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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier Saturday 31 Jan 1942
Page 8 Column 2
DISABLED YOUNG PATRIOT
NORTH PETHERTON LAD ON SKILLED WORK
Born without a right hand, with only one finger on his left hand, and partly paralysed in both legs 14-year-old Thomas Henry LANGFORD of North Petherton, has managed to secure a place for himself in the war effort.
Six months ago he became very depressed when he saw other boys entering war factories and joining Cadet Corps. With very little hope, he applied to his local Employment Exchange.
Finding Thomas had had some lessons in mechanical drawing at the Heritage Craft Training School, Chailey, Sussex, they persuaded a munitions firm to give him a trial as a tracer in their drawing office.
Now, after only six months' training, he is doing a skilled job for his country, producing delicate and accurate drawings needed for making electrical instruments.
“Through he has to hold his pen either between his teeth or between his arm stumps, he is already doing work which is in advance of that of most normal boys of his age.” a Ministry of Labour's regional official told a reporter.