Names on Washington Memorial with Regiment and Date of Death
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THOMAS ALLEN – MM Border Regiment – 29.10.17
of 23 Middlefield Row, son of James and Kate, served in 7 Battalion Border Regiment and died of wounds, aged 24, on 29 October 1917. His name is listed on Tyne Cot Memorial. His effects were sent to Kate. Thomas was a coal miner. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
JOHN ALLSOPP – Royal Field Artillery – 3.9.18
born in Washington in 1894, was a son of Anthony and Margaret but, in 1911 was living and working in Horden. Washington Roll of Honour gives his address as 88 Speculation Place. He was a driver in the Royal Artillery and served in France from August 1915 until his death on 3 September 1918. He is listed on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Vis en Artois.
FRED ANDERSON – Royal Horse Artillery – 16.11.16
of 48 Nelson Street, was accidentally (no details given in the war diary) killed, on 16 November 1916 while serving as a driver in 147 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He was 19, a son of Thomas and Mary Anna. He was buried in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban. Photo of him and have visited Montauban.
FRED ARMSTRONG – East Yorkshire Regiment - 25.4.18
born in Newbottle, volunteered in November 1914, served in 1/4 East Yorkshires and was killed on 25 April 1918. His name is one of the 55,000 on the Menin Gate. Fred was married to Ethel with 2 children when he joined up and another son, Fred Archer Armstrong, named after the champion jockey, was born in 1916. The family lived at 15 St Peter’s Street. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
JAMES ARMSTRONG – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
who served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish), lived at High Barmston Farm and was married to Margaret. He was a member of the congregation at Washington Holy Trinity. James was killed on 1 July 1916 near La Boiselle and his name is one of the 72,000 on Thiepval Memorial. Photo and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES LOWES ASH – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.7.16
son of James, an engineer at the chemical works, and Mary, was born in 1895. He served in the Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 10 July 1916 in attacks by his battalion (8th) on Contalmaison. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The family lived at 4 Lowthian Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Thiepval. His war gratuity was paid to an uncle.
HEATHERINGTON ATKINSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 22.3.18
born at West Kyo in 1893 was son of William and Elizabeth. By 1911 they were at Ash Street, Washington, a later address being Avon Street. Heatherington served in 13 Battalion,Yorkshire Regiment until his death on 22 March 1918, a day on which 65 men from his battalion were killed near Ervillers, south of Arras. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Arras.
RALPH ATKINSON – Royal Irish Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was one of at least 9 children of Thomas and Isabella, all born in Sunderland. However, Isabella (Thomas had died by 1911) moved to Washington and Ralph’s last address was given as 8 Oak Street. Ralph was only 18 when killed on 1 July 1916. He served in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, though the CWGC suggests the Royal Irish Fusiliers. The Irish Fusiliers were in Salonica in 1916. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
SAMUEL BAGGOTT – Durham Light Infantry – 26.3.18
was born in Darlaston, Staffordshire in 1891. He served in 22 DLI until his death on 26 March 1918. He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial. Soldiers’ Effects suggest he died as a PoW but there is no record of him in the Red Cross information. John Sheen suggests Sam was attached to 170 Tunnelling Company. Anyway, Sam was an ex policeman, married to Elizabeth (Gibson) and living at 15 Emmerson Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Pozieres.
CHARLES WILLIAM BAISTER – Royal Field Artillery – 31.7.17
was born in Washington in 1897, son of Charles and Phyllis. Charles, a miner at F Pit, served as a Gunner in 71 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery until his death, of wounds, on 31 July 1917. He was buried in Brandhoek Cemetery, near Ypres. Charles lived at 20 Havannah Terrace. No photo of him but have visited Brandhoek.
CHARLES ROBERT BALL – Yorkshire Regiment – 18.2.17
born in North Shields in 1890 and, when war came was an early volunteer, prior to 8 September 1914. He served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds in hospital at Rouen on 18 February 1917, his burial taking place in St Sever Cemetery. Charles, a miner at F Pit, lived at 43 Nelson Street; his brother William was also killed. Photo of him and have visited St Sever.
WILLIAM JOHN BALL – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve – 15.5.17
was a deck hand on board HMS Floandi when it was attacked by three ships of the Austrian Navy on 15 May 1917. He was buried in Taranto Town Cemetery. The Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 42 Nelson Street. Both Charles and William Ball were commemorated in the Washington Holy Trinity church magazine after their deaths. No photo and have not yet visited Taranto.
JOHN BANNISTER – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – October/December 1918
served in 8 Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry until his discharge, mid 1918, suffering from tuberculosis. His weight, at that point, was 99lbs. John’s address was given as 17 Musgrave Terrace (Poppy House). He’d served in France from April to May 1918 and was buried in Washington Cemetery but without, it appears a soldier’s headstone. Though only 19 when he died he may have been married to Dorothy because a child, also Dorothy, was both baptised and, shortly thereafter, buried in 1915. The parents were named as John and Dorothy Bannister of 17 Musgrave Terrace. No photo of him.
JOSEPH BARNABAS – East Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.15
He was born in Wigan in 1894 to Joseph and Elizabeth and was killed at Loos only 17 days after arriving in France. Joe served in 8 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. The family lived at 9 Wilden Terrace in 1914 but Joseph’s address on the Washington Roll of Honour was given as 21 Walker’s Buildings, probably a move during the war. Photo of him and have visited Loos.
ROBERT BATEMAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 17.1.17
was born in Monkwearmouth in 1894 to Dale and Mary. A miner, living at 60 Pattinson Town, he served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds, possibly from a misdirected British barrage, on 17 January 1917. He has no known grave and so is included on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
EDWARD BELL – Royal Field Artillery – 12.12.17
first served in 28 Northumberland Fusiliers but he transferred to 63 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and was killed on 12 December 1917 (though the Brigade war diary describes the front as very quiet from 10-16 December) and was buried in Fins New British Cemetery. Edward, son of Thomas and Elizabeth, was 19, his last address given as 33 Woodland Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Fins.
ROBERT BERESFORD – West Yorkshire Regiment – 22.2.15
born in Ryhope in 1895 was son of Jonathan and Isabella and enlisted before 8 September 1914. He served in 1 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment until his death on 22 February 1915, the only man from his battalion killed that day. He was buried in Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 4 Avon Street; his war gratuity was shared among three of his six siblings. Photo of him and have visited Armentieres.
STEPHENSON BESFORD - Durham Light Infantry – 10.10.15
a married coal miner of 64 Speculation Place enlisted in 15 DLI in Gateshead in September 1914. He died of a gunshot wound to the head (probably sustained at Loos) in hospital in Rouen on 10 October 1915 and was buried in St Sever Cemetery. A miner at F Pit he was married to Elleanor (later Buckham) and they had three children. Photo of him and have visited St Sever.
WILLIAM HOLMES BORTHWICK – Durham Light Infantry – 7.10.15 – also on Harraton
aged 20, died of wounds at 23 Casualty Clearing Station on 7 October 1915, having sustained those wounds on 26 September at Loos, at which time he had been in France 15 days. He was in 15 DLI and was buried at Lapugnoy Cemetery. Lived at 5 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House) and is commemorated on both Washington and Fatfield/Harraton Memorials. Photo of him and visited grave.
ALFRED BRABAN AND AE BRABAN
struggling to disentangle these two men.
JACOB AYNSLEY BRANTON – Royal Engineers – 30.11.17
son of Stephen and Kate was born in Sunderland about 1886 but by 1911 was living as a boarder in 12 Ellen Terrace, the address given by Washington Roll of Honour at the end of the war. He was killed in a smallish German attack on the line near Villiers Guislain and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Jacob was a Sapper in 422 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Have no photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
GEORGE R0BERT BROWN – Royal Field Artillery – 2.12.17
son of Hodgen and Mary was born at New Silksworth in 1894. He served in 46 Brigade, Royal Artillery and was killed in German shelling, along with 2 others from the Battery, on 2 December 1917. He was buried in Vlamertinghe Cemetery. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 27 Beech Street and the recipient of his war gratuity was his mother. No photo of him but have been to Vlamertinghe.
ROBERT BROWN – Royal Scots – 25.9.15
was living at Blast Row when he enlisted, sometime before 8 September 1914. Serving in 12 Royal Scots he was killed at Loos on 25 September 1915 and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. He may have been the son of Edward and Lydia, with whom he was living at 5 Dorcas Terrace (Poppy House) in 1911 but his war gratuity was paid to his mother, Elizabeth (sic). His battalion lost 47 men killed 281 wounded and 157 missing on 25 September. No photo of him And have visited Loos.
WALTER BROWN – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers - 8.7.16
born in Usworth in 1889 was son of George and Mary and served in 11 Inniskilling Fusiliers. He died of wounds on 8 July 1916, presumably in hospital at Etaples on the coast, which was where he was buried. He was husband of Catherine and father to three children, the family’s last address being 29 Speculation Place. No photo of him but have visited Etaples.
WALTER BROWN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 26.10.17
son of Robert and Dorothy, was born in 1893 and lived at 12 Havannah Terrace. He was serving in 1/4 Northumberland Fusiliers when killed near Ypres on 26 October 1917; he was buried in Cement House Cemetery. His battalion lost 36 men killed that day and 156 were wounded. No photo of him but have visited Cement House.
HARRY CHILVERS – Yorkshire Regiment – 28.9.15
was born to Harry and Lucy in Barmston in 1882; by 1911 he’d married Edith (born in Suffolk, to where she returned after his death) and they had a son, Harry. They lived at 9 or 19 Station Rd. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was sent to France on 9 September 1915. Seventeen days later he was killed at Loos and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. He was a member of the Westwood Club and worked at the chemical works. No photo of him but have visited Loos.
FRANCIS JAMES RAINE CLAUGHAN – East Yorkshire Regiment - 10.7.16
of 28 Beech Street was married to Sarah and father of four children. By the time he was killed (10 July 1916, aged 34, near Mametz) he’d risen to be CSM in 7 East Yorkshires. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. A relative states that his grandfather fought in the Peninsula War in 1814. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval. He was a member of the Westwood Club.
JOHN WILLIAM COOK – Border Regiment – 1.7.16
was born in Washington in 1893, son of John and Annie. His last address was given as 12 Harold Street. He served in 1 Battalion, Border Regiment and was killed not far from Beaumont Hamel (Henry Marriner was in the same battalion and died on the same day) on 1 July 1916 and is named on the Thiepval Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
JOHN CORNISH – Yorkshire Regiment – 13.10.16
born in Ryhope in 1895 was son of Anthony (nicely a Cornishman) and Violet. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 13 October 1917, his name added to the Thiepval Memorial. Washington Roll of Honour gave his last address as 6 Blast Row. He was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation and tribute was paid to him in the Parish magazine. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH COULTHARD – Durham Light Infantry – 2.2.16
a Lance Corporal in 10 DLI and son of Isaac and Dinah, was one of 6 men from his battalion killed on 2 February 1916 – the war diary stated that 5 were killed by shellfire and 1 by a bullet. He was buried in Essex Farm Cemetery, just beside the Ypres Canal and close to where John McCrae wrote, ‘In Flanders Fields.’ Joseph was 22 and his address was given as 38 Station Rd. No photo but have visited Essex Farm.
THOMAS COWELL – Durham Light Infantry – 5.1.16
born in Dunston, was 21 when he attested in September 1914. Married to Ellen, (McCrerey) who was almost certainly the daughter of Thomas (killed 1 July 1916), he served in 2 DLI and was killed, probably by shellfire, near Potijze, on 5 January 1916. He was buried in Potijze Cemetery. Thomas (sometimes Cowel) was a miner at F Pit. Photo of him and have visited Potijze.
ERNEST WILLIAM COXON – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve – 17.10.17
was an engine room artificer on HMS Mary Rose and was killed, or died, on 17 October 1917 when his destroyer was sunk by two German light cruisers while escorting a convoy to Scandinavia. His body was not recovered for burial and so he is listed on the Chatham Memorial. Born in 1882 he joined the Navy in 1903 for 12 years but his record includes no information after 1911. Ernest was married to Henrietta and lived at 55 Glebe Crescent (Poppy House). No photo and have not yet been to Chatham.
RICHARD DAGLISH – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.8.16
of 11 Middlefield Row attested before 8 September 1914. He served in 7 Yorkshires and was one of 3 men from his battalion killed on 10 August 1916, all of them buried in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban. Born in 1890, he married Annie (Reed) in August 1911. Photo of him and have visited Quarry Cemetery.
GEORGE ROBERT DAVISON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.16
of 4 Eden Terrace, was a married miner (Mary, later Fowell) with three children when he attested in 1914. He served in 6 East Yorkshires and was one of 22 men from his battalion killed in action, near Mouquet Farm on 26 September 1916. He is named on the Thiepval Memorial. He was a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
EDWARD DEAN – Durham Light Infantry – 25.7.16
served in 19 DLI, the Bantams. He was killed on 25 July 1916, aged 27, in fighting near Delville Wood and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. After his death his mother and eldest brother, William, received payments from the army. Though his effects were sent home, William wrote to the army asking about his wristwatch and safety razor. His address was given as 2 Oxclose Street. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
VALENTINE DIXON – Durham Light Infantry – 28.9.16
of 32 Nelson Street, was born to John and Eleanor in Newcastle in 1894. He served in 10 DLI and died of wounds, (gunshots to the back) in 12 General Hospital, Rouen. He was buried in St Sever Cemetery. Valentine was a miner at F Pit and his father a greengrocer for the Coop. No photo but have visited St Sever.
ALEXANDER DOBSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 17.7.17
his address on the Washington Roll of Honour given as 9 Station Rd, was born in Barmston in 1885. He worked at the chemical works. When war came he enlisted before 8 September 1914 and served in 1/5 Yorkshire Regiment. He was the only man of his battalion killed on 17 July 1917, near Neuville Vitasse, and was buried in Heninel Communal Cemetery Extension. A sister, Beatrice, received his war gratuity. No photo but have visited Heninel.
GEORGE JAMES DOBSON – Machine Gun Corps – 18.9.16 – also on Harraton
of the Machine Gun Corps was killed on 18 September 1916, aged 18. He is listed on the Thiepval Memorial. The son of Thomas and Elizabeth Dobson and stepson of Private J Rumney, he lived at the Earl of Durham Inn and then 8 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House). His name also appears on the Harraton/Fatfield Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS DONALDSON – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
born in South Hylton (and listed on that memorial too), was married to Mary (Harrison) and had three children. He was killed in action on 1 July 1916, near Fricourt, while serving in 15 DLI. Private G Dunning confirmed his death. His name is one of the 72,000 on Thiepval Memorial. Thomas lived at 2 Clyde Street and was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
PATRICK DOWD – Yorkshire Regiment – 17.7.17
son of Michael and Mary was born in 1881 at Dean’s Valley, Durham.
JOHN THOMAS DOUGLAS – Army Service Corps – 30.4.16
of 12 or 16 (sources vary) Glen Terrace, was buried in Washington Cemetery on 3 August 1916 but he has not got the normal service headstone. John had been discharged from the Army Service Corps; his case was one of those discussed by the Chester-le-Street Poor Law Union which was trying to come to terms with an increasing number of such cases. A miner, John was married with 7 children and was 42 when he died. No photo of him.
RICHARD DRUMMOND – Yorkshire Regiment – 14.10.15 – also on Harraton
He was shot in the head at Loos and died in Charing Cross Hospital on 14 October 1915. His body was returned to Usworth by train and buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Cemetery. Edith Loos Drummond was born to Richard and Mary (Nagle) after the former’s death. Richard served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Living at Hobson Terrace he is also listed on the Harraton/Fatfield Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Usworth churchyard.
FRANCIS JOSEPH DUFFY – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.3.16
was born to Simon and Margaret at Barmston in 1894. He served in 2 Battalion, West Yorkshires and was killed on 4 March 1916, with 6 other men from his battalion, most of them by German shelling, not far from Curlu. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Brother to John Robert (see below) he lived at 5 Station Rd and worked at a colliery (probably North Biddick). Photo and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN ROBERT DUFFY – Durham Light Infantry – 25.9.15
of 5 Station Rd (see above) was a labourer at the chemical works when he enlisted in September 1914. He served in 14 DLI and was killed at Loos on 25 September 1915. His name appears on the Loos Memorial. Mr Duffy received a letter telling him that his son had been seen after the battle but it turned out to have been a Private Duffield. Another letter confirmed that the author (Corporal William Marley – see below) had seen his son killed. Photo and have been to Loos.
JAMES EDWARD DWYER – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.5.17 – also on Harraton
Sergeant 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, died of wounds, aged 35, on 14 May 1917 and was buried in Vlamertinghe Cemetery, near Ypres. He married a widow, Isabella Mowbray, in 1912. James had been in the army pre-war. He is also listed on Washington Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Vlamertinghe.
JOHN EDWARD ELLISON – Royal Naval Division – 13.11.16
son of John and Jane, was born in Usworth in 1896 and served in the Royal Naval Division (Howe Battalion). He was killed on 13 November 1916 and buried in Ancre Cemetery. At the time of his enlistment he was a miner and the family were at 51 Havannah Terrace, later moving to 11 New Rows. John’s brother Turner (see below) was also killed. Photo and have visited Ancre Cemetery.
TURNER ELLISON – Royal Field Artillery – 7.10.17 – also on Usworth
was born in 1888. In 1909 he married Catherine (Carter) and they had at least 1 son, John. Turner, a miner at F Pit, served in 78 Brigade Royal Field Artillery and was killed in heavy shelling near Langemarck, on 7 October 1917 and buried in Cement House Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Cement House.
