Names on Harraton Memorial with Regiment and Date of Death
If you would like any information on any of these men, or you have any information to share about them please use the Contact Page.
GEORGE HEDLEY AINSLEY – Durham Light Infantry – 30.10.18
of Castle Street, Fatfield, 12th DLI, died of wounds in Italy on 30th October 1918, aged 19. Buried in Giavera Cemetery, overlooking Venice. His brother, JRW Ainsley, served in the navy in WW2. Photo of George, visited his grave.
DR DAVID ANDERSON – Royal Army Medical Corps - 13.9.17
originally of Glasgow, qualified at Glasgow Uni Medical School, Temporary Lt in RAMC died in hospital, after a stroke, on 13 September 1917. Buried in Longuenesse Cemetery, St Omer. Married with one child. Lived in 2 South View. (Poppy House). Photo of him. Visited his grave.
JOHN GILCHRIST APPLEBY – Royal Field Artillery - 10.10.15
Driver in Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 10 August 1915, aged 21, and believed to be buried in Lala Baba Cemetery, Gallipoli. Single man, lived at 10 Biddick Inn Terrace with parents James and Isabella. Brother of Robert Appleby. Photo of him. Visited his grave.
JOHN THOMAS APPLEBY – Royal Engineers - 9.7.16
Sapper in 176 Tunnelling Coy, Royal Engineers. Killed, aged 19, by a German mine on 9th July 1916. Buried at Hersin Cemetery. No photo but have visited grave.
ROBERT APPLEBY – Manchester Regiment – 23.3.18
aged 21 when killed on 23 March 1918. Listed on Pozieres Memorial. Private in Manchester Regiment. Brother of John G Appleby and lived at 10 Biddick Inn Terrace. Photo of him. Visited Pozieres.
WILLIAM APPLEBY – Durham Light Infantry (Bantam) – 10.9.16
brother of John Thomas. Nickname Tai. Served in 19 DLI, Bantams. Killed in action 10 September 1916 and buried in Faubourg d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras. Married with 2 children (one died while he was in France). Wife Isabella lived at 23 West Bridge St (Poppy House) after the war. Photo of him and visited his grave.
WILLIAM ARMSTRONG – Northumberland Fusiliers – 30.4.16
born in Broomhill, Northumberland, was 33 when killed by shellfire on 30th April 1916. He was buried in Dartmoor Cemetery. William, married with 4 children, lived at 21, Pelaw Grange and was a Lance Corporal in 12th Northumberland Fusiliers. Photo of him and have visited grave.
JAMES FRANCES GORDON ASHWORTH – Durham Light Infantry – 25.6.16
born in Wolverhampton and then attended Ulverston Grammar School. 2nd Lt Ashworth, 9 DLI, died of wounds on 25th June 1916. Buried in La Clytte Cemetery, Belgium. Teacher at Fatfield Council School. Widow Gladys. Photo of him and visited his grave.
JOHN THOMAS BATES – Durham Light Infantry – 20.11.18
a Private in 1/5 DLI died in a German PoW camp on 20 November 1918, having been captured at Arras on 23rd April 1917. His grave is in Berlin SW Cemetery. He lived at Fatfield Square, son of Thomas and Jane. No photo of him, visited his grave.
JOHN ARTHUR BEER – Yorkshire Regiment – 11.8.15
born in Newcross, London, in 1892, was killed at Gallipoli on 11 August 1915, having arrived there only on 7 July. A Private in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment he is listed on Helles Memorial. Boarded for a while with Newrick Crow. Photo of him and visited Helles. Also listed on Shiney Row Memorial.
RICHARD BELL – Durham Light Infantry - 16.8.17
of 12 Short Row, was killed on 16 August, 1917 and buried at Wancourt Cemetery. Son of George and Jane Ann. Private in 1/5 DLI. Photo of him. Visited grave.
FRANCIS BLAIR – East Yorkshire Regiment - 12.3.18
acting Lance Sergeant in 6 Battalion, East Yorkshires, was killed on 12 March 1918 and buried at Sailly-La-Bourse, near Lens. He lived in Castle St with his parents, George and Eliza. No photo. Visited his grave.
JAMES BOHILL – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.6.17
was a Private in 9 Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment until killed in action on 9 June 1917. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. James attended Fatfield Council School and lived at 1, Chatershaugh. Photo of him and visited Menin Gate
WILLIAM HOLME BORTHWICK – Durham Light Infantry - 7.10.15 – also on Washington
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 Memorials. Photo of him and visited grave.
JG BOWATER – Royal Munster Regiment – 1.5.15 (we think)
Think he was JG Bowater of Royal Munster Fusiliers killed on 1st May 1915 at Helles. Listed on Helles Memorial. No photo. Visited Helles.
ROBERT BOYLE – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
1 Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed 1 July 1916. Buried at Gommecourt Cemetery No 2. Parents were Irish and were in Westerhope in 1911. Then moved into 46 Castle Street. Photo of him. Visited his grave.
ALFRED BRABAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 3.10.17
Private in 10 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards). Killed by shellfire, aged 38, on 3 October 1917 and buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery, near Ypres. Worked at Cook’s Ironworks; war gratuity was shared between 4 siblings. Cook’s Lodge is a Poppy House. No photo of him. Visited his grave.
A BROWN – not yet identified
There was an Alfred Brown, of military age, living at 5 South View in 1911 but this is guesswork. No real idea of who A Brown was.
BENJAMIN ALBERT BROWN – Royal Engineers – 4.10.17
2nd Lt, 253 Tunnelling Coy, Royal Engineers was seriously wounded and then died same evening, 4th October 1917, aged 25. Buried in Dozinghem Cemetery. Lived at 39 Success Terrace, Shiney Row, son of Benjamin and Rebecca. Old Boy of Bede Grammar School. No photo. Have visited grave.
ROBERT BROWN – Dorsetshire Regiment - 29.9.18
Lance Corporal in 5th Dorsetshires, was killed, aged 25, on 29 September 1918 and buried in Chapel Corner Cemetery. A coal miner, born Seaham, married to Elizabeth, with 3 children. Personal effects sent home. Photo of him and have visited grave
JOHN GEORGE CHARLTON MM – Royal Field Artillery – 4.8.17
(won MM for putting out a fire in an ammo dump) was killed in action on 14 August 1917. He was a bombardier in Royal Field Artillery, son of Esther of The Square, Fatfield. Buried in Aeroplane Cemetery near Ypres. Mother given a gold watch by Harraton Parish. Photo of him and visited grave.
ISAAC CLARK – West Riding Regiment – 17.7.16
Served in Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment. Died of wounds on 17 July 1916 and buried at Puchevillers Cemetery. Lived with sister, Josephine, in Hilton Terrace, Pelton. Photo of him, visited his grave. Also on Pelton Memorial.
THOMAS COLPITTS – East Yorkshire Regiment - 19.12.15
Private in 14 DLI, married to Alice, with 5 children, one of whom, Luke, also joined up. Another son was called Antwerp. Thomas was killed 19 December 1915, in a gas attack and buried at Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery, near Ypres. Member of Westwood Club. Photo of him and visited grave.
JOHN ROBERT CONLON – Durham Light Infantry – 25.9.15
A Private in 15 DLI he went to France on 11 September 1915 and was killed, aged 25, on 25th September in the Battle of Loos. Commemorated on Loos Memorial. Married to Margaret Jane with 2 children, living at Victoria Terrace, Penshaw. No photo, have visited Loos.
JOHN THOMAS CORPS MM – Royal Irish Rifles – 24.8.18
served in Royal Irish Rifles and was killed on 24 August 1918. He was buried in Bailleul Cemetery. Despite being married, with a son, it appears that his war gratuity was paid to his widowed mother. He was a groom and lived for a time at 12 Wormhill Terrace. Photo and have visited Bailleul.
GEORGE CRICHTON – Northumberland Fusiliers 10.2.15
Born in Dundee, George served in 13 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers but died in training, aged 32, on 10 February 1915 and was buried in Tring Cemetery. He lodged for a time in Biddick Inn Terrace. No photo but have visited Tring.
