166th Siege Battery, R.G.A.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 28 September 1917.

Dagg was a native of Farnworth, Lancashire.

The Burnley Express of 13 October 1917 reported, BURNLEY TEACHER KILLED. A Military Medallist. It is only six weeks ago today since we announced that Sergeant T. A. Dagg, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, assistant master at St. Mary's R.C. Boys' School, Burnley had been awarded the Military Medal for extinguishing a fire at an ammunition dump in France. He had just then received the ribbon of the decoration from the colonel. Sergeant Dagg was very well known and respected, especially in the Roman Catholic circles, and the greatest regret will be felt when we state that he was killed in action a week ago, on October 1st.

The decorated young man was a native of Farnworth, and his parents have received the following letter from Major A. R. Carr, dated October 2nd, "Dear Mr. Dagg, It is with very deep regret that i must write and tell you of the death of your son. He was killed last night by the bursting of a shell only a few yards away. He was in charge of a gun at the time, and was actually firing. I, together with the officer under my command, sympathise with you on your loss. He has done the most excellent work since he came out with the battery, and we can ill afford to lose him. Under fire he always seemed to be fearless, and his example to the men was splendid. He was buried this afternoon with two others of his comrades in a cemetery two miles from the battery position and i have made a careful note of the spot".

Sergeant Dagg had been at the front for twelve months, and previous to joining the army had been at St. Mary's Schools about two years. He was about 25 years of age, and had very excellent prospects in his profession. His work with the R.G.a., had been most comprehensive, and he was most efficient. Sergeant Dagg had declined a commission on several ocassions. His death proves his own words written lately, that the R.G.A, don't have a 'cushy' job.

A Field Postcard, written the same day he was killed was received by a Burnley friend.

Killed in action 1 October 1917. Buried in the Klien Vierstaat British Cemetery, Belgium. The son of Richard and Lucy Ann Dagg of 8, Lower Market Street, Farnworth, Lancashire.