JOHN WILLIAM ELTRINGHAM – Yorkshire Regiment – 11.1.16
was born in Gateshead in 1885 and married Winifred (Leeson) in 1907. They had at least one son, John Theodore. Corporal Eltringham, 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, was killed on 11 January 1916, by German shelling and was buried in Cite Bonjean Cemetery at Armentieres. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as the Post Office, Village Lane. The Rector of Holy Trinity said John was one of the finest characters he’d ever known. Photo of him and have visited Cite Bonjean.
FRANK EMBLETON – Royal Navy – 29.8.18
served as an Able Seaman on the Iron Duke, a battleship, and drowned on 29 August 1918, the circumstances unknown. Frank, a miner at F Pit, is listed on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Son of John and Elizabeth, he was born in 1889 and enlisted in June 1916. No photo and have not yet visited Portsmouth
MATTHEW ENGLISH –Durham Light Infantry – 24.3.16
was born in Hunwick in 1889, his parents Thomas and Jane. He was a married coal miner (Ruby nee Turnbull, with a daughter, Jennie), living at 8 Derwent Crescent (Poppy House) when he enlisted in October 1915. A Lance Corporal in 20 DLI, he died of cerebro spinal fever on 24 March 1916 in the Military Isolation Hospital, Aldershot. He was buried in Hunwick Churchyard. Ruby received no war gratuity, his length of service being deemed insufficient. No photo but have visited Hunwick.
SARAH FERGUSON – 23.6.18
The death certificate for Sarah Ferguson states that she died at 61, Havannah Terrace on 23rd June 1918. Her father, James, was present at her death, the cause of which was phthisis pulmonares, i.e. tuberculosis. Her death was certified by Dr William Jacques. Speculation in Sarah’s family is that she was a nursing assistant, perhaps at Blackfell Sanatorium, which was not far away from Havannah Terrace. Her name is on the Washington Roll of Honour but no address was given.
JOSEPH FORSTER – Royal Garrison Artillery – 2.5.15
born in Washington in 1895, was son of William and Elizabeth. During the war he served in 26 Brigade Royal Field Artillery and died of wounds on 2 May 1918. He was buried in Douellens No2 Cemetery. His brother, George Wheatley Forster was killed in 1916 while serving in the Australian forces. Joseph’s sister, Martha, received his war gratuity. No photo of him but have visited Douellens.
JOHN DOUGLASS FORSTER – Dorsetshire Regiment – 18.8.17
(brother of William (see below) son of Joseph and Jane lived at 8 Pattinson Town. He was born in 1887 and served in 5 Dorsetshires before dying of wounds sustained on 18 October 1917, near Langemarck. He was buried in Dozinghem Cemetery. His father received a war gratuity of £14. No photo of him but have visited Dozinghem.
WILLIAM FORSTER – Yorkshire Regiment – 14.8.16
(see above), married to Ellen and living at 25 Pattinson Town, was a chemical worker when he enlisted. He served in 8 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds in Rouen on 14 August 1916. He was buried in St Sever Cemetery. He was a member of the congregation of Holy Trinity, Washington. No photo but have visited Rouen.
GEORGE FORSTER – West Yorkshire Regiment – 16.8.17
(brother of John Thomas, see below), son of Joseph and Isabella (Joseph married again, Margaret Ann, in 1905) and was 24 when he was killed in action on 16th August 1917. The 9th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment war diary suggests they were fighting at Langemarck on that date but George is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, a discrepancy to be explained. Like his father, George was a cartman and their address was given as 4 Station Rd.
JOHN THOMAS FOSTER – Durham Light Infantry – 3.10.17
(see above) a Private in 15 DLI, was killed in action on 3 October 1917 and buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery. A cartman, of 4 Station Rd, he was 23 when killed. He is also listed on the Harraton Memorial. His brother George was also killed, while siblings, Joseph William and Jane Isabelle, also served in France. Photo of him and visited Tyne Cot.
ALBERT VICTOR FUTERS – Durham Light Infantry – 16.9.16
was born at Littletown, Durham, in 1891, the son of Stephen, and Margaret. He married Maud (Oswald) in 1913 and, by the time of his death on 16 September 1916, had a son, also Albert Victor. Albert, who served, like his brother, Stephen, in 10 DLI, is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Stephen, by now with only one leg, returned to Biddick Mixed School in 1919 to borrow books for study. Albert lived at 34 Station Rd. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HUGH GARDNER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 11.7.16
was born in Hetton-le-Hole in around 1890, the son of Hugh and Ann. When they moved to Washington they lived at Northampton House (Poppy House) and when Hugh married Dora (Dixon) they moved into 4 Nelson Street (Poppy House), then 9 Emmerson Terrace (Poppy House), then 7 Robinson Terrace (Poppy House). Hugh served in 1/6 Northumberland Fusiliers, was presumed dead from 11 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. No photo but have visited Menin Gate.
T GARDNER – perhaps DLI -1.7.16
not sure but there was a Thomas Gardiner of Weardale House who enlisted before 8 September 1914. He was a Sunderland man and his wife, Jane (Gowland) received his war gratuity. T Gardner is listed on the Washington Roll of Honour but with no address. Tom Gardner of 18 DLI was killed on 1 July 1916 and buried in Serre Rd Cemetery. No photo but have visited Serre Rd.
JAMES GASTON – MC Royal Army Medical Corps – 5.11.18
of 48 Speculation Place was included on the Washington Roll of Honour. Born in Ballymena in 1883, he was a Captain in Royal Army Medical Corps, attached to 4 Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He was wounded in action on 3 November 1918, died 2 days later and was buried in Arras Rd Cemetery, Roclincourt. His brother also served as a doctor in RAMC. Photo of him and have visited Arras Rd. He is named in Ruvigny’s Roll.
JOHN GILMANEY – Royal Irish Fusiliers – 1.7.16
of 5 Robinson Terrace (Poppy House) was born in Washington in 1896 to John and Ann, the former dying sometime before 1911. John joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (perhaps in Grey St, Newcastle where they had a recruiting office) before transferring to 9 Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. He was killed near Hamel on 1 July 1916 and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
GEORGE GOLDEN –Yorkshire Regiment – November/December 1918
of 24 Oxclose St, was discharged from the army in February 1918, suffering from nephritis – the army agreed that it was caused by ‘exposure’ at Messines in 1917. He died in October and was buried in Washington Cemetery but without a normal CWGC headstone. His wife received a war gratuity of £14.10.0d, useful for a widow with 7 children. George had served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. No photo.
ROBERT STEPHENSON GOULD – Lincolnshire Regiment – 9.4.17
was serving in 10 Lincolnshire Battalion, the Grimsby Chums, when killed, aged 30, on 9 April 1917, near Arras. His name was placed on the Arras Memorial but his body was (evidence suggests) one of 20 found in 2001 and was reburied in Point du Jour Cemetery. Robert worked at Cook’s Ironworks and was married to Jane with a daughter, Agnes. Photo of him and have visited Point du Jour.
WILLIAM GRAHAM – West Yorkshire Regiment - 9.8.15
son of John and Mary was born in Washington in 1888. William’s address was given as 58 Havannah Terrace on the Washington Roll of Honour. He served in 9 Battalion, West Yorkshires and was killed on 9 August 1915 in Gallipoli. His name appears on the Helles Memorial, on F Pit Memorial and on the Roman Catholic Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ROBERT WILLIAM GRAINGE - Royal Scots – 11.8.16
erved in 11 Battalion, Royal Scots until his death, aged 26, on 11 August 1916 in 4 Scottish Hospital, Glasgow, His parents, Henry and Jane, pre-deceased him but his fiancée was Margaret Ferguson. Robert may never have lived in Washington but an aunt, Margaret Dowson, who lived at Woodland House, now 23 Woodland Terrace, appears to have taken a role in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Robert was buried in Wrangholm Kirk Churchyard, Motherwell. Photo of him but have not yet visited Wrangholm.
JOHN EDWARD GREEN – Durham Light Infantry – 27.4.15
who served in 1/8 DLI, was killed on 27 April 1915, after only 8 days in France. He was probably killed by German shelling while carrying supplies to the front line and was buried in Vlamertinghe Cemetery. Son of Henry and Elizabeth, and a miner, his address was given as 7 Robinson Terrace on the Washington Roll of Honour. Photo of him and have visited Vlamertinghe.
EDWARD HALL –Welsh Regiment – 5.11.17
son of Edward and Margaret was born in Washington in 1898. He was mobilised in January 1917, joining 1/5 Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He joined the battalion in Egypt in in July 1917 and was killed in action on 5 November 1917 in Palestine. He was buried in Beersheba Cemetery. A miner at F Pit, Edward lived at 66 Havannah Terrace. Photo of him but have not yet visited Beersheba.
GEORGE NORMAN HALL – East Yorkshire Regiment – 29.9.15
was born to Thomas and Esher at Fatfield in 1896. When he enlisted, in November 1914 he was an apprentice at Cook’s Ironworks. He joined 7 East Yorkshires and died of wounds (probably suffered during German shelling) on 29 September 1915, his body interred at Lijssenthoek Cemetery. The family lived at 9 Harold Street. Photo of him and have visited Lijssenthoek.
THOMAS HANLON – Royal Fusiliers – 22.8.18
was born in Washington in 1898 to Thomas and Mary. He served in 9 Royal Fusiliers and was killed on 22 August 1918 during the fighting which re-took Meaulte from the Germans. He was buried in Meaulte Cemetery, just outside Albert. Thomas was a member of the Westwood Club and lived, with his parents, at 8 Home View. Photo of him and have visited Meaulte.
MATTHEW HARDING – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 16.8.17
was born in 1887 to Matthew and Isabella and became a miner at F Pit. He enlisted in 11 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, probably in Grey Street, Newcastle where that regiment had a recruiting office and was killed near Ypres on 16 August 1917. His name is inscribed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot. His last address, and that of his parents, was 12 New Rows.
GEORGE WILLIAM HARRISON - Royal West Surrey Regiment – 23.3.18
was born to Thomas and Jane in Felling in 1898. His father was a railwayman and the 1911 Census noted them at 11 North Eastern railway Cottages at Washington Station. George was killed near Beugny on 23 March 1918 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He served in 11 Battalion, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. His medal roll records that, for no specified reason, his War and Victory medals were returned. No photo of him but have visited Arras.
JOSEPH HAYDOCK – Army Service Corps – 14.11.18
was A miner at F Pit. Born in Broughton Moor, Cumberland in 1893, he was the son of William and Jane and he served in the Army Service Corps, with the XIII Corps Troops Mechanical Transport section. He died on 14 November 1918 and was buried at Guizancourt Farm Cemetery, Gouy. Washington Roll of Honour gives his address as 5 Municipal Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have been to Guizancourt Farm.
WILLIAM HEDLEY – not yet identified
His name appears on the F Pit memorial and on the Washington Roll of Honour, the latter document giving his address as 5 Ann Street, Bill Quay. John William Hedley married Robert Bateman’s sister, Ida, in 1916 and children (James and Irene) were born in South Shields and Chester le Street in 1917 and 1918 to a mother whose maiden name was Bateman. However, unable, at the moment to track down, for certain, W Hedley.
EDGAR HELM – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
was killed on 1 July 1916 near to Fricourt and was buried in Gordon Dump Cemetery, just outside Albert. Married to Annie (nee Marshall) and brother of James Percival Helm (see below), Edgar was father to four children and the family lived at 7/8Oxclose Street. In fact another child was born christened in 1919, by which time he’d been dead over 2 years. Edgar was a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Gordon Dump.
PERCY HELM – Royal Lancaster Regiment - 20.11.17
was born in Richmond in 1880 and served in 1/4 King’s Own Lancasters until his death, near St Emilie, on 20 November 1917. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Percy was a single man who had boarded at 5 Dorcas Terrace but no address was given on the Roll of Honour. He was a miner at F Pit. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
SAMUEL HOLBROOK – Royal Naval Division – 20.6.15
was born to Sam (who was injured at F Pit in 1917 and died in 1919) and Mary, in Washington in 1896. When Sam enlisted he became an Able Seaman in the Hawke Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. Sam, a miner at F Pit, was killed at Gallipoli on 20 June 1915 and his name is inscribed on the Helles Memorial. His record includes a detailed description, given by his pals, of his death. Sam’s brother Thomas won the Military Medal and also served in WW2 and a sister, Emily, had a child in 1919 that she named Sam. Sam’s parents lived at 22 Havannah Terrace and later at 7 Musgrave Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
THOMAS HOLMES – Border Regiment – 5.7.16
son of Thomas and Margaret, was born at Pittington in 1896. Thomas served in 8 Battalion, Border Regiment and was killed in action on 5 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. A member of the Holy Trinity Congregation, Thomas was a pick carrier according to the 1911 Census. His parents, whose address was 16 Derwent Terrace (Poppy House), placed an In Memoriam notice in the Illustrated Chronicle. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
RALPH JAMES HOPSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
a miner at F Pit, was born in Washington in 1897. His background is somewhat confused by marriage and remarriage but he was son of Jane, originally from Whitehaven. Ralph served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916, his name being one of the 72,000 on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
ROBERT SAMUEL HOUSE – Border Regiment – 26.8.15
born in 1889 to Robert and Isabella, lived at 28 Station Rd and served in 7 Battalion, Border Regiment. Robert was a metal moulder at Cook’s ironworks. He was one of 8 men in his battalion killed on 26 August 1915, having arrived in France on 24 July. He is buried in Ridge Wood Cemetery, not far from Ypres. No photo but have visited Ridge Wood.
GEORGE SMITH HUDDART(D) – East Yorkshire Regiment – 28.6.17
was born in Washington to Robert and Mary and was 21, a married coal miner, when he attested in Washington in November 1914. George had married Ruth (Greener) and their child, Joy Aisne Smith Huddart, was born in 1915. Serving in 13 East Yorkshires, he was killed on 28 June 1917 in Oppy Wood. He is listed on the Arras Memorial and also on F Pit and Westwood Club memorials. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JOSEPH HUMBLE – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.7.16 – also on Harraton
served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed, near Contalmaison, aged 26, on 10 July 1916. He is listed on the Thiepval Memorial. Joseph, of 22 The Parade, (Poppy House) was also listed on the Washington Memorial. A metal moulder by trade, he worked for Cook’s Ironworks. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
ERNEST HUNTER - West Yorkshire Regiment – 30.8.17
lived at 103 New Road, Spout Lane and was married to Isabella (Harvey) from 1916. He died of wounds on 30 August 1917 and was buried in Dozinghem Cemetery, Flanders. Son of Thomas and Agnes he was a building contractor and served in 9 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. No photo but have visited Dozinghem.
ROBERT W IVERS (IEVERS) – Durham Light Infantry – 9.4.17
born in Carlow, Ireland to Edwin and Annie served in 10 DLI and was killed on 9 April 1917, first day of the Battle of Arras. He was buried in Hibers Trench Cemetery. He was a member of the Westwood Club and attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo but have visited Hibers Trench.
RICHARD JAMESON – Royal Welsh Fusiliers – 22.12.17
was a Science teacher at Washington School (Poppy Building). Son of Thomas and Helen of Alma House, Hebburn and born in 1889, Richard was married to Margaret and lived at 5 Glebe Crescent (Poppy House). He served as a Private in 1/6 Royal Welsh Fusiliers and was killed or died of wounds on 22 December 1917 and was buried in Kantara Cemetery. No photo and have not yet been to Kantara.
ROBERT JEFFERSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – April/June 1918
(brother of Thomas see below), a blacksmith, was born in Washington in 1892 to John and Catherine. He served in East Yorkshire Regiment and spent time in France, Egypt and Salonica (in that order) before being invalided out of the army with a 70% disability. He died at home in 4 Harold Street in June 1918 and was buried in Washington Cemetery but without a CWGC headstone. No photo.
THOMAS JEFFERSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 22.8.15
of 6 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment was killed/presumed dead on 22 August 1915 after fighting near Lala Baba in Gallipoli. The Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 4 Falshaw Street. Thomas is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. In 2012 some medals belonging to the Jefferson brothers were sold by a dealer in Stafforshire. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ROBERT NICHOLS JOBSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 7.6.17
was born to Robert and Eleanor in 1898 in Hetton. Robert, a miner at F Pit, joined 11 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 7 June 1917 in fighting round Larch Wood and Hill 60. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Both 1 Havannah Bank and 10 Woodland Terrace are given, by different sources, as addresses for Robert. No photo but have visited Menin Gate.
WILLIAM JONAS – Middlesex Regiment – 27.7.16.
born in Cambois to William and Mary in 1891 was married to Mary (Anderson) and lived at 41 Shafto Terrace. He also had a house in Colenso Rd, London because he played football for Clapton Orient. He joined the 17 Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in 1915 and was killed in action, near Delville Wood, on 27 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Leyton orient fans have raised the money for a staue to Billy Jonas and 2 other footballers from their club near Flers. Photo and have been to Flers and Thiepval.