NEWRICK CROW – Northumberland Fusiliers - 18.9.16
He served in 12 Battalion, NF, and was killed 18 September 1916, aged 29. Two brothers were also killed. Newrick, killed near Delville Wood, is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Married to Maria, they had a daughter, Barbara. Photo and have visited Thiepval.
RALPH CROW – Northumberland Fusiliers - 6.9.16
He served in 27 NF, Tyneside Irish, and died of wounds on 6 September 1916. He was buried in Abbeville Cemetery. Married to Cecilia, and living for a time at Trafalgar Row, Harraton Hall, they had two surviving children, George and Ralph. No photo. Have visited Abbeville.
THOMAS CROW – Northumberland Fusiliers – 26.10.17
He was killed on 26 October 1917 while serving in 1/7 NF. He was 35 and living with wife Phyllis and their three children at 14 Gladstone Terrace, Penshaw (Poppy House). Thomas is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. His name appears on Shiney Row Memorial as well as that of Harraton. Photo and have visited Tyne Cot.
WILLIAM CULINE – Durham Light Infantry – 12.4.18
He worked on the shows and was of no fixed abode. He didn’t take well to army discipline. Willie, serving in 1/8 DLI, was reported missing on 12 April 1918 and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. No photo, indeed after the war the police had to track his mother down to the Byker Showground. Have visited Ploegsteert.
JOSEPH CUMPSON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.16
He was married to Mary Ellen and father of 2 when killed on 26 September 1916. He served in the West Yorkshire Regiment and is listed on the Thiepval Memorial. For some reason it was his father, John, who was paid the war gratuity after his death. No photo, have visited Thiepval.
LEONARD SYDNEY CLAUDIAN DAVISON – Durham Light Infantry – 5.10.17
Born at Pelton, he was killed on 5 October 1917 and buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery. He served in 15 DLI and was brother to Henderson Richardson Davison, also killed. Two other brothers also served. His sisters were Ena Jessie Olga and Irene Vesta Ophelia. LSC was a member of the IOG Templars. Photo and have visited grave.
HENDERSON RICHARDSON DAVISON – Royal Engineers – 1.10.18
died of wounds on 1 October 1918 and was buried in Zanvoorde Cemetery. A signaller in 20 DLI, he was 21 and lived with the family at Girdle Cake Cottage. His parents were Thomas and Frances and his other brothers Cecil Theodore, George and Norman. Photo and have visited his grave.
SAMUEL DAWSON – Durham Light Infantry – 2.4.18
a Corporal in 20 DLI, was 24 when he died of wounds in hospital in Boulogne on 2 April 1918. He was buried in Wimereux Cemetery, the same cemetery as Colonel John McRae (In Flanders Fields). Sam, of Castle Street, played in the DLI football team. Photo of him and have visited his grave.
BENJAMIN DEAN – Machine Gun Corps – 21.9.18
A Private in the Machine Gun Corps, he was born in South Hetton, son of James and Isabella. He married Florence Radford in Easington area in 1911. In the Absent Voters List of 1918 his address was given as 6 Hobson Terrace. Gunner Dean died on 21 September 1918 and was buried in Unicorn Cemetery, Vend’huile, near Cambrai. No photo, have visited Vend’huile.
GEORGE JAMES DOBSON – Machine Gun Corps – 18.9.16 – also on Washington
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 Washington Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Thiepval.
BENJAMIN DOYLE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
He was born at Tyne Dock but by 1911 was living in The Square, Fatfield. He married Annie Fletcher in 1912 and had a son, Benjamin. Private Doyle served in the Tyneside Irish (NF), was killed on 1 July 1916 and is buried at Bapaume Post Cemetery, just outside Albert. No photo of him, have visited Bapaume Post.
RICHARD DRUMMOND – Yorkshire Regiment – 14.10.15 – also on Usworth
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 Washington Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Usworth churchyard.
JOHN DUNN(E) – Royal Irish Regiment – 19.10.14
He was born in Dungannon and served in the Royal Irish Regiment. He was serving in India in 1911. Private Dunn was killed in action, aged 39, on 19 October 1914 and is listed on Le Touret Memorial. He was a coal miner, son of Joseph and Rose of Tyrone. Photo of him, have visited Le Touret.
WILLIAM TAYLOR DUNN – Royal Field Artillery – 23.1.18
A gunner in the RFA, he was killed on 23 January 1918, aged 29, and is buried in Nine Elms Cemetery, near Poperinghe. He was married with 2 children and worked as a horse-man at Fatfield House Farm (Poppy House). His employer appealed for him not to have to join up and he was exempted for a short time. No photo of him. Have visited Nine Elms Cemetery.
JAMES EDWARD DWYER – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.5.17 – also on Washington
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. Had been in the army pre-war. Also listed on Washington Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Vlamertinghe.
JACOB EMERY – Durham Light Infantry – 21.5.16
was born in Tweedmouth and in 1911 was living in Ashington. After his death, caused by shellfire, on 21st May 1916, his affairs seem to have been conducted by Ellen Barnfather of Castle Street but his medals were sent to his brother, William. Jacob, a Private in 14 DLI is listed on the Menin Gate. No photo, have visited the Menin Gate.
HENRY FLETCHER – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.7.16
8 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment but attached to 176 Tunnelling Company, was killed by a trench mortar on 1 July 1916, aged 26, and buried in Hersin Cemetery. His widow was Sarah Ethel. Henry was a miner. No photo of him, have visited Hersin.
JOHN THOMAS FORSTER – Durham Light Infantry – 3.10.17
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 Washington 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.
EDWARD FOSTER – Durham Light Infantry – 16.9.16
Born in Fatfield, he lived at 21 Nova Scotia and served in 15 DLI. He was listed as missing on 16 September 1916 and, later, commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He was one of the 6 surviving children of the 8 born to Thomas and Rebecca Foster. He attended Fatfield Council School. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS FOSTER – Northumberland Fusiliers - 1.7.16
He was married to Alice, father of 2 girls and was living in Shiney Row in 1911. Thomas was one of those in the NF (Tyneside Scots) killed near La Boisselle on 1 July 1916 and he is listed on Thiepval Memorial. Alice later re-married and became Mrs Hepple. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
MICHAEL GIBBONS – Royal Field Artillery – 9.10.16
was a gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, until his death, aged 23, on 9 October 1916. His grave is in the A.I.F Graveyard at Flers. The son of Redmond and Isabella, Michael was an apprentice bricklayer. Michael is one of those listed on the Roman Catholic memorial for Washington Parish. Photo of him and have visited Flers.
RICHARD GLOYNE – Durham Light Infantry – 21.9.17
He was killed, aged 20, on 21 September 1917 while serving as Sergeant in 20 DLI, the Wearside Battalion. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Richard lived with his parents, Richard and Elizabeth, at 9 Biddick Inn Terrace. Photo of him, have visited Tyne Cot.
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.
MICHAEL GRASS – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 8.10.18
Originally from Cheshire, he worked as a gamekeeper for the Lambton Estate and lived at Harraton Lodge (Poppy House). Matthew was serving in King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry when killed on 8 October 1918. His name appears on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. No photo of him, have visited Vis-en-Artois.
EDWARD HALL – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.8.15
Born in Fatfield he was living, aged 18, with his widowed mother in Biddick Lane in 1911. He joined 6 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment and landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, on 7 August 1915 and was posted missing on 9 August. He is listed on the Helles Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ERIC HEATHERINGTON – Royal Warwickshire Regiment – 4.5.17
of Ouston Villa, Pelton, enlisted in the Border Regiment but was commissioned 2nd Lt in the Royal Warwickshires in December 1916. He was killed by a German grenade on 4 May 1917 and listed on the Arras Memorial. His brother, Keith, served in the RAF. No photo of him but have visited Arras.
PHILIP HOPE – Royal Field Artillery – 1.11.18
was born in Shildon but was resident, with parents Philip and Sarah, at 54 Castle Street at the time of his death. Driver Hope, RFA was wounded on 31 October 1918, died the next day and was buried in Kezelburg Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Kezelburg.
JOSEPH HUMBLE – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.7.16
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.
W HUNTER – we have no certain information about him.
CHARLES JEFFREY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
a coal miner, lived at 17 Pelaw Grange Terrace with his parents, William and Annie. Born in 1890 he served in NF (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. His name does not appear on the St George’s Roll of Honour. No photo of him. Have visited Thiepval.
