THOMAS WOODGATE

The Thomas Woodgate Memorial in Kilkenny, Ireland, stands as a poignant tribute to a young life lost in the throes of World War I. This memorial commemorates Thomas Woodgate, a 14-year-old boy from Callan, County Kilkenny, who tragically perished aboard the RMS Leinster when it was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1918. This article delves into the background story of the memorial, exploring the life of Thomas Woodgate, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the inspiration behind the memorial's design and construction.

Thomas Woodgate: A Life Cut Short

Thomas Woodgate was born on December 31, 1903, in Mill Street, Callan, County Kilkenny, to Edward and Hanora Woodgate. Driven by a sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his country, Thomas, at the tender age of 14, deceived recruiting officers about his age and enlisted in the Royal Air Force in September 1918. He embarked on a journey from his home in Callan to join his training squadron in Egypt. On October 10, 1918, he boarded the RMS Leinster, a passenger steamship, from Dún Laoghaire, then known as Kingstown, bound for Holyhead in Wales. Tragically, shortly after leaving the harbour, the Leinster was attacked and sunk by the German submarine UB-123. This devastating event resulted in the loss of 569 men, women, and children, including young Thomas. The sinking of the RMS Leinster remains the greatest ever loss of life in the Irish Sea and the highest ever death toll on an Irish-owned ship.  

Initially, Thomas's tombstone in Grangegorman Military Cemetery in Dublin recorded his age as 18. However, a century later, during research for a public memorial dedicated to the 829 individuals from County Kilkenny who lost their lives in World War I, the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee uncovered his true age. Parish records in Callan confirmed that he was born and baptized on New Year's Eve 1903, making him officially the youngest Irishman of the Allied Forces to be killed by enemy fire during the war. This discovery underscores the importance of historical research and the dedication of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee in ensuring the accurate remembrance of those who served.

Thomas's story is a poignant reminder of the many young individuals who were drawn into the conflict. Over 200,000 men from Ireland fought in World War I, with approximately 30,000 dying while serving in Irish regiments of the British Forces and almost 49,400 dying in total. It is also important to acknowledge the contribution of Irish women to the war effort, with around 4,500 serving as nurses in the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD), the Red Cross, and other organisations.  


Date of Birth December 31, 1903
Date of Death October 10, 1918
Age 14 years, 9 months, 10 days
Place of Birth Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland
Regiment 23rd Training Squadron, Royal Air Force

The Memorial: A Testament to Sacrifice

The Thomas Woodgate Memorial, situated off Parliament St, Kilkenny, directly beside Kilkenny Courthouse, was unveiled on Sunday, October 11, 2020, by Minister Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, and Cllr. Andrew McGuinness, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council. The memorial was spearheaded by the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee, a group founded in 2011 and dedicated to honouring the memory of those from Kilkenny who died in World War I. The committee partnered with Kilkenny County Council and received support from Martin Stapleton Engineering in the construction of the memorial. Funding for the project came from both public and private donations.  

The Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee members are:

Donal Croghan
John Joe Cullen
Anne Marie Gleeson
Ken Kinsella
Michael McLoughlin
Berni Egan
James Cartwright
Jim Corcoran
Michael Gabbett

The memorial features two life-size statues on an iron plinth and an information board. One of the statues depicts a young boy leaving Ireland, symbolising Thomas's departure from his home to join the war effort. The other statue represents a soldier, paying homage to Thomas's military service and sacrifice. The memorial also includes a map of Ireland made of Corten steel. To honour Thomas, the Air Corps staged a fly-past over Kilkenny city during the memorial unveiling.  

The memorial commemorates not only Thomas Woodgate but also all young people who left Ireland to fight in conflicts around the world. It also serves as a poignant reminder of those who lost their lives in the sinking of the RMS Leinster. Almost one-third of the Kilkenny citizens who died in World War I have no known grave, highlighting the immense loss and the challenges in identifying all casualties.  

The memorial stands as a significant tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of Irish soldiers in World War I. Irish involvement in the war carries a complex history, and perspectives on commemoration have evolved over time. This memorial plays a crucial role in recognizing the sacrifices made by these individuals and fostering a deeper understanding of their experiences.  

In addition to the Thomas Woodgate Memorial, the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee also unveiled another memorial in 2018 at Kilkenny Railway Station. This memorial includes the names of both those who died and the veterans of World War I, as well as those known from Kilkenny who died in World War II serving with the Allied Forces. This demonstrates the committee's ongoing commitment to remembering and honouring those who served their country.  

Design and Material: Corten Steel

The memorial is crafted from Corten steel, also known as weathering steel. Corten steel was chosen for its distinctive aesthetic qualities and durability. This material develops a protective layer of rust over time, giving it a rich, reddish-brown hue that blends well with the surrounding environment. The rust layer also acts as a barrier against further corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the memorial. The rusting process, while signifying the passage of time and the enduring impact of war, also represents resilience and the lasting memory of those who served .

CDS Architectural Metalwork was involved in the design and construction of the memorial. The design process involved creating drawings and layouts that captured the essence of Thomas's story, drawing inspiration from the idea of a boy leaving Ireland and becoming a soldier. The final design was presented to and approved by the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee. The metalwork was fabricated in a workshop in Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny, with apprentices playing a significant role in its creation. Each of the 284 individual plates used in the sculpture was meticulously cut, polished, and welded into place. Each plate was digitally measured and placed to ensure the quality of the image. Once complete, the sculpture was then taken to a finishing shop for aging to achieve the desired weathering effect.  

The memorial also includes three torpedoes at the base, representing the torpedoes that struck the RMS Leinster. It is worth noting that the UB-123 submarine, which sank the RMS Leinster, was later lost in a minefield in the North Sea with all 36 crew members.  

Remembering Thomas Woodgate

The Thomas Woodgate Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by young people in times of conflict. It honours not only Thomas Woodgate but also all the youth of Ireland who have left their homes to participate in wars around the world. The memorial stands as a symbol of remembrance, a testament to the enduring impact of war on individuals, families, and communities.  

Conclusion

The Thomas Woodgate Memorial in Kilkenny is a poignant and powerful tribute to a young life tragically lost in World War I. The memorial, crafted from Corten steel, captures the essence of Thomas's journey from boyhood to soldier and serves as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by young people in times of conflict. Thomas's story, initially obscured by an incorrect age on his tombstone, was brought to light through the dedicated research of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee. The memorial stands as a symbol of remembrance, not only for Thomas but for all Irish men and women who served in World War I, a conflict often overshadowed in Irish history. The memorial's presence in Kilkenny ensures that their contributions and sacrifices are not forgotten.