| Thomas James Megaw was the only son of Robert and Mary Megaw. He had one sister. They lived at Hillview, Moneymore.
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| Thomas was the husband of Florence Elizabeth Megaw. They had two children. They lived at Crossnarea, Moneymore.
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| Thomas had been training for the Police Service when he was persuaded to join the Irish Guards around 1937-38. He joined the Irish Guards with the intention of staying on for three years but his plans were interrupted by the outbreak of World War Two.
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| Guardsman Thomas Megaw’s battalion embarked for Norway 10th April 1941, taking part in the Battle of Norvik in Norway. In the subsequent evacuation the transport in which he was embarked was torpedoed, but he survived.
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| 1943
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| As part of the 1st Army, the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards embarked for North Africa on 10th March 1943.
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| Guardsman Thomas Megaw was killed in action in Tunisia on 27th April 1943, just prior to the Axis forces being defeated in Africa in May 1943.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th May 1943:
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| That a price must be paid, and that too by our kith and kin, was brought home to the community in Moneymore when the sad news came on Saturday night that Guardsman Jim Megaw had been killed in action. Guardsman Megaw joined the Irish Guards some six years ago, so that, right from the outbreak of war, he was in action with this famous regiment. In May 1940 he was in the famous expedition to Narvik, where the Guards put up a heroic stand against overwhelming odds. In the subsequent evacuation the transport in which he was embarked was torpedoed, but fortunately with little loss of life.
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| Essentially of a modest disposition, unobtrusive in company, kindly in all his contacts, a devoted husband and loyal chum, it was indeed a privilege to call him friend.
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| The only son of Mr Robert Megaw and the late Mrs Megaw of Hillview, Moneymore, the late Guardsman Megaw was a dutiful son and loving brother in his family. The heartfelt sympathy of the whole district has gone out spontaneously to his sorrowing father and sister, and especially to his young bereaved widow, prostrated with grief by this heart searing news, and to his two infant children, who cannot now experience the warmth of a father’s love.
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| At the morning service in First Moneymore Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Rev H C Conn, B.A., paid the following tribute to Guardsman Jim Megaw, after which the congregation stood for a minute’s silence:-
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| ‘Brethren, there are times in life when sorrow too deep for words come suddenly upon us. It came last night when the sad news reached us of the death of Jim Megaw. He was a young man known to us all and rightly respected. He was killed in trhe front line of the First Army, facing the foe. He leaves a stricken wife and two little children, a bereaved father and sorrowing sister. Our hearts go out to the in this dark hour of grief, for words fail to express to them the sympathy we feel for them.
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| It is another example of the extreme seriousness of the cause which called our brother with millions of others. It is indeed an example of the price which is being paid for our safety and comfort and peace at home. We salute the memory of one who was of our number, but now is no longer with us. We pay tribute to one who withheld nothing, but gave all. He was a hero who so died for us all and we thank God that Hw will reward him with His all. They do not die who gave so much, they live and that immortally. They shall surely be first in the army of the King of Kings, when He marches in to take the Kingdoms of the world. To his father and sister and relatives and friends we extend this day our sincere sympathy. To his stricken wife, with her little ones, we say, ‘God bless you and keep you and provide for you and your need in the future.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th May 1943: Roll of Honour
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| MEGAW – Killed in action, April 1943, Guardsman Thomas James Megaw, Irish Guards, much loved husband of Florrie Megaw, Crossnarea, Moneymore. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife and his two little children. ‘Greater love hath no man.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th May 1943: Roll of Honour
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| MEGAW – Killed in action, April 1943, Thomas James, only and beloved son of Robert and the late Mrs Megaw, Hillview, Moneymore. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing father and sister. ‘In the morning and at the going down of the sun, we shall remember him.’
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| 1944
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th April 1944:
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| MEGAW - In loving memory of my dear husband, Guardsman Thomas James Megaw, Irish Guards, killed in action on 27th April 1943 and interred in Medjez-el Bab War Cemetery in Tunisia. ‘Worthy of everlasting remembrance.’ Always remembered by his loving wife and children, Moneymore.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th April 1944:
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| MEGAW - In affectionate remembrance of my dear son, Guardsman Thomas James Megaw, Irish Guards, killed in action. ‘Always in our thoughts.’ Sadly missed by his father and sister. Crossnarea, Moneymore.
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| 1945
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 28th April 1945: Roll of Honour
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| MEGAW - In fond and loving memory of my dear husband, Guardsman Thomas James Megaw, Irish Guards, killed in action on 27th April 1943 and was interred in Medjez-el Bab War Cemetery in Tunisia. ‘Not just today but every day, in silence I remember.’ Ever remembered by his loving wife and children, Moneymore.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 28th April 1945:
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| MEGAW - Treasured memories of my dear son, Guardsman Thomas James Megaw, who was killed in action on 27th April 1943. ‘He gave his life. There is no greater glory.’ Always remembered by his father and sister. Crossnarea, Moneymore.
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| Guardsman Thomas Megaw is buried at Medjez-el Bab War Cemetery in Tunisia. His inscription reads: LOVE NEVER FAILETH.
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| The CWGC record Guardsman Thomas James Megaw as the son of Robert and Mary Megaw. He is also recorded as the husband of Florence Elizabeth Megaw of Moneymore, County Londonderry.
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