1st (Royal) Dragoons
Thomas Philip Dorington was born on 22 May 1877, the third son of Major General and Mrs R Temple Godman, of Highden, Pulborough, Sussex. He adopted the surname of Dorington in 1913, upon inheriting the estate of Lypiatt Park, near Stroud, from a cousin and god-father, Sir John Dorington, Bart. He was never to live there and following his death the estate was sold by his executors in 1919. However, the Stroud News reported a memorial service for him was held at Bisley Church on 29 November 1914.
Dorington was a career Army officer. He was educated at Harrow School and gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st (Royal) Dragoons on 7 April 1897. He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1899, to Captain in January 1905 and Major on 31 October 1914. He served with distinction in the South African War and was Adjutant to the Imperial Yeomanry for a short time in early 1908, prior to becoming Adjutant to the Territorial Force between April 1908 and September 1911.
The 1st (Royal) Dragoons landed in Belgium on 7 October 1914 and became part of 6th Cavalry Brigade, within 3rd Cavalry Division, commanded by Major-General Julian Byng. Almost at once this unit was involved in heavy fighting in the Ypres Salient, during the First Battle of Ypres, principally located just south of the Menin Road.
Major Thomas Philip Dorington was killed in action on 12 November 1914 as the battle reached its conclusion. He was aged 37. His body was recovered and is buried in Ypres Town Cemetery. The London Gazette of 7 February 1915 posthumously recorded that he was Mentioned in Despatches.