GEORGE JOHNSON – Durham Light Infantry – 5.8.17
was a single man, living at 4 Low Chapel Row with his parents, George and Margaret. He was originally in the Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) but was transferred to 15 DLI. He died of wounds on 5 August 1917 and was buried in St Leger Cemetery. George had attended Fatfield Council School. No photo of him but have visited his grave.
MICHAEL KELLY – Yorkshire Regiment – 12.1.17
son of John and Elizabeth Kelly of 1 South View (Poppy House) was born in Collierly in 1890 and served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He was killed on 12 January 1917, probably by shellfire. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. Photos of Michael and his parents. Have visited Thiepval.
ARTHUR KIRTON – Durham Light Infantry – 19.12.16
was killed on 19 December 1916 and buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery, just outside Ypres. He was born in Pelton, lived in Castle Street and was 23 years old. Arthur, son of William and Dorothy, served as a stretcher bearer in 8 Battalion, DLI and a pal wrote to his parents that he’d been killed while carrying a wounded man in. Photo of him and have been to railway Dugouts.
JOHN WILLIAM KIRTON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 14.7.16
(brother to Arthur) was a Lance Corporal in 12 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment and was killed in fighting around Bazentin on 14 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. John had a girlfriend, Violet Robson of East Boldon but his gratuity of £7.10.0 was paid to his mother. That was all she received because John had died while owing the army 17/10d. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH LAVERTY – Royal Garrison Artillery - 5.8.17
of 3 The Square was one of five Laverty brothers who served. He was a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and was killed in action on 5 August 1917 and buried in Dickebusch Old Military Cemetery Extension. Born to Irish parents in South Shields, Joseph enlisted at Shiney Row, he and his brothers were featured in a local newspaper article about family groups who’d volunteered. Photo of him and have visited Dickebusch.
WALLACE LAYFIELD – Durham Light Infantry – 24.9.18
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.
JAMES LESLIE – Black Watch – 20.9.15
born in Hutchestown, Glasgow in 1889, served in 9 Black Watch and was killed at Loos on 28 September 1915. His name is on Loos Memorial. His next of kin appears to have been his sister, Marion, and though we have no direct evidence to connect him to Fatfield/Harraton his name is on the memorial and his photo was printed in the Illustrated Chronicle. As the battalion war diary put it, ‘A detailed major offensive was launched on 25th September with many killed, wounded & missing.’ Photo of him and have visited Loos.
THOMAS NICHOLAS LONSDALE – Lancashire Fusiliers – 5.10.18
served as a Private in 16 Lancashire Fusiliers until his death, of wounds, on 5 October 1918, after an attack at Ramicourt. Aged 19, he was buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery. Youngest son of John and Ellen Lonsdale of 8 Ouston A Pit, his name also appears on the Pelton Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tincourt.
NATHAN MARSHALL – Royal Army Medical Corps – 20.8.16
was a conscientious objector but served in the 1st Field Ambulance (Non-combatant) and was killed while carrying a wounded man to safety near Millencourt on 20 August 1916. He was buried in Flat Iron Copse Cemetery. Son of Robert and Emma Marshall and 22 when he was killed, Nathan lived at High Riccalton (sic). A memorial service was held for him at the Primitive Methodist Chapel. Photo of him and have visited Flat Iron Copse.
ROBERT MARSHALL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 11.4.18
of 24 Nova Scotia, aged 19, was killed on 11 April 1918 while engaged in patrolling and re-wiring and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Son of William and Mary Ann (nee Marsden), he served in 14 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. No photo but have visited Tyne Cot.
GEORGE WILLIAM MAWSON – Durham Light Infantry – 22.9.16
(sometimes William George) of 47 Castle Street served in 8 DLI, died of wounds on 22 September 1916 and was buried in Becourt Military Cemetery. Originally from Spennymoor, George married Sarah and was father of 7 children by the time of his death. He seems to have been a character, the family story being that he ‘went on the hoy’ to Newcastle and enlisted while ‘hoying’. Photo and have visited Becourt.
WILLIAM MCCULLOCH – Royal Army Service Corps – 12.5.16
who served in the Army Service Corps, died in Egypt on 12 May 1916 and was buried in Alexandria (Hadra) Cemetery. He had arrived in Egypt in April and the rest of his company moved on to Mombasa. Willie, aged 19 when he died, was son of John and Hannah and lived with them at 5 Harraton Terrace (Poppy House) on the Lambton Estate. Photo of him but have not visited Alexandria.
LAWRENCE MCKEON – Loyal North Lancashire Regiment – 5.9.18
lived at 1 Harraton Terrace (Poppy House) and worked as a gardener on the Lambton Estate. He served in 1 Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment until his death on 3 September 1918. He was buried in Dury Crucifix Cemetery having, according to the war diary, been part of a ration party that suffered 14 casualties from a ‘German bomb’. He was 43 and single. Photo of him and have visited Dury.
RALPH MCNEIL – Royal Field Artillery – 22.4.17
(brother of John, below) was married to Elizabeth and had 4 children when he died of wounds on 22 April 1917, near Ypres. He was buried in Lijssenthoek Cemetery. Ralph, of 11 The Square, served in Battery D, 102 Brigade, Royal Horse and Field Artillery. Photo of him and have visited Lijssenthoek.
JOHN MCNEIL – Durham Light Infantry – 19.12.15
served in 14 DLI and was one of 14 men from his battalion killed on 19 December 1915 near Potijze, Ypres, in a German bombardment of gas and high explosives. John’s name is on the Menin Gate. John was 25, single and living with his parents, John and Frances, at 12 Low Chapel Row. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
ALEXANDER JOHN METCALF(E) – Durham Light Infantry – 27.7.16
was teaching at Fatfield Council School when he enlisted in September 1914. Born in Skipton in 1892, son of a mill owner, he attended Ermysted’s School. Alexander served in 18 DLI, was killed on 27 July 1916 in the course of a trench raid by the Germans and was buried in St Vaast Post Military Cemetery. His brother, Fred, died of wounds in June 1917. Photo of him and have visited St Vaast Post.
STEPHEN MILLS – Durham Light Infantry – 10.7.16
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.
WILLIAM MOORE MM – Durham Light Infantry – 27.8.17
son of Thomas and Agnes of 24 Long Row, was killed, by German shellfire, near Loos on 27 August 1917. His name is on Loos Memorial. His death occurred shortly before he was due to receive the MM for his bravery during a raid on German trenches near ‘Nash Alley’. Photo of him and have visited Loos.
HUGH MURRAY – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.9.15
(in some documents Morrow) was born in Easington and died of dysentery, aged 19, while aboard HMS Valdivia on 9 September 1915. He was being evacuated from Gallipoli where he’d arrived in mid-June 1915. His name is inscribed on the Helles Memorial. Son of John and Mary of 1 Slate Houses he served in 6 Battalion East Yorkshires. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
THOMAS NATTRASS – East Yorkshire Regiment – 1.1.17
known in the family as Tot, was born in Lanchester in about 1886 and joined 6 Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. One of 5 brothers to serve, he died of wounds in 35 Casualty Clearing Station on 1 January 1917 and was buried in Aveluy Wood Cemetery. Thomas was married to Mary Ann (Gowland), later Bohill, and they had a daughter, Hilda. Their address was 2 Wearside Terrace. We have a poem written by him about the landing at Suvla Bay in Gallipoli. Photos of him and have visited Aveluy.
JAMES NICHOLSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
of 4 Lambton Street, joined 22 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scots) and was killed in action on 1 July 1916, aged 40. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. James, a miner, was married to Mary Ann and they had at least 5 children. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
FRED NICHOLSON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 11.5.17
born at Lintz Green in about 1883 and became manager of the drapery department at Fatfield Coop. He lived at 30 Wormhill Terrace (Poppy House). After an exemption from a tribunal (applied for by his employer) Fred joined the West Yorkshire Regiment, was wounded in April or May 1917 and died on 17 May. He was buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. Fred, married to Sara Ann, was a local Wesleyan Methodist preacher. Photo of him and have visited Etaples.
