On Saturday last, prior to our home Danske Bank Premiership match with Portadown at the Bet McLean Oval, The club was presented with an official replica of Lance Sergeant Thomas Pearson’s Military Medal. The Medal was presented by the Irish Guards to Glentoran Chairman Stephen Henderson in the centre circle just before the start of the Portadown game. The medal was commissioned and framed by the Glentoran Community Trust, with the kind assistance of Glentoran supporter John Henry, and The Irish Guards.
Thomas Pearson was born in Derby, England. He played goalkeeper for Derby County and Hull City before signing for the Glens in 1937, making ninety-eight appearances for the club. At the outbreak of the Second World War Thomas joined the 1st Battalion Irish Guards and went off from these shores with thousands of others to fight for his country.
On the night of 24th March 1943, in Tunisia, North Africa, after an heroic act of bravery which saw Thomas Pearson save the lives of many of his comrades, he was awarded the Military Medal.
Sadly, just over a month later, still in Tunisia, while the 1st Battalion Irish Guards were attacking Djebel Bou Aoukaz, Thomas was gunned down by a German machine gun and lost his life when still only 30 years of age. He never lived to see his medal. Glentoran Football Club received a letter on 14th May 1943 confirming Thomas Pearson’s death.
Saturday 10th October 2009, when again Glentoran played Portadown at home, saw The Irish Guards Corps of Drums parade through the streets of East Belfast to the Oval, where veterans of 1st Battalion Irish Guards unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of Thomas Pearson. It remains to this day and provides the central point for the club’s Remembrance Ceremony each November.
Lance Sergeant Thomas Pearson, lest we forget.