WILLIAM KNOX – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. A miner at F Pit, William was born in Cassop in 1878 and seems to have married because his daughter, Jane, received his war gratuity of £7. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
PATRICK LAMB – Northumberland Fusiliers – 15.9.16
was born in Hamilton, Scotland in 1886. During the war he served in 1/6 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 15 September 1916, near High Wood. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. He had married Lydia or Ellen (sources differ) McPartlin and had one child. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
FRANK LAMBERT – Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.15
son of John, a Police Sergeant, and Jane, was born in New Herrington in 1895. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, having enlisted (with his brother, Albert) before 8 September 1914. Frank went to France on 10 September 1915 and was killed, presumed dead, at Loos on 25 September. He is listed on the Loos Memorial. His photograph was printed in the Illustrated Chronicle until March 1916 – perhaps his parents were hoping he’d turn up. The family lived at 17 Lowthian Terrace (Poppy House).
WILLIAM LAMBTON – Durham Light Infantry – 14.8.16
William Lambert (on the memorial) may well be William Lambton, who was killed near Delville Wood on 14 August 1916, aged 22, and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. William, a regular absentee from his duties, served in 10 DLI. He was a miner at F Pit and was married to Margaret (Liddle). No address is given for him on the Roll of Honour but he lived at the Mount, Wrekenton for a while. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
RICHARD OAKMAN LAWS – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
was one of the 70 or so Washington men killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of William and Eliza, he was 19 when he enlisted and was living at 45 Glebe Crescent (Poppy House). He was an apprentice grocer, perhaps apprenticed to his father and attended Holy Trinity Church. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WALLACE LAYFIELD – Durham Light Infantry – 24.9.18 – also on Harraton
born in Fencote, Yorkshire, lived in 12 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House) was married to Isabella and father to Edith and John. He worked for the Coop as a waggoner and after a deferment, requested by the Coop, became a Private in 2 DLI. He was killed in action on 24 September 1918 and buried in Trefcon Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Trefcon.
WILLIAM LEE – Northumberland Fusiliers - 29.3.16
of 31 Woodland Terrace (Poppy House) served in 25 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 29 March 1916, aged 43. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. Married to Annie (Simpson) from 1906 William was father of 5 daughters. Mrs Lee remarried in the 1950’s, to William Brown, himself a WW1 veteran. William’s great grandson still has his id disc and various ephemera. Photo and have visited Bailleul.
JOHN T LENNOX – Coldstream Guards – 22.12.14
served in the Coldstream Guards before war broke out and so, as a reservist rejoined his regiment immediately. He was killed/presumed dead on 22 December 1914 near Givenchy and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial. A miner at F Pit, John lived at 8 Ellen Terrace (Poppy House) and was married to Sarah. He attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo but have visited Le Touret.
HERBERT NORMAN LINDSAY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 4.7.16
son of Lavinia and stepson to George Ross was born in Spennymoor. The 1911 Census listed him as ‘Overseas Military’ but he married Mary Ellen Jopson in Washington in August 1911. Herbert served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and died from a hip wound on 4 July 1916. He was buried in Mericourt L’Abbe Cemetery. His address was 13 Oxclose St. No photo of him but have visited Mericourt.
JOSEPH LOCAL – Yorkshire Regiment – 28.9.15
born 1889 in Wingate to Matthew and Dorothy, married Sarah (Gouldburn) in 1912 in Washington; they had a t least one child. Joseph served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, went to France on 10 September 1915 and was killed at Loos on 28 September. His name is on the Loos Memorial and on that in the Westwood Club. The Locals lived in 6 Nelson Street (Poppy House) and later 25 Glen Terrace. No photo of him but have visited Loos.
GEORGE LOWRIE –Royal Engineers – 27.1.16
a miner at F Pit, was born in Kirk Newton, Northumberland in 1882 and married Lydia (Spanton) in 1909. Of their three children, 2 had died before 1911; another was born in 1914. George was a chauffeur/mechanic at the chemical works and a reservist who enlisted as soon as war began. He served in the Royal Engineers and died of his injuries two days after falling from a pontoon wagon on to a road hardened by frost, ie 27 January 1917. He was buried at Dernancourt Cemetery. George attended Holy Trinity Church and the family’s address was given as 8 Station Rd. Photo of him and have visited Dernancourt.
JOHN ARTHUR MADDISON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 31.3.16
son of John and Eliza, was born in 1896. The family lived at Firebrick Cottages. He served in 26 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 31 March 1916 and buried in Brewery Orchard Cemetery, not far from Armentieres. Photo of him and have visited Brewery Orchard.
THOMAS MALLABURN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
born in Newbottle in 1876, married Catherine in 1906 and had at least 2 children. He served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish). He was killed on 1 July 1916 in the fields just outside Albert and is one of the 72,000 commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. His address was 19 Derwent Terrace/4 Wear Terrace. Thomas was a Roman Catholic and also a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WILLIAM MARLEY – Durham Light Infantry – 21.5.16
born in Usworth in 1892, was son of William and Ellen. A miner at F Pit, he served in 14 DLI and was killed in German shelling near Ypres. He was buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 55 Havannah Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Bard Cottage.
WILLIAM JASPER MARLEY – Manchester Regiment – 9.6.18
probably a cousin of William Marley, since his father, Joseph, and William’s mother were both born in Gloucestershire) was born in Washington in 1899. He served in 11 Battalion, Manchester Regiment and was killed on 9 June 1918, near Mazingarbe. His grave is in Pernes Cemetery. William worked at F Pit and lived in Roseworth House, Musgrave Terrace (Poppy House). A nephew, Norman, was killed in 1944. No photo of him but have visited Pernes.
ROBERT MASON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.3.18
a miner at F Pit, was one of 12 children of William and Isabella and was born in Washington in 1897. He served in 1/5 DLI and was killed on 26 March 1918 during the massive German offensive. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Pozieres.
WILLIAM MASON – Durham Light Infantry – 8.10.18
served in 15 DLI and was killed on 8 October 1918. He is commemorated on Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Son of Robert and Mary, he lived at the Black Bush (Poppy Building) of which his father was the publican. He was a miner at F Pit. Edward Thompson, his cousin, lived with the family. No photo of him but have visited Vis-en-Artois.
MICHAEL MCHUGH – Northumberland Fusiliers – 17.6.17
born to Michael and Mary in Leadgate in 1885 must have moved to Washington after 1911. He has no address on the Roll of Honour but married Annie (Jordan) in late 1915 and their child, Mary, was born in 1916. Michael served in 25 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and died of wounds, sustained in fighting near Arras, on 17 June 1917. He was buried in Grevillers Cemetery, near Bapaume. Photo of him and have visited Grevillers.
JOHN HUGH MCLAHANEY – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
was born in Hebburn in 1878. His first wife, Mary, died and he then married Mary (Simpson). Their daughters, Doris and Annie were baptised in July 1915 but both died before the year was out. John and Mary lived at 4 Old Hall (Poppy House). John served in 15 DLI and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HENRY MCMENAM – Durham Light Infantry – 27.10.18
a married miner, was 20 years old when he enlisted in 1918. He joined 12 DLI, was sent to Italy in September and was killed in the crossing of the Piave River on 27 October 1918. His remains were re-buried at Tezze Cemetery in 1919. He married Frances (Wood) in January 1918 and a child was born in April, Henry also having had an illegitimate child to support from his army pay. His address was 3 Six Houses. No photo of him but have been to Tezze.
THOMAS MCCREREY – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.7.16
was born in Washington in 1889 to John and Sarah. Thomas married Catherine Keogan in 1912 and they had 2 sons by 1914, John and Laurence. They lived in 15 Margaret Street. Thomas served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 1 July 1916, near Fricourt. He lies in Fricourt Cemetery with 89 men from his regiment, all killed that day. Photo and have visited Fricourt.
THOMAS MEGAN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 20.9.17
born in 1883 in Annfield Plain was son of John and Ellen. He married Ada (Woodward) in Sunderland in 1906 (she died in 1911, the family story is that a girl child died at the same time). Thomas served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 20 September 1917, his name later added to those on Tyne Cot Memorial. Thomas’ war gratuity was paid to his sister, Kate. The family address was Woodhouses. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
STEPHEN MILLS – Durham Light Infantry – 10.7.16 – also on Harraton
born at Langley Moor in 1883, served in DLI until June 1914 and then re-joined on the outbreak of war becoming a Sergeant in 12 DLI. He was killed on 10 July, near Contalmaison, and his name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Stephen worked at Cook’s Ironworks and was married to Margaret and father of three children. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
FREDERICK MORGAN – Durham Light Infantry – 14.12.15
son of Arthur and Charlotte, was born in 1895 but by 1901 the family were living at Usworth and later at 5 Shop Houses. Frederick, a miner at F Pit, served in 14 DLI and was killed by German shellfire near Potijze on 14 December 1915. He was buried in Potijze Chateau Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Potijze.
ROBERT MOULD – Border Regiment – 23.4.17
served in 7 Battalion, Border Regiment from September 1914 until his death, presumed dead, on 23 April 1917 in fighting around Monchy-le-Preux. He was buried in Feuchy Chapel Cemetery. Son of Robert (both of his parents were dead before the end of the war), he was an iron moulder and the family home was 13 Albert Place. He attended services at Holy Trinity Church. No photo but have visited Feuchy Chapel.
THOMAS MOULD – Durham Light Infantry (Bantams) – 13.2.18
born in 1887 was son of Thomas and Elizabeth, both of whom died before 1918. He served in 19 DLI, a Bantam Battalion and died of wounds on 13 February 1918. He was buried in Mendinghem Cemetery, Flanders. Payments were made by the army to his siblings after the war, some of them still living at 9 Lambert’s Place, Thomas’ address. He was a member of the Westwood Club. No photo of him but have visited Mendinghem.
PATRICK MURPHY – RAF – 15.5.18
cousin of the O’Neill brothers (see Harraton) was born in Washington in 1896 to Michael and Ellen. Patrick served first in 10 DLI but transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (then RAF) in 1917 or 1918. Patrick, an observer in 48 Squadron, was shot down and killed on 15 May 1918 while flying with Captain Napier and is now commemorated on Arras Flying Services Memorial. A miner at F Pit he lived at 47 Havannah Terrace and some of the postcards he wrote home still exist. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JAMES HENRY NESBITT – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.10.17
was born to James and Jane at Seaham Harbour in 1890. He married Ada (Forrest) and they had 2 daughters, Gladys and Ethel, the latter being baptised after James’ death; hat occurred on 9 October 1917 near Ypres, James being one of 54 men from 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment killed on that day. He is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial. The Nesbitts lived at 15 Willow Street and James attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo of him buthave visited Tyne Cot.
ROBERT BEADLING NESBITT – Royal Engineers – 10.10.17
was born to Thomas and Ann in Washington in 1889. His enlistment address in 1914 was Rectory Cottage, Washington Village but the Roll of Honour listed him at Ivy Cottage. He served in 82 Field Company, Royal Engineers until his death, the war diary suggests in heavy shelling, on 10 october 1917. He was buried in Klein- Vierstraat Cemetery, close to Ypres. Photo of him and have visited Klein-Vierstraat.
CHARLES HERBERT NICHOLSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 11.4.17
was born in Barmston in 1890. His mother, Hannah, remarried after the death of his father and became Hannah Gibson, the family’s last address before Charles was killed being 47 Nelson Street. Charles served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 11 April 1917, near Henin, about 5 miles SE of arras. He was buried in Cojeul Cemetery. An assurance agent, Charles was a member of the Westwood Club and attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo of him but have visited Cojeul.
HARRY MINTO NICHOLSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.15
was born to Thomas and Emma in Houghton-le-Spring in 1893. By 1911 the family were at 8 Eden Street, Washington. A stone putter in 1911, Harry served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and arrived in France on 9 September 1915. Seventeen days later he was killed at Loos and is commemorated on Loos Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Loos.
JOSEPH HENRY/HARRY OSWALD – Durham Light Infantry – 27.5.18
son of Joseph and Emily and born in 1898 lived at 34 Station rd. By 1911 3 of his siblings having died the family had 3 lodgers (one of them a teacher at Glebe School, William Smith who returned to the school in 1919 after 4 years’ service). Joseph served in 1/5 DLI until his death on 27 May 1917. He is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial.
HAROLD SYDNEY GEORGE PALMER – Yorkshire Regiment – 7.10.16
was born to George (formerly a Colour Sergeant in DLI) and Beatrice at Pelton in 1896. By 1914 the family were living at 61 Pattinson Town. Harold served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed near Martinpuich, probably in German shelling, on 7 October 1916 and buried in Adanac Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Adanac.
ROBERT PATTERSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 25.8.18
was born to Robert and Mary in Byker in 1896 but was living in Edith Avenue when he enlisted in December 1915. He went to France in April 1918 and was reported missing on 28 May of that year. Robert was married to Ruth (Fitzpatrick) and their child Agnes Louvain (after a Belgium town burned by the Germans) was baptised in September 1915. Robert is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial. A relative has stated that his father also served. No photo of him but have visited Soissons.
THOMAS WILLIAM PAXTON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 9.4.17
son of Thomas (a lithographic printer) and Catherine, was born in Darlington in 1887. By 1911 Thomas, a coal miner, was living at 7 Blast Row. This was the home of John and Elizabeth Wood and on 15 April 1911 Thomas married Lizzie Ann Booth Wood at Holy Trinity Church, Washington. He served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers John G Pearson – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16 – also on Usworth (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 10 April 1917, near Roclincourt, Arras. He was buried in Orchard Dump Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Orchard Dump.
THOMAS PENALUNA – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Washington in 1871, served in the Northumberland Fusiliers in the Boer War and then became a miner at F Pit. He enlisted in November 1914, joining 25 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. Thomas was married to Margaret and they had 7 children and lived at 9 Municipal Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN REAY PITTILLA – Yorkshire Regiment – 2.4.18
was born to Jonathan and Margaret in Sunderland in 1894 but by 1911 they were in Denmark Street, Washington and the Roll of Honour gives John’s address as 15 Glen Terrace. A miner at F Pit, John served in 5 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds in hospital at Rouen; he was buried in St Sever Cemetery. Photo and have visited St Sever.
THOMAS PLUSE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name is on Thiepval Memorial. Son of William and Ann (Oates), he was born in Washington in 1891 and by the time of his death the family address was 2a Staithes Houses. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH WILLIAM RAWLING – Royal Fusiliers – 4.10.18
son of George and Rachael, was born in Usworth in 1890. His first job was as a bank clerk and the family lived in 1 Ellen Terrace. Joseph served in 3 Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and was killed on 4 October 1918 near Le Catelet. He is one of 27 men from his battalion killed on 4 October and buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery. No photo but have visited Prospect Hill.
WILLIAM ROBINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 4.12.16
was a single cartman, living at Orchard House (Poppy House) when he enlisted in December 1915. He joined 12 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 4 December 1916. The inquiry into his death established that his spade had hit a grenade while he was digging in a trench and that he was killed in the explosion. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. By the time of his death his parents had died and so arrangements were made with his siblings. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval
ALFRED JAMES ROBSON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.2.16
son of Edward and Margaret, was born in Washington in 1896. He married Annie (Potts) in August 1914 and, already a Territorial, joined up shortly after war began. He served in 1/8 DLI until his death on 2 February 1916 (the battalion war diary mentions no casualties in January or February 1916) and he was buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery, near Ypres. A miner at F Pit, he lived at 8 Shop Houses and was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Railway Dugouts.
JOHN ROONEY – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 19.8.16
was born in Murton in 1876, married Catherine and lived (according to the Roll of Honour) at 10 Doris (possibly Dorcas Terrace). They had at least 4 children. John served in 1 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and died of wounds, perhaps sustained in a heavy German barrage on 9/10 August, on 19 August 1916. He was buried in Lijssenthoek Cemetery, outside Ypres. Photo of him and have visited Lijssenthoek. He is commemorated on the Roman Catholic Memorial in Washington.
WILLIAM KNOX ROPER – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.7.16 – also on Usworth
born in Sedgefield in 1893 to Frederick and Margaret, he was living with an uncle at North Eastern Railway Cottages in 1911 but by 1916 he had married Catherine and was living at 24 Pump Row. He served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds, sustained near Fricourt on 1 July, on 5 July 1916, in hospital at Etaples. He was buried in Etaples Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Etaples.
ROBERT HENRY ROSS – Irish Guards – 29.7.17
born in 1884 in Chilton to Robert and Sarah married Isabella in 1910 and, according to the 1911 Census had lost 2 babies by 1911. They lived at 85 Spout Lane (Poppy House). They had 2 more by 1915, Robert and Margaret. Their address was 14 Todd’s Buildings. Robert, a miner, served in 2 Battalion, Irish Guards and died of wounds on 29 September 1917. He was buried in Mendinghem Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Mendinghem.
WILLIAM CARL ROUTLEDGE – Royal Navy – 31.5.16
(sometimes Karl) was born to Robert and Margaret in Newcastle in 1897. By 1911 the family had moved to 14 Home View, Washington. He joined the Navy, became a wireman (electrician) and was serving on HMS Defence when it was sunk with all hands at Jutland on 31 May 1916. His name appears on Portsmouth Memorial. William was a member of the Westwood Club and his service was praised in the Holy Trinity magazine. No photo of him.
RALPH SAINT – Durham Light Infantry – 11.10.18
born in 1893 in Scotswood to William and Mary served in 13 DLI. Though he enlisted in 1915 he did not join his battalion until October 1918 and was killed only a week later, 11 october. He was buried in Quietiste Cemetery, not far from Honnechy. He married Mary (Kent) in 1913 and they had 2 sons. Ralph was a member of the Westwood Club and a miner at F Pit. No photo of him but have visited Quietiste.