JOHN WILLIAM NOBLE – Royal Scots – 23.11.17
born in Fatfield in 1898 to Alexander and Sarah Ann, joined 9 Royal Scots and was killed on 23 November 1917 near Flesquieres and Orival Wood. His name appears on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval. John’s family lived in Riverslea (Poppy House) in South View. Photo of him and have visited Louverval.
JAMES GILCHRIST OLIVER – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born at Fatfield, served in 1 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed, aged 23, on 1 July 1916. His name is listed on Thiepval Memorial. James, son of Thomas and Elizabeth, was a coal miner and single. There is still a family bible in Fatfield in which he wrote the names of his relatives in 1912. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS OLIVER – Durham Light Infantry – 1.10.16
son of Johnson and Isabella of 23 Castle Street, was born in 1892, killed on 1 October 1916 near Flers and buried in Beaulencourt Cemetery. He served in 20 DLI. His girlfriend/fiancé was Evelyn Straughan and she received a war gratuity of £3.10.0d. Thomas was a coal miner.
JAMES O’NEIL(L) – Durham Light Infantry – 21.10.17
was one of the four sons of Patrick and Eliza to be killed in the war. James, a Staff Sergeant in 3 DLI, left the Barley Mow public house at Birtley with his father-in-law, Thomas O’Keefe, on the evening of 21 October 1917 and the two were knocked down by a Northern General Transport bus and died of their injuries. Both men were buried in St Joseph’s Churchyard, Birtley. His 3 brothers are commemorated on the Birtley Memorial. Photo of him and have visited St Joseph’s.
ALFRED HENRY POTTER – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.8.16
son of Alfred and Mary, was born in 1889 and lived at 21 West Bridge Street (Poppy House). He served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 4 August 1916 near Agny, Arras. His name appears on the Arras Memorial. Living in Fencehouses Parish, his name is also on the memorial plaque in Bournmoor Church. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JOHN FREDERICK POTTER MM and Bar – Durham Light Infantry – 10.9.18
was a Lance Corporal in 20 DLI. He was killed in heavy fighting on 10 September 1918 and his name appears on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. He was brother to Alfred Henry and also lived at 21 West Bridge St (Poppy House). One of his letters home ended with ‘It won’t be long before I’m gazing at the square faces.’ Photo of him and have visited Vis-en-Artois.
ROBERT RICHARDSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 27.9.16
was born in Low Fell in 1895, son of William and Dorothy, enlisted in Shiney Row (he served in 6 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment) and his address was 15 Beatrice Terrace at the time of his death. That occurred on 27 September 1916 in the area around Thiepval. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN ROSS – Lincolnshire Regiment – 18.6.18
son of Thomas and Elizabeth who lived and worked on the Lambton Estate, was only 19 when he died in Polytechnic Hospital, Lille, a prisoner of war. He was buried in Lille Southern Cemetery. John served in 2/5 Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. His sisters, Barabara and Helen, worked for the Post Office. No photo but have visited Lille.
HERBERT SCOTT – Northumberland Fusiliers – 4.7.16
born in 1889 enlisted in the Royal Artillery in September 1914, was discharged as ‘unlikely to make an efficient soldier’ and then enlisted again, this time in the Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish). His death, by gas poisoning, occurred on 4 July 1916 and he was buried in Heilly Station Cemetery. He left a widow, Elizabeth. Photo of him and have visited Heilly.
CHARLES HALL SMITH – Yorkshire Regiment – 16.6.16 – also on Washington
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.
CHARLES SMITH – Royal Naval Division – 22.12.17
born in 1893, was an Able Seaman in, first, the Hawke, then Nelson, Battalion, Royal Naval Division and was killed on 22 December 1917 and buried in Ribecourt Road Cemetery. On enlistment he gave his address as 12 Portobello Terrace, Birtley, but his father, George, lived at 23 Castle Street, Fatfield. No photo but have visited Ribecourt Rd.
ERNEST SMITH – Royal Warwickshire Regiment – 7.9.17
born to Thomas and Mary in 1898, was resident at 24 Wormhill Terrace. He died of wounds on 7 September 1917, while serving in 2/5 Royal Warwickshires and was buried in Mendinghem Cemetery in Belgium. In 1918 his father appealed against conscription on the grounds that his son had been killed and that he was looking after 3 brothers, all serving, adopted from his brother. His case was adjourned. No photo but have visited Mendinghem.
GEORGE BRABBEN SMITH DCM – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.7.16 – also on Washington
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.
ROBERT WILLIAM SYSON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 10.10.17
was born to Thomas and Jane in Fatfield in 1897. He died of wounds while serving with 9 West Yorkshires and was buried in Gwalia Cemetery, near Ypres. His war gratuity was paid to his stepmother, Agnes, who was living at 16 Lambton Street, Fatfield. No photo but have visited Gwalia.
GEORGE ALBERT THOMPSON – Lincolnshire Regiment - 14.8.17
was only 19 when killed on 14 August 1917. He was serving in 2 Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment and had probably been recently conscripted. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Son of John and Matilda, he lived at 3 Chatershaugh Cottages. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
CHARLES TODD – Royal Field Artillery – 6.8.15
born in 1896 to John and Susannah, served as a Gunner in 48 Ammunition Column, RA, and died from ‘injuries accidentally received’ on 6 August 1915. He was buried in Hop Store Cemetery, near Ypres. Charlie was a pony driver at the pit. His father ran the Ferryboat Inn, also known to locals as ‘Toddy’s’. Charlie’s plaque is still on a wall in a house in Washington Village. Photo of him and have visited Hop Store.
GEORGE USHER – Durham Light Infantry – 27.10.18
of 3 Short Row (later 3 Waterside Cottages) was a married miner who enlisted in January 1915. He was killed on 27 October 1918 (same day as GH Ainsley) and is commemorated on a Memorial in Giavera Cemetery, Italy. George married Sarah Ann (Cowell) on 30 March 1918 and their child, George William, was born in January 1919 but died after three days, his mother dying the day after. George served in 12 DLI. No photo of him but have visited Giavera.
THOMAS WALKER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Fatfield in 1890 but by the time of his death, 1 July 1916, was living in Reid Street, Springwell. He served in 25 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. He was a Roman Catholic and also a member of the Westwood Club, there are memorials to both groups. His parents, Kyran and Mary, received his war gratuity. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
CHARLES WATSON – Royal Veterinary Corps – 16.11.16
served in the Army Veterinary Corps and died in R Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, on 16 November 1916. He was buried in Penshaw Churchyard. In 1911 the Census listed Charles Watson, aged 20, living as a boarder in Middle Row, Fencehouses. He married Ellen (Horsfall) in 1911 and they had at least 2 daughters. No photo but have visited Penshaw.
HENRY WELLS – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
resident in Catherine Square, Fatfield, served in 20 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scots) and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Son of Edward and Alice, he was born in 1888 and married Isabella with whom he had at least 2 children. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN WHITFIELD – Royal Garrison Artillery – 4.11.18
of 64 Castle Street, died at home on 4 November 1918. He was buried in St George’s Churchyard, Harraton. Son of Robert and Barbara and brother to William (see below), he was born in Birtley in 1894 and served in the Royal Garrison Artillery. His medal roll suggests he was discharged in December 1918 but by that time he had already died. No photo of him.
WILLIAM WHITFIELD – Durham Light Infantry – 21.9.16
served in 1/8 DLI and was killed or died of wounds on 21 September 1916 and buried in Flat Iron Copse Cemetery, not far from, ‘the hell that is High Wood’ the same cemetery as Nathan Marshall. His nephew, Thomas, played in Billy Bankhead’s Blue Bird Mouth Organ Band, which once led the Harraton Banner into Durham on Gala Day because there was no brass band to do it. Photo of him and have visited Flat Iron Copse.
HENRY WILKINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.6.15 – also on Washington
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.
ROBERT WILLIS – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
of 12 Waggonway Terrace, served in 15 DLI and was killed on 1 July 1916 and buried in Norfolk Cemetery, Becourt. A butcher at Fatfield Coop, he was 26 and son of Robert and Mary and fiancé of Florrie Robinson. After his death, and then that of his father, there was some dispute between his three sisters over who should have his medals. Photo of him and have visited Becourt.
If you would like any information on any of these men, or you have any information to share about them please use the Contact Page.
