenly on the 21 Jan 1975. His name is in the 39 Inf Bde Roll of Honour. Born 12/6/1942. Inscription on a private gravestone: In love we remember Thomas Frederick Lea (Fred) dearly beloved husband of Muriel and devoted Daddy of Tony & Jenny. Died 21 January 1975.
Thomas Frederick Lea.
Extract from the Liverpool Echo, 31/1/1975.
ULSTER VICTIM BURIED AT BOOTLE. The reality of the Irish troubles was brought home to Bootle residents yesterday when a local man, injured by a Belfast bomb, was buried in his home town.
A silent crowd of about 200 people watched the funeral procession of Corporal Thomas Frederick Lea, age 32, as it arrived at St Leonard's Church in Peel Road.
A detachment of about 40 military police acted as escort and bearers for the flag-draped coffin.
Corporal Lea was serving with the Royal Military Police when he was blinded and lost his left hand in a booby trap explosion about eight months ago.
He died on January 21, at St Dunstan's Centre for the blind, in Brighton.
Among the large number of mourners was the Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Vera Bray. Following the funeral service internment too place in Bootle cemetery.
Corporal Lea leaves a widow and two children.
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UNITED KINGDOM