FREDERICK SANDY – Durham Light Infantry – 30.3.18
born in Lumley in 1890, to Thomas and Elizabeth, he was a coal miner and lived at 6 Eden Terrace. He served in 1/9 DLI and was killed, near Puisieux on 30 March 1918. His name is on the Arras Memorial. Fred was brother to John Thomas Sandy (see below). Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JOHN THOMAS SANDY – Border Regiment – 4.7.16
was 4 years older than Fred and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He died of wounds, sustained near Fricourt, on 4 July 1916 and was buried in Daours Cemetery. John was married to Victoria (from 1908) and they had 2 children. Victoria received a war gratuity of £9.10.0d but Fred had owed the army 3d and she sent stamps to that amount, noted by an army pay clerk. John was a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Daours.
THOMAS SCORER – Royal Navy – 16.9.18
was born in 1891 at New Lambton, to Thomas and Elizabeth. A miner, he joined the Navy in 1918 and was killed on September 16 1918 when HMS Glatton exploded and sank in harbour at Dover. He was buried in Gillingham Woodlands Cemetery. Thomas had married Mary Ellen Lindsey, already a widow (HN Lindsey died of wounds 4 July 1916 – see above) and their child, Elizabeth, was baptised in March 1919. Thomas’ address is given as 13 Oxclose Street by the Roll of Honour. Photo of him but have not visited Gillingham.
ERNEST SEED – Border Regiment – 26.9.15
born in Durham in 1891 to John and Sarah, he served in 7 Battalion, Border Regiment and was killed ‘while carrying a wounded Sergeant’ on 26 September 1915 and buried in Brandhoek Cemetery. The battalion war diary suggests there was heavy shelling that day. Ernest was a miner at F Pit; his plaque still hangs on a wall in Washington Village. The family’s address was 27 Harold Street. Photo of him and have visited Brandhoek.
STEPHEN CHARLES SELF – Durham Light Infantry – 9.4.18
was born in Washington in 1882, son of William and Emma, the former a worker at the Chemical Works. Stephen became a clerk for North Eastern Railway. He married Emma (Slowther) in spring of 1915 and their address was Etherlea House, 2&3 Model Dwellings (Poppy House). Stephen died 9 April 1918 and was buried in Berlin South West Cemetery. No photo of him nor of his grave.
RALPH TURNER SIMM – Yorkshire Regiment – 20.7.16
born in Swalwell in 1880 married Mary (Glendinning) in 1903. They had at least one child, Violet, born in 1914. Ralph was a miner pre-war and then served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He died, presumably of wounds, in Sheffield on 20 July 1916 and was buried in Washington Cemetery, his address given as 11 Ash Street. Photo of him.
HENRY SIMPSON - Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born to Joseph and Dorothy in South Shields in 1898. He married Mary (Ferguson) and they had 2 children, Gordon and Norman. Henry served in 11 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. A miner at F Pit, Henry and his family lived at 32 Spout Lane. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
CHARLES HALL SMITH – Yorkshire Regiment – 16.6.16 – also on Harraton
brother of George Brabben Smith, served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was one of 7 men killed by a German canister bomb on 16 June 1916. He was 32, and was buried with his 6 pals in Point 110 New Military Cemetery, between Bray and Fricourt. He worked at Cook’s Ironworks. He lived in Hobson Terrace. Photo and have visited Point 110.
GEORGE BRABBEN SMITH DCM – Yorkshire Regiment - 1.7.16 – also on Harraton
was killed in action on 1 July 1916, a mere fortnight after his brother CH Smith, and buried in Fricourt Military Cemetery with 89 other men from his battalion. He served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Like his brother he lived at 26 Hobson Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Fricourt.
JOHN SMITH – Yorkshire Regiment – 31.10.18
born at Chester Moor in 1896 to Stephen and Margaret, was a coal miner, his address given as 13 River View. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds on 31 October. He is buried in Giavera Cemetery, near Treviso, Italy. Photo of him and have been to Giavera.
JOSEPH SPENCE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 4.6.16
(perhaps aka Wrightson) served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers and died of wounds on 4 June 1916 and was buried in Warloy-Baillon Cemetery. A miner at F Pit, Joseph was 27 when he died and was the husband of Sarah (they had a son) and was the adopted son of Mr and Mrs Gillens of 98 Village Lane. Joseph and Sarah lived at 96 Village Lane and later, perhaps at Beech Street. Photo of him and have visited Warloy Baillon.
JOSEPH SPROUL – Yorkshire Regiment – 8.2.17
was born to Samuel and Ellen in Hebburn in 1891. By 1901 the family had moved to Washington and lived at 49 Pattinson Town. Joseph joined up early in the war and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment before being killed on 8 February 1917. He was buried in Sailly-Saillisel Cemetery. Joseph was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Sailly-Saillisel.
JOHN FORD STAFFORD – Yorkshire Regiment – 12.5.17
born in 1896 in Houghton le Spring to William and Sarah was absent from the family home, 22 Avon Street, Washington, for the 1911 Census; he was in an isolation hospital. He enlisted early in the war and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment before his death on 12 May 1917. He is one of 19 men from his battalion, all killed on the same day, and listed on Arras Memorial. He was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. No photo but have been to Arras.
ROBERT STANNERS – Royal Field Artillery – 6.6.18
born to Robert and Barbara in Washington in 1898 worked as a stable boy for Washington Coop and by the time of his death was living at 6 Holyoake Terrace. He served as a gunner in 88 Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery and was killed in German shelling on 6 June 1918, near Marfaux. He was buried in Marfaux Cemetery. No photo but have been to Marfaux.
JAMES WILLIAM RAY STEPHENSON – Machine Gun Corps – 19.7.17 – also on Usworth
was born in Washington in 1884 to John and Margaret. A miner at F Pit, he married Margaret Ritson in 1911. In 1912 Albert was born. James served in 97 Machine Gun Company and was killed near Nieuport, on the Belgian coast on 19 July 1917 and buried in Ramscapelle Rd Cemetery. Washington Roll of Honour, surprisingly, gave no address – perhaps that was because the family had moved. Three other Stephenson/Ritson children were born up to 1915 but in the Morpeth area. Photo of him and have visited Ramscapelle Rd.
JOHN STEWART – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 29.6.16
born to James and Eleanor in Washington in 1882, married Mary Ross around 1905 and they had 2 children by 1911. Another child was born, and died, in 1915. John served in 11 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed by German shelling of the trenches in Thiepval Wood, on 29 June 1916 and buried at Cerisy-Gailly French National Cemetery. He attended Holy Trinity, Washington and was a member of usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Cerisy-Gailly.
WILLIAM JOHN BLACKETT STOKOE - Tank Corps – 27.5.18
was born in Washington in 1886 to William and Elizabeth (Mitchinson?). His father died in 1899. A miner at F Pit, William married Ann (nee Grainge) in 1916 and they lived at 23 Woodland Terrace (Poppy House). William served in 10 Company, Tank Corps. He was killed on 27 May 1918 and buried in Douellens Cemetery Number 2. Photo of him and have visited Douellens.
JOSEPH EDWARD STOREY – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.9.15
was born in Usworth in 1893 to William and Margaret. A miner at F Pit, he enlisted at Shiney Row and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, before being killed 1 September 1915. He was buried in Vormezeele Enclosure Number 3 Cemetery. His battalion war diary recorded no casualties on 1 September so he may have been one of the wounded that were recorded at the end of August. His address on the Roll of Honour was given as 10 Middlefield Row. Photo and have visited Vormezeele.
JOHN SWEENEY – Yorkshire Regiment – 7.6.17
born at Station Town in 1893, to John and Mary, he enlisted before 8 September 1914. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 7 June 1917. His name appears on the Menin Gate and on the Roman Catholic Memorial for Washington. His address on the Roll of Honour was 4 Blast Row. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate. A miner, he was a member of the Westwood Club.
JOHN TATTERS – Yorkshire Regiment – 2.4.17
served first in the Royal Engineers and then in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Though the battalion war diary mentions no casualties on that date, John was killed on 2 April 1917 near Arras and was buried in Wancourt Cemetery. Born to William and Sarah in 1886, he married Margaret (nee King) in 1909 and they had at least 2 children, their last address 26 Spout Lane. John was a member of Usworth Top Club and attended Holy Trinity, Washington. Photo of him and have visited Wancourt.
EDWARD THOMPSON – Durham Light Infantry – 1.10.16
brother of Robert (see below), was 28 when he enlisted in September 1914. A miner at F Pit, he served in 13 DLI until wounded on 1 October 1916. He died of those wounds the same day and was buried in Becourt Cemetery. His address was Black Bush, Washington Village (Poppy House), where he lived with his aunt, Mary Mason (and her son, William, also killed). His will left his property to her but his father wrote to the War Office asking for any money or medals due to Michael. Photo and have visited Becourt.
MICHAEL THOMPSON – Lincolnshire Regiment – 3.6.18
was born at Hetton le Hole in 1891 to William and Jane. He married Ellen (McMahon) in 1911 and served in 7 Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, attached to 51 Trench Mortar Battery. He was killed on 3 June 1918 and buried in Mailly Maillet Cemetery. The family address was given as 1 Denmark Street. Photo of him and have visited Mailly Maillet.
ROBERT THOMPSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.5.16
(see Edward above) enlisted in October 1914. He was married to Mary (Brookes) and had 4 children (another was born in 1915). He served in 8 Battalion, East Yorkshires, was killed at Loos on 26 September 1915 and was buried in Noeux les Mines Cemetery. A miner at F Pit, Robert was a member of the Westwood Club and lived at 15 Musgrave Terrace (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Noeux les Mines.
GEORGE TINDALE – Royal Field Artillery – 19.8.17
son of Martin and Kate, married Margaret (nee Anderson) 1913 and daughter Catherine was born in December of that year. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 19 Middlefield Row. George served in 15 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and was killed on 19 August 1917. His name is inscribed on Tyne Cot Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
JOHN GEORGE TODD – Northumberland Fusiliers – 12.3.16
born in Houghton le Spring 1885 to Richard and Mary, he became a coal miner. Married to Dorothy (Laidler 1912? – 2 sons John and Alfred born 1913 and 1915), he was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation and his address was given as 7 Middlefield Row. He served in 21 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) and died of wounds (unusually the battalion war diary actually listed other ranks casualties by name and number) 12 March 1916 and was buried in Brewery Orchard Cemetery, near to Armentieres. Photo of him and have visited Brewery Orchard.
BENJAMIN TURNBULL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.10.17
was born to David and Annie in Houghton le Spring in 1894. The family was living in Newbottle in 1911 and the Washington roll of Honour gave no address for Benjamin, though he was included by name. He was killed on 28 October while serving in 12/13 Northumberland Fusiliers and his name appears on Tyne Cot Memorial. Early on October 28 there was some heavy shelling. No photo but have visited Tyne Cot.
GEORGE URWIN – Yorkshire Regiment – 28.9.15
(brother of Robert - see below) was born in the USA but had returned to Britain by 1911 and was living at 6 Nelson Street with the family. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and spent, like several other Washington men, only three weeks in France before being killed at Loos – in his case on 28 September 1915. He was buried in Dud Corner Cemetery. His last address was 6 Wilden Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Dud Corner.
ROBERT URWIN – Yorkshire Regiment – 20.12.18
married Jennie (or Jessie) Drummond in 1907 and they had 4 children by 1914. He served in Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died (the army list of effects said of choking) on 20 December 1918. He was buried in Montecchio Precalcino Cemetery in Italy. A member of the Westwood Club he lived at 29 Ritchie Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Montecchio Precalcino.
BARTHOLOMEW READHEAD VARLEY – Army Cyclist Corps – 16.3.16
of 10 Musgrave Terrace was killed on 16 March 1916 while serving in 34 Division Cyclist Corps and buried at Ration Farm Cemetery, near to Armentieres. Bartholomew was son of Robert (Superintendent of Washington cemetery) and Mary and was born in Jarrow in 1895. He was a mason and a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Ration Farm
JOHN WAKE – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.3.16
(brother of Marker) was born to James and Sarah in 1895 in South Shields but by 1911 the family were living in Washington, at Middlefield Row. However, James had been one of 15 men and boys killed in the Glebe Pit disaster of 1908. John joined 7 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, and died of wounds on 9 March 1916 (though the battalion war diary suggests that early March was a quiet(ish) time near Vormezeele). He was buried in Boulogne Cemetery. The family address was 34 Nelson Street. Photo of him and have visited Boulogne
MARKER WAKE – East Yorkshire Regiment – 3.10.17
born in 1899, served in 6 Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment and was killed (his battalion were engaged in building roads and a light railway and burying phone cables) on 3 October 1917 and buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Bard Cottage. The fireplace from 34 Nelson Street is now in a house in Biddick Villas, a family photo hanging above it.
ALBERT WATSON – Durham Light Infantry – 25.10.18
(brother of Ernest – see below) was born in Station Town in 1898 to James and Hannah. The family moved to Washington after 1911 and lived at 24 Oak Street and 40 Nelson Street (Poppy House). Albert served in 15 DLI until his death, from wounds, on 25 October 1918. He was buried at Awoingt Cemetery. Hannah repaid the army 9x1d stamps in December 1919 and his medals were returned to the army in 1933 (no reason given). No photo but have visited Awoingt.
ERNEST WATSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.8.15
(see Albert above) was born in Station Town in 1894. He enlisted before 8 September 1914 and served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He was killed/presumed dead at Gallipoli on 9 August and is named on the Helles Memorial. As with Albert, his medals were returned in 1933. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
BENJAMIN WHITE – Royal Irish Fusiliers – 22.2.17
was born in Trimdon in 1896 to Benjamin and Elizabeth but by 1911 the family were living in Washington, the Roll of Honour noted Benjamin’s address as 6 Falshaw Street. A miner at F Pit, he served in 9 Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers and died on 22 February 1917 before being buried in Bailleul Cemetery. The war diary suggests he may have been acting as a stretcher bearer. Photo of him and have visited Bailleul.
HUBERT WILDEN – Cheshire Regiment – 19.7.16
was born in Washington in 1897 to Hubert (publican at the Earl of Durham Inn) and Jane. Hubert Sr died in 1908 and Mrs Wilden remarried and the family moved to South Shields. Hubert served in 16 Battalion, Cheshire Regiment and was killed in action in Trones Wood on 19 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval. The Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 1 Wilden Terrace.
ALFRED WILKINSON – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
son of William and Sarah, was born in Shildon in about 1878. He married Mary and they had (probably) 4 children. Alfred served in 11 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Alfred was a member of Usworth Top Club and lived at 29 Station Terrace/29 Pitt’s Buildings – perhaps the same house. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HENRY WILKINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.6.15 – also on Harraton
a Lance Corporal in 10 DLI, was killed on 26 June 1915, about 2 miles from Ypres and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Son of William and Mary Ann, born in 1896, he lived at 11 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House) and is also commemorated on Washington Village Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Menin Gate.
JOHN WILKINSON – King’s Liverpool Regiment – 5.8.17
was born to John and Sarah in Wallsend in 1879. The family moved to Washington and lived in Pattinson Town, John’s last address being 63 Pattinson Town. He served in 17 Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment and died of wounds on 5 August 1917. He was buried in Ljissenthoek Cemetery. His siblings shared what money was paid to his family after the war. No Photo but have visited Ljissenthoek.
JOHN WILLIAM WILKINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 19.12.15
served in 14 DLI until his death (along with at least 24 others of his battalion) on 19 December 1915 in a German gas and high explosive bombardment He was buried in Potijze Cemetery, in a collective grave. Son of Jonathan and Bridget, he was born in Newcastle in 1894 and his address as stated by the Roll of Honour was 14 Home View. No photo but have visited Potijze.
ROBERT WILKINSON – Royal Fusiliers – 18.9.18
was born to Henry and Violet at Heddon on the Wall in 1889. By 1911 the family were living at Edmondsley. At what point Robert lived in Washington isn’t clear because the Roll of Honour gave no address for him. Nor was there an address for Robert when he was listed in the Washington Volunteer record. However, he served in 4 Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and was killed on 18 September 1918. He is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. No photo but have visited Vis-en-Artois.
FRED WILSON – Northamptonshire Regiment - 13.11.17
born in Usworth in 1892 to George and Elizabeth but living in Wolviston in 1911. In 1915 Iris Alsace Loraine Wilson (she married John Reay in 1940) was baptised, daughter of Fred and Margaret (Lomax), the address 14 Richardson Terrace. The Washington Roll of Honour gave Fred’s address as 6 Eden Terrace. He served in 1 Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, was killed 13 November 1917 and is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot
THOMAS WISEMAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 31.12.15
born in Washington in 1886 to Charles and Isabella, became a miner at F Pit. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 31 December 1915, probably during a sneak patrol by three Germans who shot two sentries before disappearing. He was buried in Houplines Cemetery. His sister, Sarah, was paid his wages owing and his mother received his war gratuity of £5. No photo of him but have been to Houplines.
ARTHUR J YOUNG – Durham Light Infantry – 25.9.15
born in Coxhoe in 1891, married Susan (nee Prudhoe) in 1910. He was a miner at F Pit and they had three children – John, Joseph and Mary. Arthur served in 15 DLI and was killed at Loos on 25/26 September 1915. He is commemorated on Loos Memorial. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 66 Speculation Place. Photo of him and have visited Loos.