GEORGE HEDLEY AINSLEY – Durham Light Infantry – 30.10.18
of Castle Street, Fatfield, 12th DLI, died of wounds in Italy on 30th October 1918, aged 19. Buried in Giavera Cemetery, overlooking Venice. His brother, JRW Ainsley, served in the navy in WW2. Photo of George, visited his grave.
DR DAVID ANDERSON – Royal Army Medical Corps - 13.9.17
originally of Glasgow, qualified at Glasgow Uni Medical School, Temporary Lt in RAMC died in hospital, after a stroke, on 13 September 1917. Buried in Longuenesse Cemetery, St Omer. Married with one child. Lived in 2 South View. (Poppy House). Photo of him. Visited his grave.
JOHN GILCHRIST APPLEBY – Royal Field Artillery - 10.10.15
Driver in Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 10 August 1915, aged 21, and believed to be buried in Lala Baba Cemetery, Gallipoli. Single man, lived at 10 Biddick Inn Terrace with parents James and Isabella. Brother of Robert Appleby. Photo of him. Visited his grave.
JOHN THOMAS APPLEBY – Royal Engineers - 9.7.16
Sapper in 176 Tunnelling Coy, Royal Engineers. Killed, aged 19, by a German mine on 9th July 1916. Buried at Hersin Cemetery. No photo but have visited grave.
ROBERT APPLEBY – Manchester Regiment – 23.3.18
aged 21 when killed on 23 March 1918. Listed on Pozieres Memorial. Private in Manchester Regiment. Brother of John G Appleby and lived at 10 Biddick Inn Terrace. Photo of him. Visited Pozieres.
WILLIAM APPLEBY – Durham Light Infantry (Bantam) – 10.9.16
brother of John Thomas. Nickname Tai. Served in 19 DLI, Bantams. Killed in action 10 September 1916 and buried in Faubourg d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras. Married with 2 children (one died while he was in France). Wife Isabella lived at 23 West Bridge St (Poppy House) after the war. Photo of him and visited his grave.
WILLIAM ARMSTRONG – Northumberland Fusiliers – 30.4.16
born in Broomhill, Northumberland, was 33 when killed by shellfire on 30th April 1916. He was buried in Dartmoor Cemetery. William, married with 4 children, lived at 21, Pelaw Grange and was a Lance Corporal in 12th Northumberland Fusiliers. Photo of him and have visited grave.
JAMES FRANCES GORDON ASHWORTH – Durham Light Infantry – 25.6.16
born in Wolverhampton and then attended Ulverston Grammar School. 2nd Lt Ashworth, 9 DLI, died of wounds on 25th June 1916. Buried in La Clytte Cemetery, Belgium. Teacher at Fatfield Council School. Widow Gladys. Photo of him and visited his grave.
JOHN THOMAS BATES – Durham Light Infantry – 20.11.18
a Private in 1/5 DLI died in a German PoW camp on 20 November 1918, having been captured at Arras on 23rd April 1917. His grave is in Berlin SW Cemetery. He lived at Fatfield Square, son of Thomas and Jane. No photo of him, visited his grave.
JOHN ARTHUR BEER – Yorkshire Regiment – 11.8.15
born in Newcross, London, in 1892, was killed at Gallipoli on 11 August 1915, having arrived there only on 7 July. A Private in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment he is listed on Helles Memorial. Boarded for a while with Newrick Crow. Photo of him and visited Helles. Also listed on Shiney Row Memorial.
RICHARD BELL – Durham Light Infantry - 16.8.17
of 12 Short Row, was killed on 16 August, 1917 and buried at Wancourt Cemetery. Son of George and Jane Ann. Private in 1/5 DLI. Photo of him. Visited grave.
FRANCIS BLAIR – East Yorkshire Regiment - 12.3.18
acting Lance Sergeant in 6 Battalion, East Yorkshires, was killed on 12 March 1918 and buried at Sailly-La-Bourse, near Lens. He lived in Castle St with his parents, George and Eliza. No photo. Visited his grave.
JAMES BOHILL – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.6.17
was a Private in 9 Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment until killed in action on 9 June 1917. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. James attended Fatfield Council School and lived at 1, Chatershaugh. Photo of him and visited Menin Gate
WILLIAM HOLME BORTHWICK – Durham Light Infantry - 7.10.15 – also on Washington
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 Memorials. Photo of him and visited grave.
JG BOWATER – Royal Munster Regiment – 1.5.15 (we think)
Think he was JG Bowater of Royal Munster Fusiliers killed on 1st May 1915 at Helles. Listed on Helles Memorial. No photo. Visited Helles.
ROBERT BOYLE – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
1 Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed 1 July 1916. Buried at Gommecourt Cemetery No 2. Parents were Irish and were in Westerhope in 1911. Then moved into 46 Castle Street. Photo of him. Visited his grave.
ALFRED BRABAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 3.10.17
Private in 10 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards). Killed by shellfire, aged 38, on 3 October 1917 and buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery, near Ypres. Worked at Cook’s Ironworks; war gratuity was shared between 4 siblings. Cook’s Lodge is a Poppy House. No photo of him. Visited his grave.
A BROWN – not yet identified
There was an Alfred Brown, of military age, living at 5 South View in 1911 but this is guesswork. No real idea of who A Brown was.
BENJAMIN ALBERT BROWN – Royal Engineers – 4.10.17
2nd Lt, 253 Tunnelling Coy, Royal Engineers was seriously wounded and then died same evening, 4th October 1917, aged 25. Buried in Dozinghem Cemetery. Lived at 39 Success Terrace, Shiney Row, son of Benjamin and Rebecca. Old Boy of Bede Grammar School. No photo. Have visited grave.
ROBERT BROWN – Dorsetshire Regiment - 29.9.18
Lance Corporal in 5th Dorsetshires, was killed, aged 25, on 29 September 1918 and buried in Chapel Corner Cemetery. A coal miner, born Seaham, married to Elizabeth, with 3 children. Personal effects sent home. Photo of him and have visited grave
JOHN GEORGE CHARLTON MM – Royal Field Artillery – 4.8.17
(won MM for putting out a fire in an ammo dump) was killed in action on 14 August 1917. He was a bombardier in Royal Field Artillery, son of Esther of The Square, Fatfield. Buried in Aeroplane Cemetery near Ypres. Mother given a gold watch by Harraton Parish. Photo of him and visited grave.
ISAAC CLARK – West Riding Regiment – 17.7.16
Served in Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment. Died of wounds on 17 July 1916 and buried at Puchevillers Cemetery. Lived with sister, Josephine, in Hilton Terrace, Pelton. Photo of him, visited his grave. Also on Pelton Memorial.
THOMAS COLPITTS – East Yorkshire Regiment - 19.12.15
Private in 14 DLI, married to Alice, with 5 children, one of whom, Luke, also joined up. Another son was called Antwerp. Thomas was killed 19 December 1915, in a gas attack and buried at Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery, near Ypres. Member of Westwood Club. Photo of him and visited grave.
JOHN ROBERT CONLON – Durham Light Infantry – 25.9.15
A Private in 15 DLI he went to France on 11 September 1915 and was killed, aged 25, on 25th September in the Battle of Loos. Commemorated on Loos Memorial. Married to Margaret Jane with 2 children, living at Victoria Terrace, Penshaw. No photo, have visited Loos.
JOHN THOMAS CORPS MM – Royal Irish Rifles – 24.8.18
served in Royal Irish Rifles and was killed on 24 August 1918. He was buried in Bailleul Cemetery. Despite being married, with a son, it appears that his war gratuity was paid to his widowed mother. He was a groom and lived for a time at 12 Wormhill Terrace. Photo and have visited Bailleul.
GEORGE CRICHTON – Northumberland Fusiliers 10.2.15
Born in Dundee, George served in 13 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers but died in training, aged 32, on 10 February 1915 and was buried in Tring Cemetery. He lodged for a time in Biddick Inn Terrace. No photo but have visited Tring.
NEWRICK CROW – Northumberland Fusiliers - 18.9.16
He served in 12 Battalion, NF, and was killed 18 September 1916, aged 29. Two brothers were also killed. Newrick, killed near Delville Wood, is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Married to Maria, they had a daughter, Barbara. Photo and have visited Thiepval.
