Gunner Thomas William Ivins, 235866, 312 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on the Western Front on April 24th, 1918. Before joining the Army he had been licensee of the Painters Arms pub in High Town Road, Luton.

Section commander Second Lieut G. A. Joslin wrote to widow Ethel May, who was running the pub in her husband's absence: "It is with a heavy heart that I write you this letter to tell you of the death in action of your husband, who was killed last night while on duty...he never regained consciousness after being hit, and died peacefully a few seconds later." He added that Gunner Ivins' name was forwarded by the Major for promotion earlier on the day of his death.

Gunner Ivins was aged 34 and had served in France for eight months after training in England.

Thomas, born in Oxfordshire, had married Ethel May Reeves at St Paul's Walden, Hertfordshire, on July 22nd, 1908, and they had two children. Before moving to the Painters Arms, Thomas was licensee of The Bull in High Street, North, Dunstable.

Ethel invited friends to a memorial service held in the Lady Chapel at her Parish Church on May 1st, 1918, as a last tribute to her husband's memory.