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THOMAS ALLEN – MM Border Regiment – 29.10.17
of 23 Middlefield Row, son of James and Kate, served in 7 Battalion Border Regiment and died of wounds, aged 24, on 29 October 1917. His name is listed on Tyne Cot Memorial. His effects were sent to Kate. Thomas was a coal miner. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
JOHN ALLSOPP – Royal Field Artillery – 3.9.18
born in Washington in 1894, was a son of Anthony and Margaret but, in 1911 was living and working in Horden. Washington Roll of Honour gives his address as 88 Speculation Place. He was a driver in the Royal Artillery and served in France from August 1915 until his death on 3 September 1918. He is listed on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Vis en Artois.
FRED ANDERSON – Royal Horse Artillery – 16.11.16
of 48 Nelson Street, was accidentally (no details given in the war diary) killed, on 16 November 1916 while serving as a driver in 147 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He was 19, a son of Thomas and Mary Anna. He was buried in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban. Photo of him and have visited Montauban.
FRED ARMSTRONG – East Yorkshire Regiment - 25.4.18
born in Newbottle, volunteered in November 1914, served in 1/4 East Yorkshires and was killed on 25 April 1918. His name is one of the 55,000 on the Menin Gate. Fred was married to Ethel with 2 children when he joined up and another son, Fred Archer Armstrong, named after the champion jockey, was born in 1916. The family lived at 15 St Peter’s Street. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
JAMES ARMSTRONG – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
who served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish), lived at High Barmston Farm and was married to Margaret. He was a member of the congregation at Washington Holy Trinity. James was killed on 1 July 1916 near La Boiselle and his name is one of the 72,000 on Thiepval Memorial. Photo and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES LOWES ASH – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.7.16
son of James, an engineer at the chemical works, and Mary, was born in 1895. He served in the Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 10 July 1916 in attacks by his battalion (8th) on Contalmaison. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The family lived at 4 Lowthian Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Thiepval. His war gratuity was paid to an uncle.
HEATHERINGTON ATKINSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 22.3.18
born at West Kyo in 1893 was son of William and Elizabeth. By 1911 they were at Ash Street, Washington, a later address being Avon Street. Heatherington served in 13 Battalion,Yorkshire Regiment until his death on 22 March 1918, a day on which 65 men from his battalion were killed near Ervillers, south of Arras. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Arras.
RALPH ATKINSON – Royal Irish Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was one of at least 9 children of Thomas and Isabella, all born in Sunderland. However, Isabella (Thomas had died by 1911) moved to Washington and Ralph’s last address was given as 8 Oak Street. Ralph was only 18 when killed on 1 July 1916. He served in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, though the CWGC suggests the Royal Irish Fusiliers. The Irish Fusiliers were in Salonica in 1916. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
SAMUEL BAGGOTT – Durham Light Infantry – 26.3.18
was born in Darlaston, Staffordshire in 1891. He served in 22 DLI until his death on 26 March 1918. He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial. Soldiers’ Effects suggest he died as a PoW but there is no record of him in the Red Cross information. John Sheen suggests Sam was attached to 170 Tunnelling Company. Anyway, Sam was an ex policeman, married to Elizabeth (Gibson) and living at 15 Emmerson Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Pozieres.
CHARLES WILLIAM BAISTER – Royal Field Artillery – 31.7.17
was born in Washington in 1897, son of Charles and Phyllis. Charles, a miner at F Pit, served as a Gunner in 71 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery until his death, of wounds, on 31 July 1917. He was buried in Brandhoek Cemetery, near Ypres. Charles lived at 20 Havannah Terrace. No photo of him but have visited Brandhoek.
CHARLES ROBERT BALL – Yorkshire Regiment – 18.2.17
born in North Shields in 1890 and, when war came was an early volunteer, prior to 8 September 1914. He served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds in hospital at Rouen on 18 February 1917, his burial taking place in St Sever Cemetery. Charles, a miner at F Pit, lived at 43 Nelson Street; his brother William was also killed. Photo of him and have visited St Sever.
WILLIAM JOHN BALL – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve – 15.5.17
was a deck hand on board HMS Floandi when it was attacked by three ships of the Austrian Navy on 15 May 1917. He was buried in Taranto Town Cemetery. The Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 42 Nelson Street. Both Charles and William Ball were commemorated in the Washington Holy Trinity church magazine after their deaths. No photo and have not yet visited Taranto.
JOHN BANNISTER – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – October/December 1918
served in 8 Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry until his discharge, mid 1918, suffering from tuberculosis. His weight, at that point, was 99lbs. John’s address was given as 17 Musgrave Terrace (Poppy House). He’d served in France from April to May 1918 and was buried in Washington Cemetery but without, it appears a soldier’s headstone. Though only 19 when he died he may have been married to Dorothy because a child, also Dorothy, was both baptised and, shortly thereafter, buried in 1915. The parents were named as John and Dorothy Bannister of 17 Musgrave Terrace. No photo of him.
JOSEPH BARNABAS – East Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.15
He was born in Wigan in 1894 to Joseph and Elizabeth and was killed at Loos only 17 days after arriving in France. Joe served in 8 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. The family lived at 9 Wilden Terrace in 1914 but Joseph’s address on the Washington Roll of Honour was given as 21 Walker’s Buildings, probably a move during the war. Photo of him and have visited Loos.
ROBERT BATEMAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 17.1.17
was born in Monkwearmouth in 1894 to Dale and Mary. A miner, living at 60 Pattinson Town, he served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds, possibly from a misdirected British barrage, on 17 January 1917. He has no known grave and so is included on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
EDWARD BELL – Royal Field Artillery – 12.12.17
first served in 28 Northumberland Fusiliers but he transferred to 63 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and was killed on 12 December 1917 (though the Brigade war diary describes the front as very quiet from 10-16 December) and was buried in Fins New British Cemetery. Edward, son of Thomas and Elizabeth, was 19, his last address given as 33 Woodland Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Fins.
ROBERT BERESFORD – West Yorkshire Regiment – 22.2.15
born in Ryhope in 1895 was son of Jonathan and Isabella and enlisted before 8 September 1914. He served in 1 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment until his death on 22 February 1915, the only man from his battalion killed that day. He was buried in Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 4 Avon Street; his war gratuity was shared among three of his six siblings. Photo of him and have visited Armentieres.
STEPHENSON BESFORD - Durham Light Infantry – 10.10.15
a married coal miner of 64 Speculation Place enlisted in 15 DLI in Gateshead in September 1914. He died of a gunshot wound to the head (probably sustained at Loos) in hospital in Rouen on 10 October 1915 and was buried in St Sever Cemetery. A miner at F Pit he was married to Elleanor (later Buckham) and they had three children. Photo of him and have visited St Sever.
WILLIAM HOLMES BORTHWICK – Durham Light Infantry – 7.10.15 – also on Harraton
aged 20, died of wounds at 23 Casualty Clearing Station on 7 October 1915, having sustained those wounds on 26 September at Loos, at which time he had been in France 15 days. He was in 15 DLI and was buried at Lapugnoy Cemetery. Lived at 5 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House) and is commemorated on both Washington and Fatfield/Harraton Memorials. Photo of him and visited grave.
ALFRED BRABAN AND AE BRABAN
struggling to disentangle these two men.
JACOB AYNSLEY BRANTON – Royal Engineers – 30.11.17
son of Stephen and Kate was born in Sunderland about 1886 but by 1911 was living as a boarder in 12 Ellen Terrace, the address given by Washington Roll of Honour at the end of the war. He was killed in a smallish German attack on the line near Villiers Guislain and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Jacob was a Sapper in 422 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Have no photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
GEORGE R0BERT BROWN – Royal Field Artillery – 2.12.17
son of Hodgen and Mary was born at New Silksworth in 1894. He served in 46 Brigade, Royal Artillery and was killed in German shelling, along with 2 others from the Battery, on 2 December 1917. He was buried in Vlamertinghe Cemetery. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 27 Beech Street and the recipient of his war gratuity was his mother. No photo of him but have been to Vlamertinghe.
ROBERT BROWN – Royal Scots – 25.9.15
was living at Blast Row when he enlisted, sometime before 8 September 1914. Serving in 12 Royal Scots he was killed at Loos on 25 September 1915 and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. He may have been the son of Edward and Lydia, with whom he was living at 5 Dorcas Terrace (Poppy House) in 1911 but his war gratuity was paid to his mother, Elizabeth (sic). His battalion lost 47 men killed 281 wounded and 157 missing on 25 September. No photo of him And have visited Loos.
WALTER BROWN – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers - 8.7.16
born in Usworth in 1889 was son of George and Mary and served in 11 Inniskilling Fusiliers. He died of wounds on 8 July 1916, presumably in hospital at Etaples on the coast, which was where he was buried. He was husband of Catherine and father to three children, the family’s last address being 29 Speculation Place. No photo of him but have visited Etaples.
WALTER BROWN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 26.10.17
son of Robert and Dorothy, was born in 1893 and lived at 12 Havannah Terrace. He was serving in 1/4 Northumberland Fusiliers when killed near Ypres on 26 October 1917; he was buried in Cement House Cemetery. His battalion lost 36 men killed that day and 156 were wounded. No photo of him but have visited Cement House.
HARRY CHILVERS – Yorkshire Regiment – 28.9.15
was born to Harry and Lucy in Barmston in 1882; by 1911 he’d married Edith (born in Suffolk, to where she returned after his death) and they had a son, Harry. They lived at 9 or 19 Station Rd. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was sent to France on 9 September 1915. Seventeen days later he was killed at Loos and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. He was a member of the Westwood Club and worked at the chemical works. No photo of him but have visited Loos.
FRANCIS JAMES RAINE CLAUGHAN – East Yorkshire Regiment - 10.7.16
of 28 Beech Street was married to Sarah and father of four children. By the time he was killed (10 July 1916, aged 34, near Mametz) he’d risen to be CSM in 7 East Yorkshires. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. A relative states that his grandfather fought in the Peninsula War in 1814. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval. He was a member of the Westwood Club.
JOHN WILLIAM COOK – Border Regiment – 1.7.16
was born in Washington in 1893, son of John and Annie. His last address was given as 12 Harold Street. He served in 1 Battalion, Border Regiment and was killed not far from Beaumont Hamel (Henry Marriner was in the same battalion and died on the same day) on 1 July 1916 and is named on the Thiepval Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
JOHN CORNISH – Yorkshire Regiment – 13.10.16
born in Ryhope in 1895 was son of Anthony (nicely a Cornishman) and Violet. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 13 October 1917, his name added to the Thiepval Memorial. Washington Roll of Honour gave his last address as 6 Blast Row. He was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation and tribute was paid to him in the Parish magazine. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH COULTHARD – Durham Light Infantry – 2.2.16
a Lance Corporal in 10 DLI and son of Isaac and Dinah, was one of 6 men from his battalion killed on 2 February 1916 – the war diary stated that 5 were killed by shellfire and 1 by a bullet. He was buried in Essex Farm Cemetery, just beside the Ypres Canal and close to where John McCrae wrote, ‘In Flanders Fields.’ Joseph was 22 and his address was given as 38 Station Rd. No photo but have visited Essex Farm.
THOMAS COWELL – Durham Light Infantry – 5.1.16
born in Dunston, was 21 when he attested in September 1914. Married to Ellen, (McCrerey) who was almost certainly the daughter of Thomas (killed 1 July 1916), he served in 2 DLI and was killed, probably by shellfire, near Potijze, on 5 January 1916. He was buried in Potijze Cemetery. Thomas (sometimes Cowel) was a miner at F Pit. Photo of him and have visited Potijze.
ERNEST WILLIAM COXON – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve – 17.10.17
was an engine room artificer on HMS Mary Rose and was killed, or died, on 17 October 1917 when his destroyer was sunk by two German light cruisers while escorting a convoy to Scandinavia. His body was not recovered for burial and so he is listed on the Chatham Memorial. Born in 1882 he joined the Navy in 1903 for 12 years but his record includes no information after 1911. Ernest was married to Henrietta and lived at 55 Glebe Crescent (Poppy House). No photo and have not yet been to Chatham.
RICHARD DAGLISH – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.8.16
of 11 Middlefield Row attested before 8 September 1914. He served in 7 Yorkshires and was one of 3 men from his battalion killed on 10 August 1916, all of them buried in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban. Born in 1890, he married Annie (Reed) in August 1911. Photo of him and have visited Quarry Cemetery.
GEORGE ROBERT DAVISON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.16
of 4 Eden Terrace, was a married miner (Mary, later Fowell) with three children when he attested in 1914. He served in 6 East Yorkshires and was one of 22 men from his battalion killed in action, near Mouquet Farm on 26 September 1916. He is named on the Thiepval Memorial. He was a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
EDWARD DEAN – Durham Light Infantry – 25.7.16
served in 19 DLI, the Bantams. He was killed on 25 July 1916, aged 27, in fighting near Delville Wood and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. After his death his mother and eldest brother, William, received payments from the army. Though his effects were sent home, William wrote to the army asking about his wristwatch and safety razor. His address was given as 2 Oxclose Street. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
VALENTINE DIXON – Durham Light Infantry – 28.9.16
of 32 Nelson Street, was born to John and Eleanor in Newcastle in 1894. He served in 10 DLI and died of wounds, (gunshots to the back) in 12 General Hospital, Rouen. He was buried in St Sever Cemetery. Valentine was a miner at F Pit and his father a greengrocer for the Coop. No photo but have visited St Sever.
ALEXANDER DOBSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 17.7.17
his address on the Washington Roll of Honour given as 9 Station Rd, was born in Barmston in 1885. He worked at the chemical works. When war came he enlisted before 8 September 1914 and served in 1/5 Yorkshire Regiment. He was the only man of his battalion killed on 17 July 1917, near Neuville Vitasse, and was buried in Heninel Communal Cemetery Extension. A sister, Beatrice, received his war gratuity. No photo but have visited Heninel.
GEORGE JAMES DOBSON – Machine Gun Corps – 18.9.16 – also on Harraton
of the Machine Gun Corps was killed on 18 September 1916, aged 18. He is listed on the Thiepval Memorial. The son of Thomas and Elizabeth Dobson and stepson of Private J Rumney, he lived at the Earl of Durham Inn and then 8 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House). His name also appears on the Harraton/Fatfield Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS DONALDSON – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
born in South Hylton (and listed on that memorial too), was married to Mary (Harrison) and had three children. He was killed in action on 1 July 1916, near Fricourt, while serving in 15 DLI. Private G Dunning confirmed his death. His name is one of the 72,000 on Thiepval Memorial. Thomas lived at 2 Clyde Street and was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
PATRICK DOWD – Yorkshire Regiment – 17.7.17
son of Michael and Mary was born in 1881 at Dean’s Valley, Durham.
JOHN THOMAS DOUGLAS – Army Service Corps – 30.4.16
of 12 or 16 (sources vary) Glen Terrace, was buried in Washington Cemetery on 3 August 1916 but he has not got the normal service headstone. John had been discharged from the Army Service Corps; his case was one of those discussed by the Chester-le-Street Poor Law Union which was trying to come to terms with an increasing number of such cases. A miner, John was married with 7 children and was 42 when he died. No photo of him.
RICHARD DRUMMOND – Yorkshire Regiment – 14.10.15 – also on Harraton
He was shot in the head at Loos and died in Charing Cross Hospital on 14 October 1915. His body was returned to Usworth by train and buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Cemetery. Edith Loos Drummond was born to Richard and Mary (Nagle) after the former’s death. Richard served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Living at Hobson Terrace he is also listed on the Harraton/Fatfield Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Usworth churchyard.
FRANCIS JOSEPH DUFFY – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.3.16
was born to Simon and Margaret at Barmston in 1894. He served in 2 Battalion, West Yorkshires and was killed on 4 March 1916, with 6 other men from his battalion, most of them by German shelling, not far from Curlu. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Brother to John Robert (see below) he lived at 5 Station Rd and worked at a colliery (probably North Biddick). Photo and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN ROBERT DUFFY – Durham Light Infantry – 25.9.15
of 5 Station Rd (see above) was a labourer at the chemical works when he enlisted in September 1914. He served in 14 DLI and was killed at Loos on 25 September 1915. His name appears on the Loos Memorial. Mr Duffy received a letter telling him that his son had been seen after the battle but it turned out to have been a Private Duffield. Another letter confirmed that the author (Corporal William Marley – see below) had seen his son killed. Photo and have been to Loos.
JAMES EDWARD DWYER – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.5.17 – also on Harraton
Sergeant 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, died of wounds, aged 35, on 14 May 1917 and was buried in Vlamertinghe Cemetery, near Ypres. He married a widow, Isabella Mowbray, in 1912. James had been in the army pre-war. He is also listed on Washington Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Vlamertinghe.
JOHN EDWARD ELLISON – Royal Naval Division – 13.11.16
son of John and Jane, was born in Usworth in 1896 and served in the Royal Naval Division (Howe Battalion). He was killed on 13 November 1916 and buried in Ancre Cemetery. At the time of his enlistment he was a miner and the family were at 51 Havannah Terrace, later moving to 11 New Rows. John’s brother Turner (see below) was also killed. Photo and have visited Ancre Cemetery.
TURNER ELLISON – Royal Field Artillery – 7.10.17 – also on Usworth
was born in 1888. In 1909 he married Catherine (Carter) and they had at least 1 son, John. Turner, a miner at F Pit, served in 78 Brigade Royal Field Artillery and was killed in heavy shelling near Langemarck, on 7 October 1917 and buried in Cement House Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Cement House.