RALPH CROW – Northumberland Fusiliers - 6.9.16
He served in 27 NF, Tyneside Irish, and died of wounds on 6 September 1916. He was buried in Abbeville Cemetery. Married to Cecilia, and living for a time at Trafalgar Row, Harraton Hall, they had two surviving children, George and Ralph. No photo. Have visited Abbeville.
THOMAS CROW – Northumberland Fusiliers – 26.10.17
He was killed on 26 October 1917 while serving in 1/7 NF. He was 35 and living with wife Phyllis and their three children at 14 Gladstone Terrace, Penshaw (Poppy House). Thomas is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. His name appears on Shiney Row Memorial as well as that of Harraton. Photo and have visited Tyne Cot.
WILLIAM CULINE – Durham Light Infantry – 12.4.18
He worked on the shows and was of no fixed abode. He didn’t take well to army discipline. Willie, serving in 1/8 DLI, was reported missing on 12 April 1918 and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. No photo, indeed after the war the police had to track his mother down to the Byker Showground. Have visited Ploegsteert.
JOSEPH CUMPSON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 26.9.16
He was married to Mary Ellen and father of 2 when killed on 26 September 1916. He served in the West Yorkshire Regiment and is listed on the Thiepval Memorial. For some reason it was his father, John, who was paid the war gratuity after his death. No photo, have visited Thiepval.
LEONARD SYDNEY CLAUDIAN DAVISON – Durham Light Infantry – 5.10.17
Born at Pelton, he was killed on 5 October 1917 and buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery. He served in 15 DLI and was brother to Henderson Richardson Davison, also killed. Two other brothers also served. His sisters were Ena Jessie Olga and Irene Vesta Ophelia. LSC was a member of the IOG Templars. Photo and have visited grave.
HENDERSON RICHARDSON DAVISON – Royal Engineers – 1.10.18
died of wounds on 1 October 1918 and was buried in Zanvoorde Cemetery. A signaller in 20 DLI, he was 21 and lived with the family at Girdle Cake Cottage. His parents were Thomas and Frances and his other brothers Cecil Theodore, George and Norman. Photo and have visited his grave.
SAMUEL DAWSON – Durham Light Infantry – 2.4.18
a Corporal in 20 DLI, was 24 when he died of wounds in hospital in Boulogne on 2 April 1918. He was buried in Wimereux Cemetery, the same cemetery as Colonel John McRae (In Flanders Fields). Sam, of Castle Street, played in the DLI football team. Photo of him and have visited his grave.
BENJAMIN DEAN – Machine Gun Corps – 21.9.18
A Private in the Machine Gun Corps, he was born in South Hetton, son of James and Isabella. He married Florence Radford in Easington area in 1911. In the Absent Voters List of 1918 his address was given as 6 Hobson Terrace. Gunner Dean died on 21 September 1918 and was buried in Unicorn Cemetery, Vend’huile, near Cambrai. No photo, have visited Vend’huile.
GEORGE JAMES DOBSON – Machine Gun Corps – 18.9.16 – also on Washington
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 Washington Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Thiepval.
BENJAMIN DOYLE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
He was born at Tyne Dock but by 1911 was living in The Square, Fatfield. He married Annie Fletcher in 1912 and had a son, Benjamin. Private Doyle served in the Tyneside Irish (NF), was killed on 1 July 1916 and is buried at Bapaume Post Cemetery, just outside Albert. No photo of him, have visited Bapaume Post.
RICHARD DRUMMOND – Yorkshire Regiment – 14.10.15 – also on Usworth
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 Washington Memorial. Photo of him, have visited Usworth churchyard.
JOHN DUNN(E) – Royal Irish Regiment – 19.10.14
He was born in Dungannon and served in the Royal Irish Regiment. He was serving in India in 1911. Private Dunn was killed in action, aged 39, on 19 October 1914 and is listed on Le Touret Memorial. He was a coal miner, son of Joseph and Rose of Tyrone. Photo of him, have visited Le Touret.
WILLIAM TAYLOR DUNN – Royal Field Artillery – 23.1.18
A gunner in the RFA, he was killed on 23 January 1918, aged 29, and is buried in Nine Elms Cemetery, near Poperinghe. He was married with 2 children and worked as a horse-man at Fatfield House Farm (Poppy House). His employer appealed for him not to have to join up and he was exempted for a short time. No photo of him. Have visited Nine Elms Cemetery.
JAMES EDWARD DWYER – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.5.17 – also on Washington
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. Had been in the army pre-war. Also listed on Washington Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Vlamertinghe.
JACOB EMERY – Durham Light Infantry – 21.5.16
was born in Tweedmouth and in 1911 was living in Ashington. After his death, caused by shellfire, on 21st May 1916, his affairs seem to have been conducted by Ellen Barnfather of Castle Street but his medals were sent to his brother, William. Jacob, a Private in 14 DLI is listed on the Menin Gate. No photo, have visited the Menin Gate.
HENRY FLETCHER – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.7.16
8 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment but attached to 176 Tunnelling Company, was killed by a trench mortar on 1 July 1916, aged 26, and buried in Hersin Cemetery. His widow was Sarah Ethel. Henry was a miner. No photo of him, have visited Hersin.
JOHN THOMAS FORSTER – Durham Light Infantry – 3.10.17
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 Washington 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.
EDWARD FOSTER – Durham Light Infantry – 16.9.16
Born in Fatfield, he lived at 21 Nova Scotia and served in 15 DLI. He was listed as missing on 16 September 1916 and, later, commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He was one of the 6 surviving children of the 8 born to Thomas and Rebecca Foster. He attended Fatfield Council School. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS FOSTER – Northumberland Fusiliers - 1.7.16
He was married to Alice, father of 2 girls and was living in Shiney Row in 1911. Thomas was one of those in the NF (Tyneside Scots) killed near La Boisselle on 1 July 1916 and he is listed on Thiepval Memorial. Alice later re-married and became Mrs Hepple. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
MICHAEL GIBBONS – Royal Field Artillery – 9.10.16
was a gunner in the Royal Field Artillery, until his death, aged 23, on 9 October 1916. His grave is in the A.I.F Graveyard at Flers. The son of Redmond and Isabella, Michael was an apprentice bricklayer. Michael is one of those listed on the Roman Catholic memorial for Washington Parish. Photo of him and have visited Flers.
RICHARD GLOYNE – Durham Light Infantry – 21.9.17
He was killed, aged 20, on 21 September 1917 while serving as Sergeant in 20 DLI, the Wearside Battalion. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Richard lived with his parents, Richard and Elizabeth, at 9 Biddick Inn Terrace. Photo of him, have visited Tyne Cot.
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.
MICHAEL GRASS – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 8.10.18
Originally from Cheshire, he worked as a gamekeeper for the Lambton Estate and lived at Harraton Lodge (Poppy House). Matthew was serving in King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry when killed on 8 October 1918. His name appears on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. No photo of him, have visited Vis-en-Artois.
EDWARD HALL – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.8.15
Born in Fatfield he was living, aged 18, with his widowed mother in Biddick Lane in 1911. He joined 6 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment and landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, on 7 August 1915 and was posted missing on 9 August. He is listed on the Helles Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ERIC HEATHERINGTON – Royal Warwickshire Regiment – 4.5.17
of Ouston Villa, Pelton, enlisted in the Border Regiment but was commissioned 2nd Lt in the Royal Warwickshires in December 1916. He was killed by a German grenade on 4 May 1917 and listed on the Arras Memorial. His brother, Keith, served in the RAF. No photo of him but have visited Arras.
PHILIP HOPE – Royal Field Artillery – 1.11.18
was born in Shildon but was resident, with parents Philip and Sarah, at 54 Castle Street at the time of his death. Driver Hope, RFA was wounded on 31 October 1918, died the next day and was buried in Kezelburg Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Kezelburg.
JOSEPH HUMBLE – Yorkshire Regiment – 10.7.16
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.
W HUNTER – we have no certain information about him.
CHARLES JEFFREY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
a coal miner, lived at 17 Pelaw Grange Terrace with his parents, William and Annie. Born in 1890 he served in NF (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. His name does not appear on the St George’s Roll of Honour. No photo of him. Have visited Thiepval.
