Edward Thomas (British Army soldier)
Ernest Edward Thomas | |
|---|---|
Ernest Edward Thomas, pictured in uniform | |
| Born | 16 December 1884 London, England |
| Died | February 1939 (aged 54) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1898–1923 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards |
| Battles / wars | First World War |
| Awards | Military Medal Mentioned in Despatches |
Ernest Edward Thomas, MM (16 December 1884 – February 1939) was a cavalryman in the British Army and drummer. While serving with the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards he fired the first British shot of the First World War in Europe, at 7:00 a.m. on 22 August 1914, in an engagement against German troops outside Mons.