JOHN WILLIAM ELTRINGHAM – Yorkshire Regiment – 11.1.16
was born in Gateshead in 1885 and married Winifred (Leeson) in 1907. They had at least one son, John Theodore. Corporal Eltringham, 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, was killed on 11 January 1916, by German shelling and was buried in Cite Bonjean Cemetery at Armentieres. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as the Post Office, Village Lane. The Rector of Holy Trinity said John was one of the finest characters he’d ever known. Photo of him and have visited Cite Bonjean.
FRANK EMBLETON – Royal Navy – 29.8.18
served as an Able Seaman on the Iron Duke, a battleship, and drowned on 29 August 1918, the circumstances unknown. Frank, a miner at F Pit, is listed on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Son of John and Elizabeth, he was born in 1889 and enlisted in June 1916. No photo and have not yet visited Portsmouth
MATTHEW ENGLISH –Durham Light Infantry – 24.3.16
was born in Hunwick in 1889, his parents Thomas and Jane. He was a married coal miner (Ruby nee Turnbull, with a daughter, Jennie), living at 8 Derwent Crescent (Poppy House) when he enlisted in October 1915. A Lance Corporal in 20 DLI, he died of cerebro spinal fever on 24 March 1916 in the Military Isolation Hospital, Aldershot. He was buried in Hunwick Churchyard. Ruby received no war gratuity, his length of service being deemed insufficient. No photo but have visited Hunwick.
SARAH FERGUSON – 23.6.18
The death certificate for Sarah Ferguson states that she died at 61, Havannah Terrace on 23rd June 1918. Her father, James, was present at her death, the cause of which was phthisis pulmonares, i.e. tuberculosis. Her death was certified by Dr William Jacques. Speculation in Sarah’s family is that she was a nursing assistant, perhaps at Blackfell Sanatorium, which was not far away from Havannah Terrace. Her name is on the Washington Roll of Honour but no address was given.
JOSEPH FORSTER – Royal Garrison Artillery – 2.5.15
born in Washington in 1895, was son of William and Elizabeth. During the war he served in 26 Brigade Royal Field Artillery and died of wounds on 2 May 1918. He was buried in Douellens No2 Cemetery. His brother, George Wheatley Forster was killed in 1916 while serving in the Australian forces. Joseph’s sister, Martha, received his war gratuity. No photo of him but have visited Douellens.
JOHN DOUGLASS FORSTER – Dorsetshire Regiment – 18.8.17
(brother of William (see below) son of Joseph and Jane lived at 8 Pattinson Town. He was born in 1887 and served in 5 Dorsetshires before dying of wounds sustained on 18 October 1917, near Langemarck. He was buried in Dozinghem Cemetery. His father received a war gratuity of £14. No photo of him but have visited Dozinghem.
WILLIAM FORSTER – Yorkshire Regiment – 14.8.16
(see above), married to Ellen and living at 25 Pattinson Town, was a chemical worker when he enlisted. He served in 8 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds in Rouen on 14 August 1916. He was buried in St Sever Cemetery. He was a member of the congregation of Holy Trinity, Washington. No photo but have visited Rouen.
GEORGE FORSTER – West Yorkshire Regiment – 16.8.17
(brother of John Thomas, see below), son of Joseph and Isabella (Joseph married again, Margaret Ann, in 1905) and was 24 when he was killed in action on 16th August 1917. The 9th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment war diary suggests they were fighting at Langemarck on that date but George is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, a discrepancy to be explained. Like his father, George was a cartman and their address was given as 4 Station Rd.
JOHN THOMAS FOSTER – Durham Light Infantry – 3.10.17
(see above) a Private in 15 DLI, was killed in action on 3 October 1917 and buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery. A cartman, of 4 Station Rd, he was 23 when killed. He is also listed on the Harraton Memorial. His brother George was also killed, while siblings, Joseph William and Jane Isabelle, also served in France. Photo of him and visited Tyne Cot.
ALBERT VICTOR FUTERS – Durham Light Infantry – 16.9.16
was born at Littletown, Durham, in 1891, the son of Stephen, and Margaret. He married Maud (Oswald) in 1913 and, by the time of his death on 16 September 1916, had a son, also Albert Victor. Albert, who served, like his brother, Stephen, in 10 DLI, is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Stephen, by now with only one leg, returned to Biddick Mixed School in 1919 to borrow books for study. Albert lived at 34 Station Rd. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HUGH GARDNER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 11.7.16
was born in Hetton-le-Hole in around 1890, the son of Hugh and Ann. When they moved to Washington they lived at Northampton House (Poppy House) and when Hugh married Dora (Dixon) they moved into 4 Nelson Street (Poppy House), then 9 Emmerson Terrace (Poppy House), then 7 Robinson Terrace (Poppy House). Hugh served in 1/6 Northumberland Fusiliers, was presumed dead from 11 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. No photo but have visited Menin Gate.
T GARDNER – perhaps DLI -1.7.16
not sure but there was a Thomas Gardiner of Weardale House who enlisted before 8 September 1914. He was a Sunderland man and his wife, Jane (Gowland) received his war gratuity. T Gardner is listed on the Washington Roll of Honour but with no address. Tom Gardner of 18 DLI was killed on 1 July 1916 and buried in Serre Rd Cemetery. No photo but have visited Serre Rd.
JAMES GASTON – MC Royal Army Medical Corps – 5.11.18
of 48 Speculation Place was included on the Washington Roll of Honour. Born in Ballymena in 1883, he was a Captain in Royal Army Medical Corps, attached to 4 Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. He was wounded in action on 3 November 1918, died 2 days later and was buried in Arras Rd Cemetery, Roclincourt. His brother also served as a doctor in RAMC. Photo of him and have visited Arras Rd. He is named in Ruvigny’s Roll.
JOHN GILMANEY – Royal Irish Fusiliers – 1.7.16
of 5 Robinson Terrace (Poppy House) was born in Washington in 1896 to John and Ann, the former dying sometime before 1911. John joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (perhaps in Grey St, Newcastle where they had a recruiting office) before transferring to 9 Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. He was killed near Hamel on 1 July 1916 and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
GEORGE GOLDEN –Yorkshire Regiment – November/December 1918
of 24 Oxclose St, was discharged from the army in February 1918, suffering from nephritis – the army agreed that it was caused by ‘exposure’ at Messines in 1917. He died in October and was buried in Washington Cemetery but without a normal CWGC headstone. His wife received a war gratuity of £14.10.0d, useful for a widow with 7 children. George had served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. No photo.
ROBERT STEPHENSON GOULD – Lincolnshire Regiment – 9.4.17
was serving in 10 Lincolnshire Battalion, the Grimsby Chums, when killed, aged 30, on 9 April 1917, near Arras. His name was placed on the Arras Memorial but his body was (evidence suggests) one of 20 found in 2001 and was reburied in Point du Jour Cemetery. Robert worked at Cook’s Ironworks and was married to Jane with a daughter, Agnes. Photo of him and have visited Point du Jour.
WILLIAM GRAHAM – West Yorkshire Regiment - 9.8.15
son of John and Mary was born in Washington in 1888. William’s address was given as 58 Havannah Terrace on the Washington Roll of Honour. He served in 9 Battalion, West Yorkshires and was killed on 9 August 1915 in Gallipoli. His name appears on the Helles Memorial, on F Pit Memorial and on the Roman Catholic Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ROBERT WILLIAM GRAINGE - Royal Scots – 11.8.16
erved in 11 Battalion, Royal Scots until his death, aged 26, on 11 August 1916 in 4 Scottish Hospital, Glasgow, His parents, Henry and Jane, pre-deceased him but his fiancée was Margaret Ferguson. Robert may never have lived in Washington but an aunt, Margaret Dowson, who lived at Woodland House, now 23 Woodland Terrace, appears to have taken a role in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Robert was buried in Wrangholm Kirk Churchyard, Motherwell. Photo of him but have not yet visited Wrangholm.
JOHN EDWARD GREEN – Durham Light Infantry – 27.4.15
who served in 1/8 DLI, was killed on 27 April 1915, after only 8 days in France. He was probably killed by German shelling while carrying supplies to the front line and was buried in Vlamertinghe Cemetery. Son of Henry and Elizabeth, and a miner, his address was given as 7 Robinson Terrace on the Washington Roll of Honour. Photo of him and have visited Vlamertinghe.
EDWARD HALL –Welsh Regiment – 5.11.17
son of Edward and Margaret was born in Washington in 1898. He was mobilised in January 1917, joining 1/5 Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He joined the battalion in Egypt in in July 1917 and was killed in action on 5 November 1917 in Palestine. He was buried in Beersheba Cemetery. A miner at F Pit, Edward lived at 66 Havannah Terrace. Photo of him but have not yet visited Beersheba.
GEORGE NORMAN HALL – East Yorkshire Regiment – 29.9.15
was born to Thomas and Esher at Fatfield in 1896. When he enlisted, in November 1914 he was an apprentice at Cook’s Ironworks. He joined 7 East Yorkshires and died of wounds (probably suffered during German shelling) on 29 September 1915, his body interred at Lijssenthoek Cemetery. The family lived at 9 Harold Street. Photo of him and have visited Lijssenthoek.
THOMAS HANLON – Royal Fusiliers – 22.8.18
was born in Washington in 1898 to Thomas and Mary. He served in 9 Royal Fusiliers and was killed on 22 August 1918 during the fighting which re-took Meaulte from the Germans. He was buried in Meaulte Cemetery, just outside Albert. Thomas was a member of the Westwood Club and lived, with his parents, at 8 Home View. Photo of him and have visited Meaulte.
MATTHEW HARDING – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 16.8.17
was born in 1887 to Matthew and Isabella and became a miner at F Pit. He enlisted in 11 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, probably in Grey Street, Newcastle where that regiment had a recruiting office and was killed near Ypres on 16 August 1917. His name is inscribed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot. His last address, and that of his parents, was 12 New Rows.
GEORGE WILLIAM HARRISON - Royal West Surrey Regiment – 23.3.18
was born to Thomas and Jane in Felling in 1898. His father was a railwayman and the 1911 Census noted them at 11 North Eastern railway Cottages at Washington Station. George was killed near Beugny on 23 March 1918 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He served in 11 Battalion, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. His medal roll records that, for no specified reason, his War and Victory medals were returned. No photo of him but have visited Arras.
JOSEPH HAYDOCK – Army Service Corps – 14.11.18
was A miner at F Pit. Born in Broughton Moor, Cumberland in 1893, he was the son of William and Jane and he served in the Army Service Corps, with the XIII Corps Troops Mechanical Transport section. He died on 14 November 1918 and was buried at Guizancourt Farm Cemetery, Gouy. Washington Roll of Honour gives his address as 5 Municipal Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have been to Guizancourt Farm.
WILLIAM HEDLEY – not yet identified
His name appears on the F Pit memorial and on the Washington Roll of Honour, the latter document giving his address as 5 Ann Street, Bill Quay. John William Hedley married Robert Bateman’s sister, Ida, in 1916 and children (James and Irene) were born in South Shields and Chester le Street in 1917 and 1918 to a mother whose maiden name was Bateman. However, unable, at the moment to track down, for certain, W Hedley.
EDGAR HELM – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
was killed on 1 July 1916 near to Fricourt and was buried in Gordon Dump Cemetery, just outside Albert. Married to Annie (nee Marshall) and brother of James Percival Helm (see below), Edgar was father to four children and the family lived at 7/8Oxclose Street. In fact another child was born christened in 1919, by which time he’d been dead over 2 years. Edgar was a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Gordon Dump.
PERCY HELM – Royal Lancaster Regiment - 20.11.17
was born in Richmond in 1880 and served in 1/4 King’s Own Lancasters until his death, near St Emilie, on 20 November 1917. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Percy was a single man who had boarded at 5 Dorcas Terrace but no address was given on the Roll of Honour. He was a miner at F Pit. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
SAMUEL HOLBROOK – Royal Naval Division – 20.6.15
was born to Sam (who was injured at F Pit in 1917 and died in 1919) and Mary, in Washington in 1896. When Sam enlisted he became an Able Seaman in the Hawke Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. Sam, a miner at F Pit, was killed at Gallipoli on 20 June 1915 and his name is inscribed on the Helles Memorial. His record includes a detailed description, given by his pals, of his death. Sam’s brother Thomas won the Military Medal and also served in WW2 and a sister, Emily, had a child in 1919 that she named Sam. Sam’s parents lived at 22 Havannah Terrace and later at 7 Musgrave Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
THOMAS HOLMES – Border Regiment – 5.7.16
son of Thomas and Margaret, was born at Pittington in 1896. Thomas served in 8 Battalion, Border Regiment and was killed in action on 5 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. A member of the Holy Trinity Congregation, Thomas was a pick carrier according to the 1911 Census. His parents, whose address was 16 Derwent Terrace (Poppy House), placed an In Memoriam notice in the Illustrated Chronicle. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
RALPH JAMES HOPSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
a miner at F Pit, was born in Washington in 1897. His background is somewhat confused by marriage and remarriage but he was son of Jane, originally from Whitehaven. Ralph served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916, his name being one of the 72,000 on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
ROBERT SAMUEL HOUSE – Border Regiment – 26.8.15
born in 1889 to Robert and Isabella, lived at 28 Station Rd and served in 7 Battalion, Border Regiment. Robert was a metal moulder at Cook’s ironworks. He was one of 8 men in his battalion killed on 26 August 1915, having arrived in France on 24 July. He is buried in Ridge Wood Cemetery, not far from Ypres. No photo but have visited Ridge Wood.
GEORGE SMITH HUDDART(D) – East Yorkshire Regiment – 28.6.17
was born in Washington to Robert and Mary and was 21, a married coal miner, when he attested in Washington in November 1914. George had married Ruth (Greener) and their child, Joy Aisne Smith Huddart, was born in 1915. Serving in 13 East Yorkshires, he was killed on 28 June 1917 in Oppy Wood. He is listed on the Arras Memorial and also on F Pit and Westwood Club memorials. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JOSEPH HUMBLE – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.7.16 – also on Harraton
served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed, near Contalmaison, aged 26, on 10 July 1916. He is listed on the Thiepval Memorial. Joseph, of 22 The Parade, (Poppy House) was also listed on the Washington Memorial. A metal moulder by trade, he worked for Cook’s Ironworks. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
ERNEST HUNTER - West Yorkshire Regiment – 30.8.17
lived at 103 New Road, Spout Lane and was married to Isabella (Harvey) from 1916. He died of wounds on 30 August 1917 and was buried in Dozinghem Cemetery, Flanders. Son of Thomas and Agnes he was a building contractor and served in 9 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. No photo but have visited Dozinghem.
ROBERT W IVERS (IEVERS) – Durham Light Infantry – 9.4.17
born in Carlow, Ireland to Edwin and Annie served in 10 DLI and was killed on 9 April 1917, first day of the Battle of Arras. He was buried in Hibers Trench Cemetery. He was a member of the Westwood Club and attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo but have visited Hibers Trench.
RICHARD JAMESON – Royal Welsh Fusiliers – 22.12.17
was a Science teacher at Washington School (Poppy Building). Son of Thomas and Helen of Alma House, Hebburn and born in 1889, Richard was married to Margaret and lived at 5 Glebe Crescent (Poppy House). He served as a Private in 1/6 Royal Welsh Fusiliers and was killed or died of wounds on 22 December 1917 and was buried in Kantara Cemetery. No photo and have not yet been to Kantara.
ROBERT JEFFERSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – April/June 1918
(brother of Thomas see below), a blacksmith, was born in Washington in 1892 to John and Catherine. He served in East Yorkshire Regiment and spent time in France, Egypt and Salonica (in that order) before being invalided out of the army with a 70% disability. He died at home in 4 Harold Street in June 1918 and was buried in Washington Cemetery but without a CWGC headstone. No photo.
THOMAS JEFFERSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 22.8.15
of 6 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment was killed/presumed dead on 22 August 1915 after fighting near Lala Baba in Gallipoli. The Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 4 Falshaw Street. Thomas is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. In 2012 some medals belonging to the Jefferson brothers were sold by a dealer in Stafforshire. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ROBERT NICHOLS JOBSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 7.6.17
was born to Robert and Eleanor in 1898 in Hetton. Robert, a miner at F Pit, joined 11 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 7 June 1917 in fighting round Larch Wood and Hill 60. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Both 1 Havannah Bank and 10 Woodland Terrace are given, by different sources, as addresses for Robert. No photo but have visited Menin Gate.
WILLIAM JONAS – Middlesex Regiment – 27.7.16.
born in Cambois to William and Mary in 1891 was married to Mary (Anderson) and lived at 41 Shafto Terrace. He also had a house in Colenso Rd, London because he played football for Clapton Orient. He joined the 17 Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in 1915 and was killed in action, near Delville Wood, on 27 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Leyton orient fans have raised the money for a staue to Billy Jonas and 2 other footballers from their club near Flers. Photo and have been to Flers and Thiepval.
WILLIAM KNOX – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. A miner at F Pit, William was born in Cassop in 1878 and seems to have married because his daughter, Jane, received his war gratuity of £7. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
PATRICK LAMB – Northumberland Fusiliers – 15.9.16
was born in Hamilton, Scotland in 1886. During the war he served in 1/6 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 15 September 1916, near High Wood. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. He had married Lydia or Ellen (sources differ) McPartlin and had one child. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
FRANK LAMBERT – Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.15
son of John, a Police Sergeant, and Jane, was born in New Herrington in 1895. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, having enlisted (with his brother, Albert) before 8 September 1914. Frank went to France on 10 September 1915 and was killed, presumed dead, at Loos on 25 September. He is listed on the Loos Memorial. His photograph was printed in the Illustrated Chronicle until March 1916 – perhaps his parents were hoping he’d turn up. The family lived at 17 Lowthian Terrace (Poppy House).