GEORGE JOHNSON – Durham Light Infantry – 5.8.17
was a single man, living at 4 Low Chapel Row with his parents, George and Margaret. He was originally in the Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) but was transferred to 15 DLI. He died of wounds on 5 August 1917 and was buried in St Leger Cemetery. George had attended Fatfield Council School. No photo of him but have visited his grave.
MICHAEL KELLY – Yorkshire Regiment – 12.1.17
son of John and Elizabeth Kelly of 1 South View (Poppy House) was born in Collierly in 1890 and served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. He was killed on 12 January 1917, probably by shellfire. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. Photos of Michael and his parents. Have visited Thiepval.
ARTHUR KIRTON – Durham Light Infantry – 19.12.16
was killed on 19 December 1916 and buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery, just outside Ypres. He was born in Pelton, lived in Castle Street and was 23 years old. Arthur, son of William and Dorothy, served as a stretcher bearer in 8 Battalion, DLI and a pal wrote to his parents that he’d been killed while carrying a wounded man in. Photo of him and have been to railway Dugouts.
JOHN WILLIAM KIRTON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 14.7.16
(brother to Arthur) was a Lance Corporal in 12 Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment and was killed in fighting around Bazentin on 14 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. John had a girlfriend, Violet Robson of East Boldon but his gratuity of £7.10.0 was paid to his mother. That was all she received because John had died while owing the army 17/10d. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH LAVERTY – Royal Garrison Artillery - 5.8.17
of 3 The Square was one of five Laverty brothers who served. He was a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and was killed in action on 5 August 1917 and buried in Dickebusch Old Military Cemetery Extension. Born to Irish parents in South Shields, Joseph enlisted at Shiney Row, he and his brothers were featured in a local newspaper article about family groups who’d volunteered. Photo of him and have visited Dickebusch.
WALLACE LAYFIELD – Durham Light Infantry – 24.9.18
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.
JAMES LESLIE – Black Watch – 20.9.15
born in Hutchestown, Glasgow in 1889, served in 9 Black Watch and was killed at Loos on 28 September 1915. His name is on Loos Memorial. His next of kin appears to have been his sister, Marion, and though we have no direct evidence to connect him to Fatfield/Harraton his name is on the memorial and his photo was printed in the Illustrated Chronicle. As the battalion war diary put it, ‘A detailed major offensive was launched on 25th September with many killed, wounded & missing.’ Photo of him and have visited Loos.
THOMAS NICHOLAS LONSDALE – Lancashire Fusiliers – 5.10.18
served as a Private in 16 Lancashire Fusiliers until his death, of wounds, on 5 October 1918, after an attack at Ramicourt. Aged 19, he was buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery. Youngest son of John and Ellen Lonsdale of 8 Ouston A Pit, his name also appears on the Pelton Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tincourt.
NATHAN MARSHALL – Royal Army Medical Corps – 20.8.16
was a conscientious objector but served in the 1st Field Ambulance (Non-combatant) and was killed while carrying a wounded man to safety near Millencourt on 20 August 1916. He was buried in Flat Iron Copse Cemetery. Son of Robert and Emma Marshall and 22 when he was killed, Nathan lived at High Riccalton (sic). A memorial service was held for him at the Primitive Methodist Chapel. Photo of him and have visited Flat Iron Copse.
ROBERT MARSHALL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 11.4.18
of 24 Nova Scotia, aged 19, was killed on 11 April 1918 while engaged in patrolling and re-wiring and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Son of William and Mary Ann (nee Marsden), he served in 14 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. No photo but have visited Tyne Cot.
GEORGE WILLIAM MAWSON – Durham Light Infantry – 22.9.16
(sometimes William George) of 47 Castle Street served in 8 DLI, died of wounds on 22 September 1916 and was buried in Becourt Military Cemetery. Originally from Spennymoor, George married Sarah and was father of 7 children by the time of his death. He seems to have been a character, the family story being that he ‘went on the hoy’ to Newcastle and enlisted while ‘hoying’. Photo and have visited Becourt.
WILLIAM MCCULLOCH – Royal Army Service Corps – 12.5.16
who served in the Army Service Corps, died in Egypt on 12 May 1916 and was buried in Alexandria (Hadra) Cemetery. He had arrived in Egypt in April and the rest of his company moved on to Mombasa. Willie, aged 19 when he died, was son of John and Hannah and lived with them at 5 Harraton Terrace (Poppy House) on the Lambton Estate. Photo of him but have not visited Alexandria.
LAWRENCE MCKEON – Loyal North Lancashire Regiment – 5.9.18
lived at 1 Harraton Terrace (Poppy House) and worked as a gardener on the Lambton Estate. He served in 1 Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment until his death on 3 September 1918. He was buried in Dury Crucifix Cemetery having, according to the war diary, been part of a ration party that suffered 14 casualties from a ‘German bomb’. He was 43 and single. Photo of him and have visited Dury.
RALPH MCNEIL – Royal Field Artillery – 22.4.17
(brother of John, below) was married to Elizabeth and had 4 children when he died of wounds on 22 April 1917, near Ypres. He was buried in Lijssenthoek Cemetery. Ralph, of 11 The Square, served in Battery D, 102 Brigade, Royal Horse and Field Artillery. Photo of him and have visited Lijssenthoek.
JOHN MCNEIL – Durham Light Infantry – 19.12.15
served in 14 DLI and was one of 14 men from his battalion killed on 19 December 1915 near Potijze, Ypres, in a German bombardment of gas and high explosives. John’s name is on the Menin Gate. John was 25, single and living with his parents, John and Frances, at 12 Low Chapel Row. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
ALEXANDER JOHN METCALF(E) – Durham Light Infantry – 27.7.16
was teaching at Fatfield Council School when he enlisted in September 1914. Born in Skipton in 1892, son of a mill owner, he attended Ermysted’s School. Alexander served in 18 DLI, was killed on 27 July 1916 in the course of a trench raid by the Germans and was buried in St Vaast Post Military Cemetery. His brother, Fred, died of wounds in June 1917. Photo of him and have visited St Vaast Post.
STEPHEN MILLS – Durham Light Infantry – 10.7.16
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.
WILLIAM MOORE MM – Durham Light Infantry – 27.8.17
son of Thomas and Agnes of 24 Long Row, was killed, by German shellfire, near Loos on 27 August 1917. His name is on Loos Memorial. His death occurred shortly before he was due to receive the MM for his bravery during a raid on German trenches near ‘Nash Alley’. Photo of him and have visited Loos.
HUGH MURRAY – East Yorkshire Regiment – 9.9.15
(in some documents Morrow) was born in Easington and died of dysentery, aged 19, while aboard HMS Valdivia on 9 September 1915. He was being evacuated from Gallipoli where he’d arrived in mid-June 1915. His name is inscribed on the Helles Memorial. Son of John and Mary of 1 Slate Houses he served in 6 Battalion East Yorkshires. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
THOMAS NATTRASS – East Yorkshire Regiment – 1.1.17
known in the family as Tot, was born in Lanchester in about 1886 and joined 6 Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. One of 5 brothers to serve, he died of wounds in 35 Casualty Clearing Station on 1 January 1917 and was buried in Aveluy Wood Cemetery. Thomas was married to Mary Ann (Gowland), later Bohill, and they had a daughter, Hilda. Their address was 2 Wearside Terrace. We have a poem written by him about the landing at Suvla Bay in Gallipoli. Photos of him and have visited Aveluy.
JAMES NICHOLSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
of 4 Lambton Street, joined 22 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scots) and was killed in action on 1 July 1916, aged 40. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. James, a miner, was married to Mary Ann and they had at least 5 children. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
FRED NICHOLSON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 11.5.17
born at Lintz Green in about 1883 and became manager of the drapery department at Fatfield Coop. He lived at 30 Wormhill Terrace (Poppy House). After an exemption from a tribunal (applied for by his employer) Fred joined the West Yorkshire Regiment, was wounded in April or May 1917 and died on 17 May. He was buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. Fred, married to Sara Ann, was a local Wesleyan Methodist preacher. Photo of him and have visited Etaples.