WILLIAM LAMBTON – Durham Light Infantry – 14.8.16
William Lambert (on the memorial) may well be William Lambton, who was killed near Delville Wood on 14 August 1916, aged 22, and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. William, a regular absentee from his duties, served in 10 DLI. He was a miner at F Pit and was married to Margaret (Liddle). No address is given for him on the Roll of Honour but he lived at the Mount, Wrekenton for a while. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
RICHARD OAKMAN LAWS – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
was one of the 70 or so Washington men killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of William and Eliza, he was 19 when he enlisted and was living at 45 Glebe Crescent (Poppy House). He was an apprentice grocer, perhaps apprenticed to his father and attended Holy Trinity Church. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WALLACE LAYFIELD – Durham Light Infantry – 24.9.18 – also on Harraton
born in Fencote, Yorkshire, lived in 12 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House) was married to Isabella and father to Edith and John. He worked for the Coop as a waggoner and after a deferment, requested by the Coop, became a Private in 2 DLI. He was killed in action on 24 September 1918 and buried in Trefcon Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Trefcon.
WILLIAM LEE – Northumberland Fusiliers - 29.3.16
of 31 Woodland Terrace (Poppy House) served in 25 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 29 March 1916, aged 43. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. Married to Annie (Simpson) from 1906 William was father of 5 daughters. Mrs Lee remarried in the 1950’s, to William Brown, himself a WW1 veteran. William’s great grandson still has his id disc and various ephemera. Photo and have visited Bailleul.
JOHN T LENNOX – Coldstream Guards – 22.12.14
served in the Coldstream Guards before war broke out and so, as a reservist rejoined his regiment immediately. He was killed/presumed dead on 22 December 1914 near Givenchy and is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial. A miner at F Pit, John lived at 8 Ellen Terrace (Poppy House) and was married to Sarah. He attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo but have visited Le Touret.
HERBERT NORMAN LINDSAY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 4.7.16
son of Lavinia and stepson to George Ross was born in Spennymoor. The 1911 Census listed him as ‘Overseas Military’ but he married Mary Ellen Jopson in Washington in August 1911. Herbert served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and died from a hip wound on 4 July 1916. He was buried in Mericourt L’Abbe Cemetery. His address was 13 Oxclose St. No photo of him but have visited Mericourt.
JOSEPH LOCAL – Yorkshire Regiment – 28.9.15
born 1889 in Wingate to Matthew and Dorothy, married Sarah (Gouldburn) in 1912 in Washington; they had a t least one child. Joseph served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, went to France on 10 September 1915 and was killed at Loos on 28 September. His name is on the Loos Memorial and on that in the Westwood Club. The Locals lived in 6 Nelson Street (Poppy House) and later 25 Glen Terrace. No photo of him but have visited Loos.
GEORGE LOWRIE –Royal Engineers – 27.1.16
a miner at F Pit, was born in Kirk Newton, Northumberland in 1882 and married Lydia (Spanton) in 1909. Of their three children, 2 had died before 1911; another was born in 1914. George was a chauffeur/mechanic at the chemical works and a reservist who enlisted as soon as war began. He served in the Royal Engineers and died of his injuries two days after falling from a pontoon wagon on to a road hardened by frost, ie 27 January 1917. He was buried at Dernancourt Cemetery. George attended Holy Trinity Church and the family’s address was given as 8 Station Rd. Photo of him and have visited Dernancourt.
JOHN ARTHUR MADDISON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 31.3.16
son of John and Eliza, was born in 1896. The family lived at Firebrick Cottages. He served in 26 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 31 March 1916 and buried in Brewery Orchard Cemetery, not far from Armentieres. Photo of him and have visited Brewery Orchard.
THOMAS MALLABURN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
born in Newbottle in 1876, married Catherine in 1906 and had at least 2 children. He served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish). He was killed on 1 July 1916 in the fields just outside Albert and is one of the 72,000 commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. His address was 19 Derwent Terrace/4 Wear Terrace. Thomas was a Roman Catholic and also a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WILLIAM MARLEY – Durham Light Infantry – 21.5.16
born in Usworth in 1892, was son of William and Ellen. A miner at F Pit, he served in 14 DLI and was killed in German shelling near Ypres. He was buried at Bard Cottage Cemetery. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 55 Havannah Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Bard Cottage.
WILLIAM JASPER MARLEY – Manchester Regiment – 9.6.18
probably a cousin of William Marley, since his father, Joseph, and William’s mother were both born in Gloucestershire) was born in Washington in 1899. He served in 11 Battalion, Manchester Regiment and was killed on 9 June 1918, near Mazingarbe. His grave is in Pernes Cemetery. William worked at F Pit and lived in Roseworth House, Musgrave Terrace (Poppy House). A nephew, Norman, was killed in 1944. No photo of him but have visited Pernes.
ROBERT MASON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.3.18
a miner at F Pit, was one of 12 children of William and Isabella and was born in Washington in 1897. He served in 1/5 DLI and was killed on 26 March 1918 during the massive German offensive. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Pozieres.
WILLIAM MASON – Durham Light Infantry – 8.10.18
served in 15 DLI and was killed on 8 October 1918. He is commemorated on Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Son of Robert and Mary, he lived at the Black Bush (Poppy Building) of which his father was the publican. He was a miner at F Pit. Edward Thompson, his cousin, lived with the family. No photo of him but have visited Vis-en-Artois.
MICHAEL MCHUGH – Northumberland Fusiliers – 17.6.17
born to Michael and Mary in Leadgate in 1885 must have moved to Washington after 1911. He has no address on the Roll of Honour but married Annie (Jordan) in late 1915 and their child, Mary, was born in 1916. Michael served in 25 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and died of wounds, sustained in fighting near Arras, on 17 June 1917. He was buried in Grevillers Cemetery, near Bapaume. Photo of him and have visited Grevillers.
JOHN HUGH MCLAHANEY – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
was born in Hebburn in 1878. His first wife, Mary, died and he then married Mary (Simpson). Their daughters, Doris and Annie were baptised in July 1915 but both died before the year was out. John and Mary lived at 4 Old Hall (Poppy House). John served in 15 DLI and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HENRY MCMENAM – Durham Light Infantry – 27.10.18
a married miner, was 20 years old when he enlisted in 1918. He joined 12 DLI, was sent to Italy in September and was killed in the crossing of the Piave River on 27 October 1918. His remains were re-buried at Tezze Cemetery in 1919. He married Frances (Wood) in January 1918 and a child was born in April, Henry also having had an illegitimate child to support from his army pay. His address was 3 Six Houses. No photo of him but have been to Tezze.
THOMAS MCCREREY – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.7.16
was born in Washington in 1889 to John and Sarah. Thomas married Catherine Keogan in 1912 and they had 2 sons by 1914, John and Laurence. They lived in 15 Margaret Street. Thomas served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 1 July 1916, near Fricourt. He lies in Fricourt Cemetery with 89 men from his regiment, all killed that day. Photo and have visited Fricourt.
THOMAS MEGAN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 20.9.17
born in 1883 in Annfield Plain was son of John and Ellen. He married Ada (Woodward) in Sunderland in 1906 (she died in 1911, the family story is that a girl child died at the same time). Thomas served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 20 September 1917, his name later added to those on Tyne Cot Memorial. Thomas’ war gratuity was paid to his sister, Kate. The family address was Woodhouses. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
STEPHEN MILLS – Durham Light Infantry – 10.7.16 – also on Harraton
born at Langley Moor in 1883, served in DLI until June 1914 and then re-joined on the outbreak of war becoming a Sergeant in 12 DLI. He was killed on 10 July, near Contalmaison, and his name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Stephen worked at Cook’s Ironworks and was married to Margaret and father of three children. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
FREDERICK MORGAN – Durham Light Infantry – 14.12.15
son of Arthur and Charlotte, was born in 1895 but by 1901 the family were living at Usworth and later at 5 Shop Houses. Frederick, a miner at F Pit, served in 14 DLI and was killed by German shellfire near Potijze on 14 December 1915. He was buried in Potijze Chateau Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Potijze.
ROBERT MOULD – Border Regiment – 23.4.17
served in 7 Battalion, Border Regiment from September 1914 until his death, presumed dead, on 23 April 1917 in fighting around Monchy-le-Preux. He was buried in Feuchy Chapel Cemetery. Son of Robert (both of his parents were dead before the end of the war), he was an iron moulder and the family home was 13 Albert Place. He attended services at Holy Trinity Church. No photo but have visited Feuchy Chapel.
THOMAS MOULD – Durham Light Infantry (Bantams) – 13.2.18
born in 1887 was son of Thomas and Elizabeth, both of whom died before 1918. He served in 19 DLI, a Bantam Battalion and died of wounds on 13 February 1918. He was buried in Mendinghem Cemetery, Flanders. Payments were made by the army to his siblings after the war, some of them still living at 9 Lambert’s Place, Thomas’ address. He was a member of the Westwood Club. No photo of him but have visited Mendinghem.
PATRICK MURPHY – RAF – 15.5.18
cousin of the O’Neill brothers (see Harraton) was born in Washington in 1896 to Michael and Ellen. Patrick served first in 10 DLI but transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (then RAF) in 1917 or 1918. Patrick, an observer in 48 Squadron, was shot down and killed on 15 May 1918 while flying with Captain Napier and is now commemorated on Arras Flying Services Memorial. A miner at F Pit he lived at 47 Havannah Terrace and some of the postcards he wrote home still exist. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JAMES HENRY NESBITT – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.10.17
was born to James and Jane at Seaham Harbour in 1890. He married Ada (Forrest) and they had 2 daughters, Gladys and Ethel, the latter being baptised after James’ death; hat occurred on 9 October 1917 near Ypres, James being one of 54 men from 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment killed on that day. He is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial. The Nesbitts lived at 15 Willow Street and James attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo of him buthave visited Tyne Cot.
ROBERT BEADLING NESBITT – Royal Engineers – 10.10.17
was born to Thomas and Ann in Washington in 1889. His enlistment address in 1914 was Rectory Cottage, Washington Village but the Roll of Honour listed him at Ivy Cottage. He served in 82 Field Company, Royal Engineers until his death, the war diary suggests in heavy shelling, on 10 october 1917. He was buried in Klein- Vierstraat Cemetery, close to Ypres. Photo of him and have visited Klein-Vierstraat.
CHARLES HERBERT NICHOLSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 11.4.17
was born in Barmston in 1890. His mother, Hannah, remarried after the death of his father and became Hannah Gibson, the family’s last address before Charles was killed being 47 Nelson Street. Charles served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 11 April 1917, near Henin, about 5 miles SE of arras. He was buried in Cojeul Cemetery. An assurance agent, Charles was a member of the Westwood Club and attended Holy Trinity Church. No photo of him but have visited Cojeul.
HARRY MINTO NICHOLSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.15
was born to Thomas and Emma in Houghton-le-Spring in 1893. By 1911 the family were at 8 Eden Street, Washington. A stone putter in 1911, Harry served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and arrived in France on 9 September 1915. Seventeen days later he was killed at Loos and is commemorated on Loos Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Loos.
JOSEPH HENRY/HARRY OSWALD – Durham Light Infantry – 27.5.18
son of Joseph and Emily and born in 1898 lived at 34 Station rd. By 1911 3 of his siblings having died the family had 3 lodgers (one of them a teacher at Glebe School, William Smith who returned to the school in 1919 after 4 years’ service). Joseph served in 1/5 DLI until his death on 27 May 1917. He is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial.
HAROLD SYDNEY GEORGE PALMER – Yorkshire Regiment – 7.10.16
was born to George (formerly a Colour Sergeant in DLI) and Beatrice at Pelton in 1896. By 1914 the family were living at 61 Pattinson Town. Harold served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed near Martinpuich, probably in German shelling, on 7 October 1916 and buried in Adanac Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Adanac.
ROBERT PATTERSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 25.8.18
was born to Robert and Mary in Byker in 1896 but was living in Edith Avenue when he enlisted in December 1915. He went to France in April 1918 and was reported missing on 28 May of that year. Robert was married to Ruth (Fitzpatrick) and their child Agnes Louvain (after a Belgium town burned by the Germans) was baptised in September 1915. Robert is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial. A relative has stated that his father also served. No photo of him but have visited Soissons.
THOMAS WILLIAM PAXTON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 9.4.17
son of Thomas (a lithographic printer) and Catherine, was born in Darlington in 1887. By 1911 Thomas, a coal miner, was living at 7 Blast Row. This was the home of John and Elizabeth Wood and on 15 April 1911 Thomas married Lizzie Ann Booth Wood at Holy Trinity Church, Washington. He served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers John G Pearson – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16 – also on Usworth (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 10 April 1917, near Roclincourt, Arras. He was buried in Orchard Dump Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Orchard Dump.
THOMAS PENALUNA – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Washington in 1871, served in the Northumberland Fusiliers in the Boer War and then became a miner at F Pit. He enlisted in November 1914, joining 25 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. Thomas was married to Margaret and they had 7 children and lived at 9 Municipal Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN REAY PITTILLA – Yorkshire Regiment – 2.4.18
was born to Jonathan and Margaret in Sunderland in 1894 but by 1911 they were in Denmark Street, Washington and the Roll of Honour gives John’s address as 15 Glen Terrace. A miner at F Pit, John served in 5 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds in hospital at Rouen; he was buried in St Sever Cemetery. Photo and have visited St Sever.
THOMAS PLUSE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name is on Thiepval Memorial. Son of William and Ann (Oates), he was born in Washington in 1891 and by the time of his death the family address was 2a Staithes Houses. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH WILLIAM RAWLING – Royal Fusiliers – 4.10.18
son of George and Rachael, was born in Usworth in 1890. His first job was as a bank clerk and the family lived in 1 Ellen Terrace. Joseph served in 3 Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and was killed on 4 October 1918 near Le Catelet. He is one of 27 men from his battalion killed on 4 October and buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery. No photo but have visited Prospect Hill.
WILLIAM ROBINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 4.12.16
was a single cartman, living at Orchard House (Poppy House) when he enlisted in December 1915. He joined 12 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 4 December 1916. The inquiry into his death established that his spade had hit a grenade while he was digging in a trench and that he was killed in the explosion. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. By the time of his death his parents had died and so arrangements were made with his siblings. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval
ALFRED JAMES ROBSON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.2.16
son of Edward and Margaret, was born in Washington in 1896. He married Annie (Potts) in August 1914 and, already a Territorial, joined up shortly after war began. He served in 1/8 DLI until his death on 2 February 1916 (the battalion war diary mentions no casualties in January or February 1916) and he was buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery, near Ypres. A miner at F Pit, he lived at 8 Shop Houses and was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Railway Dugouts.
JOHN ROONEY – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 19.8.16
was born in Murton in 1876, married Catherine and lived (according to the Roll of Honour) at 10 Doris (possibly Dorcas Terrace). They had at least 4 children. John served in 1 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and died of wounds, perhaps sustained in a heavy German barrage on 9/10 August, on 19 August 1916. He was buried in Lijssenthoek Cemetery, outside Ypres. Photo of him and have visited Lijssenthoek. He is commemorated on the Roman Catholic Memorial in Washington.
WILLIAM KNOX ROPER – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.7.16 – also on Usworth
born in Sedgefield in 1893 to Frederick and Margaret, he was living with an uncle at North Eastern Railway Cottages in 1911 but by 1916 he had married Catherine and was living at 24 Pump Row. He served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds, sustained near Fricourt on 1 July, on 5 July 1916, in hospital at Etaples. He was buried in Etaples Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Etaples.
ROBERT HENRY ROSS – Irish Guards – 29.7.17
born in 1884 in Chilton to Robert and Sarah married Isabella in 1910 and, according to the 1911 Census had lost 2 babies by 1911. They lived at 85 Spout Lane (Poppy House). They had 2 more by 1915, Robert and Margaret. Their address was 14 Todd’s Buildings. Robert, a miner, served in 2 Battalion, Irish Guards and died of wounds on 29 September 1917. He was buried in Mendinghem Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Mendinghem.
WILLIAM CARL ROUTLEDGE – Royal Navy – 31.5.16
(sometimes Karl) was born to Robert and Margaret in Newcastle in 1897. By 1911 the family had moved to 14 Home View, Washington. He joined the Navy, became a wireman (electrician) and was serving on HMS Defence when it was sunk with all hands at Jutland on 31 May 1916. His name appears on Portsmouth Memorial. William was a member of the Westwood Club and his service was praised in the Holy Trinity magazine. No photo of him.
RALPH SAINT – Durham Light Infantry – 11.10.18
born in 1893 in Scotswood to William and Mary served in 13 DLI. Though he enlisted in 1915 he did not join his battalion until October 1918 and was killed only a week later, 11 october. He was buried in Quietiste Cemetery, not far from Honnechy. He married Mary (Kent) in 1913 and they had 2 sons. Ralph was a member of the Westwood Club and a miner at F Pit. No photo of him but have visited Quietiste.
FREDERICK SANDY – Durham Light Infantry – 30.3.18
born in Lumley in 1890, to Thomas and Elizabeth, he was a coal miner and lived at 6 Eden Terrace. He served in 1/9 DLI and was killed, near Puisieux on 30 March 1918. His name is on the Arras Memorial. Fred was brother to John Thomas Sandy (see below). Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JOHN THOMAS SANDY – Border Regiment – 4.7.16
was 4 years older than Fred and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He died of wounds, sustained near Fricourt, on 4 July 1916 and was buried in Daours Cemetery. John was married to Victoria (from 1908) and they had 2 children. Victoria received a war gratuity of £9.10.0d but Fred had owed the army 3d and she sent stamps to that amount, noted by an army pay clerk. John was a member of the Westwood Club. Photo of him and have visited Daours.
THOMAS SCORER – Royal Navy – 16.9.18
was born in 1891 at New Lambton, to Thomas and Elizabeth. A miner, he joined the Navy in 1918 and was killed on September 16 1918 when HMS Glatton exploded and sank in harbour at Dover. He was buried in Gillingham Woodlands Cemetery. Thomas had married Mary Ellen Lindsey, already a widow (HN Lindsey died of wounds 4 July 1916 – see above) and their child, Elizabeth, was baptised in March 1919. Thomas’ address is given as 13 Oxclose Street by the Roll of Honour. Photo of him but have not visited Gillingham.
ERNEST SEED – Border Regiment – 26.9.15
born in Durham in 1891 to John and Sarah, he served in 7 Battalion, Border Regiment and was killed ‘while carrying a wounded Sergeant’ on 26 September 1915 and buried in Brandhoek Cemetery. The battalion war diary suggests there was heavy shelling that day. Ernest was a miner at F Pit; his plaque still hangs on a wall in Washington Village. The family’s address was 27 Harold Street. Photo of him and have visited Brandhoek.
STEPHEN CHARLES SELF – Durham Light Infantry – 9.4.18
was born in Washington in 1882, son of William and Emma, the former a worker at the Chemical Works. Stephen became a clerk for North Eastern Railway. He married Emma (Slowther) in spring of 1915 and their address was Etherlea House, 2&3 Model Dwellings (Poppy House). Stephen died 9 April 1918 and was buried in Berlin South West Cemetery. No photo of him nor of his grave.
RALPH TURNER SIMM – Yorkshire Regiment – 20.7.16
born in Swalwell in 1880 married Mary (Glendinning) in 1903. They had at least one child, Violet, born in 1914. Ralph was a miner pre-war and then served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He died, presumably of wounds, in Sheffield on 20 July 1916 and was buried in Washington Cemetery, his address given as 11 Ash Street. Photo of him.
HENRY SIMPSON - Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born to Joseph and Dorothy in South Shields in 1898. He married Mary (Ferguson) and they had 2 children, Gordon and Norman. Henry served in 11 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. A miner at F Pit, Henry and his family lived at 32 Spout Lane. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
CHARLES HALL SMITH – Yorkshire Regiment – 16.6.16 – also on Harraton
brother of George Brabben Smith, served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was one of 7 men killed by a German canister bomb on 16 June 1916. He was 32, and was buried with his 6 pals in Point 110 New Military Cemetery, between Bray and Fricourt. He worked at Cook’s Ironworks. He lived in Hobson Terrace. Photo and have visited Point 110.
GEORGE BRABBEN SMITH DCM – Yorkshire Regiment - 1.7.16 – also on Harraton
was killed in action on 1 July 1916, a mere fortnight after his brother CH Smith, and buried in Fricourt Military Cemetery with 89 other men from his battalion. He served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Like his brother he lived at 26 Hobson Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Fricourt.
JOHN SMITH – Yorkshire Regiment – 31.10.18
born at Chester Moor in 1896 to Stephen and Margaret, was a coal miner, his address given as 13 River View. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died of wounds on 31 October. He is buried in Giavera Cemetery, near Treviso, Italy. Photo of him and have been to Giavera.
JOSEPH SPENCE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 4.6.16
(perhaps aka Wrightson) served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers and died of wounds on 4 June 1916 and was buried in Warloy-Baillon Cemetery. A miner at F Pit, Joseph was 27 when he died and was the husband of Sarah (they had a son) and was the adopted son of Mr and Mrs Gillens of 98 Village Lane. Joseph and Sarah lived at 96 Village Lane and later, perhaps at Beech Street. Photo of him and have visited Warloy Baillon.
JOSEPH SPROUL – Yorkshire Regiment – 8.2.17
was born to Samuel and Ellen in Hebburn in 1891. By 1901 the family had moved to Washington and lived at 49 Pattinson Town. Joseph joined up early in the war and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment before being killed on 8 February 1917. He was buried in Sailly-Saillisel Cemetery. Joseph was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Sailly-Saillisel.
JOHN FORD STAFFORD – Yorkshire Regiment – 12.5.17
born in 1896 in Houghton le Spring to William and Sarah was absent from the family home, 22 Avon Street, Washington, for the 1911 Census; he was in an isolation hospital. He enlisted early in the war and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment before his death on 12 May 1917. He is one of 19 men from his battalion, all killed on the same day, and listed on Arras Memorial. He was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. No photo but have been to Arras.
ROBERT STANNERS – Royal Field Artillery – 6.6.18
born to Robert and Barbara in Washington in 1898 worked as a stable boy for Washington Coop and by the time of his death was living at 6 Holyoake Terrace. He served as a gunner in 88 Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery and was killed in German shelling on 6 June 1918, near Marfaux. He was buried in Marfaux Cemetery. No photo but have been to Marfaux.
JAMES WILLIAM RAY STEPHENSON – Machine Gun Corps – 19.7.17 – also on Usworth
was born in Washington in 1884 to John and Margaret. A miner at F Pit, he married Margaret Ritson in 1911. In 1912 Albert was born. James served in 97 Machine Gun Company and was killed near Nieuport, on the Belgian coast on 19 July 1917 and buried in Ramscapelle Rd Cemetery. Washington Roll of Honour, surprisingly, gave no address – perhaps that was because the family had moved. Three other Stephenson/Ritson children were born up to 1915 but in the Morpeth area. Photo of him and have visited Ramscapelle Rd.
JOHN STEWART – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 29.6.16
born to James and Eleanor in Washington in 1882, married Mary Ross around 1905 and they had 2 children by 1911. Another child was born, and died, in 1915. John served in 11 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed by German shelling of the trenches in Thiepval Wood, on 29 June 1916 and buried at Cerisy-Gailly French National Cemetery. He attended Holy Trinity, Washington and was a member of usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Cerisy-Gailly.
WILLIAM JOHN BLACKETT STOKOE - Tank Corps – 27.5.18
was born in Washington in 1886 to William and Elizabeth (Mitchinson?). His father died in 1899. A miner at F Pit, William married Ann (nee Grainge) in 1916 and they lived at 23 Woodland Terrace (Poppy House). William served in 10 Company, Tank Corps. He was killed on 27 May 1918 and buried in Douellens Cemetery Number 2. Photo of him and have visited Douellens.
JOSEPH EDWARD STOREY – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.9.15
was born in Usworth in 1893 to William and Margaret. A miner at F Pit, he enlisted at Shiney Row and served in 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, before being killed 1 September 1915. He was buried in Vormezeele Enclosure Number 3 Cemetery. His battalion war diary recorded no casualties on 1 September so he may have been one of the wounded that were recorded at the end of August. His address on the Roll of Honour was given as 10 Middlefield Row. Photo and have visited Vormezeele.
JOHN SWEENEY – Yorkshire Regiment – 7.6.17
born at Station Town in 1893, to John and Mary, he enlisted before 8 September 1914. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 7 June 1917. His name appears on the Menin Gate and on the Roman Catholic Memorial for Washington. His address on the Roll of Honour was 4 Blast Row. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate. A miner, he was a member of the Westwood Club.
JOHN TATTERS – Yorkshire Regiment – 2.4.17
served first in the Royal Engineers and then in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Though the battalion war diary mentions no casualties on that date, John was killed on 2 April 1917 near Arras and was buried in Wancourt Cemetery. Born to William and Sarah in 1886, he married Margaret (nee King) in 1909 and they had at least 2 children, their last address 26 Spout Lane. John was a member of Usworth Top Club and attended Holy Trinity, Washington. Photo of him and have visited Wancourt.
EDWARD THOMPSON – Durham Light Infantry – 1.10.16
brother of Robert (see below), was 28 when he enlisted in September 1914. A miner at F Pit, he served in 13 DLI until wounded on 1 October 1916. He died of those wounds the same day and was buried in Becourt Cemetery. His address was Black Bush, Washington Village (Poppy House), where he lived with his aunt, Mary Mason (and her son, William, also killed). His will left his property to her but his father wrote to the War Office asking for any money or medals due to Michael. Photo and have visited Becourt.
MICHAEL THOMPSON – Lincolnshire Regiment – 3.6.18
was born at Hetton le Hole in 1891 to William and Jane. He married Ellen (McMahon) in 1911 and served in 7 Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, attached to 51 Trench Mortar Battery. He was killed on 3 June 1918 and buried in Mailly Maillet Cemetery. The family address was given as 1 Denmark Street. Photo of him and have visited Mailly Maillet.
ROBERT THOMPSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.5.16
(see Edward above) enlisted in October 1914. He was married to Mary (Brookes) and had 4 children (another was born in 1915). He served in 8 Battalion, East Yorkshires, was killed at Loos on 26 September 1915 and was buried in Noeux les Mines Cemetery. A miner at F Pit, Robert was a member of the Westwood Club and lived at 15 Musgrave Terrace (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Noeux les Mines.
GEORGE TINDALE – Royal Field Artillery – 19.8.17
son of Martin and Kate, married Margaret (nee Anderson) 1913 and daughter Catherine was born in December of that year. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 19 Middlefield Row. George served in 15 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and was killed on 19 August 1917. His name is inscribed on Tyne Cot Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
JOHN GEORGE TODD – Northumberland Fusiliers – 12.3.16
born in Houghton le Spring 1885 to Richard and Mary, he became a coal miner. Married to Dorothy (Laidler 1912? – 2 sons John and Alfred born 1913 and 1915), he was a member of the Holy Trinity congregation and his address was given as 7 Middlefield Row. He served in 21 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) and died of wounds (unusually the battalion war diary actually listed other ranks casualties by name and number) 12 March 1916 and was buried in Brewery Orchard Cemetery, near to Armentieres. Photo of him and have visited Brewery Orchard.
BENJAMIN TURNBULL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.10.17
was born to David and Annie in Houghton le Spring in 1894. The family was living in Newbottle in 1911 and the Washington roll of Honour gave no address for Benjamin, though he was included by name. He was killed on 28 October while serving in 12/13 Northumberland Fusiliers and his name appears on Tyne Cot Memorial. Early on October 28 there was some heavy shelling. No photo but have visited Tyne Cot.
GEORGE URWIN – Yorkshire Regiment – 28.9.15
(brother of Robert - see below) was born in the USA but had returned to Britain by 1911 and was living at 6 Nelson Street with the family. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and spent, like several other Washington men, only three weeks in France before being killed at Loos – in his case on 28 September 1915. He was buried in Dud Corner Cemetery. His last address was 6 Wilden Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Dud Corner.
ROBERT URWIN – Yorkshire Regiment – 20.12.18
married Jennie (or Jessie) Drummond in 1907 and they had 4 children by 1914. He served in Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and died (the army list of effects said of choking) on 20 December 1918. He was buried in Montecchio Precalcino Cemetery in Italy. A member of the Westwood Club he lived at 29 Ritchie Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Montecchio Precalcino.
BARTHOLOMEW READHEAD VARLEY – Army Cyclist Corps – 16.3.16
of 10 Musgrave Terrace was killed on 16 March 1916 while serving in 34 Division Cyclist Corps and buried at Ration Farm Cemetery, near to Armentieres. Bartholomew was son of Robert (Superintendent of Washington cemetery) and Mary and was born in Jarrow in 1895. He was a mason and a member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Photo of him and have visited Ration Farm
JOHN WAKE – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.3.16
(brother of Marker) was born to James and Sarah in 1895 in South Shields but by 1911 the family were living in Washington, at Middlefield Row. However, James had been one of 15 men and boys killed in the Glebe Pit disaster of 1908. John joined 7 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, and died of wounds on 9 March 1916 (though the battalion war diary suggests that early March was a quiet(ish) time near Vormezeele). He was buried in Boulogne Cemetery. The family address was 34 Nelson Street. Photo of him and have visited Boulogne
MARKER WAKE – East Yorkshire Regiment – 3.10.17
born in 1899, served in 6 Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment and was killed (his battalion were engaged in building roads and a light railway and burying phone cables) on 3 October 1917 and buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Bard Cottage. The fireplace from 34 Nelson Street is now in a house in Biddick Villas, a family photo hanging above it.
ALBERT WATSON – Durham Light Infantry – 25.10.18
(brother of Ernest – see below) was born in Station Town in 1898 to James and Hannah. The family moved to Washington after 1911 and lived at 24 Oak Street and 40 Nelson Street (Poppy House). Albert served in 15 DLI until his death, from wounds, on 25 October 1918. He was buried at Awoingt Cemetery. Hannah repaid the army 9x1d stamps in December 1919 and his medals were returned to the army in 1933 (no reason given). No photo but have visited Awoingt.
ERNEST WATSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.8.15
(see Albert above) was born in Station Town in 1894. He enlisted before 8 September 1914 and served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He was killed/presumed dead at Gallipoli on 9 August and is named on the Helles Memorial. As with Albert, his medals were returned in 1933. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
BENJAMIN WHITE – Royal Irish Fusiliers – 22.2.17
was born in Trimdon in 1896 to Benjamin and Elizabeth but by 1911 the family were living in Washington, the Roll of Honour noted Benjamin’s address as 6 Falshaw Street. A miner at F Pit, he served in 9 Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers and died on 22 February 1917 before being buried in Bailleul Cemetery. The war diary suggests he may have been acting as a stretcher bearer. Photo of him and have visited Bailleul.
HUBERT WILDEN – Cheshire Regiment – 19.7.16
was born in Washington in 1897 to Hubert (publican at the Earl of Durham Inn) and Jane. Hubert Sr died in 1908 and Mrs Wilden remarried and the family moved to South Shields. Hubert served in 16 Battalion, Cheshire Regiment and was killed in action in Trones Wood on 19 July 1916. His name appears on Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval. The Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 1 Wilden Terrace.
ALFRED WILKINSON – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
son of William and Sarah, was born in Shildon in about 1878. He married Mary and they had (probably) 4 children. Alfred served in 11 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Alfred was a member of Usworth Top Club and lived at 29 Station Terrace/29 Pitt’s Buildings – perhaps the same house. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HENRY WILKINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.6.15 – also on Harraton
a Lance Corporal in 10 DLI, was killed on 26 June 1915, about 2 miles from Ypres and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Son of William and Mary Ann, born in 1896, he lived at 11 Biddick Terrace (Poppy House) and is also commemorated on Washington Village Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Menin Gate.
JOHN WILKINSON – King’s Liverpool Regiment – 5.8.17
was born to John and Sarah in Wallsend in 1879. The family moved to Washington and lived in Pattinson Town, John’s last address being 63 Pattinson Town. He served in 17 Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment and died of wounds on 5 August 1917. He was buried in Ljissenthoek Cemetery. His siblings shared what money was paid to his family after the war. No Photo but have visited Ljissenthoek.
JOHN WILLIAM WILKINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 19.12.15
served in 14 DLI until his death (along with at least 24 others of his battalion) on 19 December 1915 in a German gas and high explosive bombardment He was buried in Potijze Cemetery, in a collective grave. Son of Jonathan and Bridget, he was born in Newcastle in 1894 and his address as stated by the Roll of Honour was 14 Home View. No photo but have visited Potijze.
ROBERT WILKINSON – Royal Fusiliers – 18.9.18
was born to Henry and Violet at Heddon on the Wall in 1889. By 1911 the family were living at Edmondsley. At what point Robert lived in Washington isn’t clear because the Roll of Honour gave no address for him. Nor was there an address for Robert when he was listed in the Washington Volunteer record. However, he served in 4 Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and was killed on 18 September 1918. He is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. No photo but have visited Vis-en-Artois.
FRED WILSON – Northamptonshire Regiment - 13.11.17
born in Usworth in 1892 to George and Elizabeth but living in Wolviston in 1911. In 1915 Iris Alsace Loraine Wilson (she married John Reay in 1940) was baptised, daughter of Fred and Margaret (Lomax), the address 14 Richardson Terrace. The Washington Roll of Honour gave Fred’s address as 6 Eden Terrace. He served in 1 Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, was killed 13 November 1917 and is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot
THOMAS WISEMAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 31.12.15
born in Washington in 1886 to Charles and Isabella, became a miner at F Pit. He served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 31 December 1915, probably during a sneak patrol by three Germans who shot two sentries before disappearing. He was buried in Houplines Cemetery. His sister, Sarah, was paid his wages owing and his mother received his war gratuity of £5. No photo of him but have been to Houplines.
ARTHUR J YOUNG – Durham Light Infantry – 25.9.15
born in Coxhoe in 1891, married Susan (nee Prudhoe) in 1910. He was a miner at F Pit and they had three children – John, Joseph and Mary. Arthur served in 15 DLI and was killed at Loos on 25/26 September 1915. He is commemorated on Loos Memorial. Washington Roll of Honour gave his address as 66 Speculation Place. Photo of him and have visited Loos.