JOHN WILLIAM NOBLE – Royal Scots – 23.11.17
born in Fatfield in 1898 to Alexander and Sarah Ann, joined 9 Royal Scots and was killed on 23 November 1917 near Flesquieres and Orival Wood. His name appears on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval. John’s family lived in Riverslea (Poppy House) in South View. Photo of him and have visited Louverval.
JAMES GILCHRIST OLIVER – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born at Fatfield, served in 1 Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed, aged 23, on 1 July 1916. His name is listed on Thiepval Memorial. James, son of Thomas and Elizabeth, was a coal miner and single. There is still a family bible in Fatfield in which he wrote the names of his relatives in 1912. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS OLIVER – Durham Light Infantry – 1.10.16
son of Johnson and Isabella of 23 Castle Street, was born in 1892, killed on 1 October 1916 near Flers and buried in Beaulencourt Cemetery. He served in 20 DLI. His girlfriend/fiancé was Evelyn Straughan and she received a war gratuity of £3.10.0d. Thomas was a coal miner.
JAMES O’NEIL(L) – Durham Light Infantry – 21.10.17
was one of the four sons of Patrick and Eliza to be killed in the war. James, a Staff Sergeant in 3 DLI, left the Barley Mow public house at Birtley with his father-in-law, Thomas O’Keefe, on the evening of 21 October 1917 and the two were knocked down by a Northern General Transport bus and died of their injuries. Both men were buried in St Joseph’s Churchyard, Birtley. His 3 brothers are commemorated on the Birtley Memorial. Photo of him and have visited St Joseph’s.
ALFRED HENRY POTTER – Yorkshire Regiment – 4.8.16
son of Alfred and Mary, was born in 1889 and lived at 21 West Bridge Street (Poppy House). He served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was killed on 4 August 1916 near Agny, Arras. His name appears on the Arras Memorial. Living in Fencehouses Parish, his name is also on the memorial plaque in Bournmoor Church. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
JOHN FREDERICK POTTER MM and Bar – Durham Light Infantry – 10.9.18
was a Lance Corporal in 20 DLI. He was killed in heavy fighting on 10 September 1918 and his name appears on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. He was brother to Alfred Henry and also lived at 21 West Bridge St (Poppy House). One of his letters home ended with ‘It won’t be long before I’m gazing at the square faces.’ Photo of him and have visited Vis-en-Artois.
ROBERT RICHARDSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 27.9.16
was born in Low Fell in 1895, son of William and Dorothy, enlisted in Shiney Row (he served in 6 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment) and his address was 15 Beatrice Terrace at the time of his death. That occurred on 27 September 1916 in the area around Thiepval. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN ROSS – Lincolnshire Regiment – 18.6.18
son of Thomas and Elizabeth who lived and worked on the Lambton Estate, was only 19 when he died in Polytechnic Hospital, Lille, a prisoner of war. He was buried in Lille Southern Cemetery. John served in 2/5 Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. His sisters, Barabara and Helen, worked for the Post Office. No photo but have visited Lille.
HERBERT SCOTT – Northumberland Fusiliers – 4.7.16
born in 1889 enlisted in the Royal Artillery in September 1914, was discharged as ‘unlikely to make an efficient soldier’ and then enlisted again, this time in the Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish). His death, by gas poisoning, occurred on 4 July 1916 and he was buried in Heilly Station Cemetery. He left a widow, Elizabeth. Photo of him and have visited Heilly.
CHARLES HALL SMITH – Yorkshire Regiment – 16.6.16 – also on Washington
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.
CHARLES SMITH – Royal Naval Division – 22.12.17
born in 1893, was an Able Seaman in, first, the Hawke, then Nelson, Battalion, Royal Naval Division and was killed on 22 December 1917 and buried in Ribecourt Road Cemetery. On enlistment he gave his address as 12 Portobello Terrace, Birtley, but his father, George, lived at 23 Castle Street, Fatfield. No photo but have visited Ribecourt Rd.
ERNEST SMITH – Royal Warwickshire Regiment – 7.9.17
born to Thomas and Mary in 1898, was resident at 24 Wormhill Terrace. He died of wounds on 7 September 1917, while serving in 2/5 Royal Warwickshires and was buried in Mendinghem Cemetery in Belgium. In 1918 his father appealed against conscription on the grounds that his son had been killed and that he was looking after 3 brothers, all serving, adopted from his brother. His case was adjourned. No photo but have visited Mendinghem.
GEORGE BRABBEN SMITH DCM – Yorkshire Regiment – 1.7.16 – also on Washington
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.
ROBERT WILLIAM SYSON – West Yorkshire Regiment – 10.10.17
was born to Thomas and Jane in Fatfield in 1897. He died of wounds while serving with 9 West Yorkshires and was buried in Gwalia Cemetery, near Ypres. His war gratuity was paid to his stepmother, Agnes, who was living at 16 Lambton Street, Fatfield. No photo but have visited Gwalia.
GEORGE ALBERT THOMPSON – Lincolnshire Regiment - 14.8.17
was only 19 when killed on 14 August 1917. He was serving in 2 Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment and had probably been recently conscripted. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Son of John and Matilda, he lived at 3 Chatershaugh Cottages. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
CHARLES TODD – Royal Field Artillery – 6.8.15
born in 1896 to John and Susannah, served as a Gunner in 48 Ammunition Column, RA, and died from ‘injuries accidentally received’ on 6 August 1915. He was buried in Hop Store Cemetery, near Ypres. Charlie was a pony driver at the pit. His father ran the Ferryboat Inn, also known to locals as ‘Toddy’s’. Charlie’s plaque is still on a wall in a house in Washington Village. Photo of him and have visited Hop Store.
GEORGE USHER – Durham Light Infantry – 27.10.18
of 3 Short Row (later 3 Waterside Cottages) was a married miner who enlisted in January 1915. He was killed on 27 October 1918 (same day as GH Ainsley) and is commemorated on a Memorial in Giavera Cemetery, Italy. George married Sarah Ann (Cowell) on 30 March 1918 and their child, George William, was born in January 1919 but died after three days, his mother dying the day after. George served in 12 DLI. No photo of him but have visited Giavera.
THOMAS WALKER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Fatfield in 1890 but by the time of his death, 1 July 1916, was living in Reid Street, Springwell. He served in 25 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. He was a Roman Catholic and also a member of the Westwood Club, there are memorials to both groups. His parents, Kyran and Mary, received his war gratuity. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
CHARLES WATSON – Royal Veterinary Corps – 16.11.16
served in the Army Veterinary Corps and died in R Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, on 16 November 1916. He was buried in Penshaw Churchyard. In 1911 the Census listed Charles Watson, aged 20, living as a boarder in Middle Row, Fencehouses. He married Ellen (Horsfall) in 1911 and they had at least 2 daughters. No photo but have visited Penshaw.
HENRY WELLS – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
resident in Catherine Square, Fatfield, served in 20 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scots) and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Son of Edward and Alice, he was born in 1888 and married Isabella with whom he had at least 2 children. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN WHITFIELD – Royal Garrison Artillery – 4.11.18
of 64 Castle Street, died at home on 4 November 1918. He was buried in St George’s Churchyard, Harraton. Son of Robert and Barbara and brother to William (see below), he was born in Birtley in 1894 and served in the Royal Garrison Artillery. His medal roll suggests he was discharged in December 1918 but by that time he had already died. No photo of him.
WILLIAM WHITFIELD – Durham Light Infantry – 21.9.16
served in 1/8 DLI and was killed or died of wounds on 21 September 1916 and buried in Flat Iron Copse Cemetery, not far from, ‘the hell that is High Wood’ the same cemetery as Nathan Marshall. His nephew, Thomas, played in Billy Bankhead’s Blue Bird Mouth Organ Band, which once led the Harraton Banner into Durham on Gala Day because there was no brass band to do it. Photo of him and have visited Flat Iron Copse.
HENRY WILKINSON – Durham Light Infantry – 26.6.15 – also on Washington
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.
ROBERT WILLIS – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
of 12 Waggonway Terrace, served in 15 DLI and was killed on 1 July 1916 and buried in Norfolk Cemetery, Becourt. A butcher at Fatfield Coop, he was 26 and son of Robert and Mary and fiancé of Florrie Robinson. After his death, and then that of his father, there was some dispute between his three sisters over who should have his medals. Photo of him and have visited Becourt.