HARRATON MISSING VOTERS
James Adamson 15 Nova Scotia 325657 2nd Coy RE 9th DLI. Started as 1/9th DLI 9/7277 then attached Corps Depot then 1/9 DLI then attached RE Training School then 1/9th DLI. War and Victory medals. SR - a Wesleyan, lived at 15 Nova Scotia and served in the 7th DLI. He was born in 1888 in Murton and enlisted in Houghton in July 1915. At enlistment he was 5 feet 6 tall with a chest of 35 inches, good physical development and normal vision. He must have been a good soldier because he rose through the ranks – Lance Corporal in September 1915, Acting Corporal in April 1916 and Lance Sergeant in January 1917. Then something went wrong because his Commanding Officer deprived him of his Lance stripe in July 1918 and he ended the war as a Corporal. He was demobilised in February 1919 and agreed that he had suffered no disability in the service. Summing up his record:
Home 29.7.15 – 3.11.16
Abroad 4.11.16 – 3.1.19
Home 4.1.19 – 13.2.19.
He was 24 awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal and appears on the St George’s Roll.
B 1890 acc to 1939 roll, m to Harriet, carting contractor at East Avenue
In 1911 at 14 Church St, Thornley – Thomas Adamson 51 onsetter under, married for 29 years to Mary Jane (Bartley) with 7 children, 6 still alive – James 22, labourer, William 19 miner, Anthony 17 miner, Stephen 15 miner. Places of birth Seaham Harbour, Coxgreen, and Murton 4.
George Hedley Ainsley 4 High Chapel Row 73926 4th DLI – attested at Houghton-le-Spring on 19/10/16 and was placed into Army Reserve Class B. He was 17, a putter and living at 4, High Chapel Row. When examined in April 1918 he was 5 feet 4, weighed 119lbs and was described as having a fresh complexion, light brown hair and brown eyes. He had a birthmark below his right clavicle and a mole below his left groin. His physical development (at 119lbs) was described as ‘good’. GH had been born at Birtley.
In the 1901 Census the family were living at Old Barley Mow, sometimes called Low Flatts, and consisted of John RW Ainsley, a hewer (25), born at Sunnybrow, his wife, Dorothy, born at Plawsworth (23) and George Hedley, born at Pelaw Grange.
By 1911 they were living at 21, Castle Street, Fatfield. John and Dorothy had been married 12 years and had had 6 children, one of whom had died. Additions to the family since 1901 were Florence (9), Arabella Mary (6), John RW (3) and Beatrice (1). George Hedley was a scholar. Mr Ainsley was a deputy. One of the JRW Ainsleys, probably JRW Sr, was a Harraton Parish Councillor in the late 1920s.
GH was posted to the 12th DLI on 28th August 1918 and, as Private 73926, died of wounds in the 39th Casualty Clearing Station, Italy, on 30th October 1918 – the same day as George Usher. His death was announced in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle in the edition of 6th December 1918 – “Eldest son of Mr and Mrs John Ainsley of Fatfield -
‘With aching hearts we shook his hand
Tears glistened in our eyes
We wished him luck but little thought
It was our last goodbye.”
On 24/5/19 the family received a war gratuity of £5.
The family received GH’s War Medal and the Victory Medal in April 1919. In July 1919 they received a letter from the Infantry Record Office at York telling them that it had been necessary to exhume their son’s body (it doesn’t say from where) so that it could be reburied, ‘with all due care and reverence by an army chaplain,’ in Giavera Cemetery, Plot 3, Row E, Grave 6. Though it wasn’t mentioned in his record, George Hedley’s possessions must have been sent home because a coin, perhaps Egyptian, which had been carried by him, was given to his brother, JRW, and the latter’s name was stamped into the coin. He carried it through WW2 on HMS Dido and it was then left to his son, George Hedley, now an elderly gentleman, still living in Harraton. The present George Hedley has a memory of being told
that his uncle was killed by a sniper’s bullet and can remember his grandmother crying at the kitchen table years after the event.
GH was listed on the Absent Voters List for the Harraton and North Biddick Parish as being 73926, 4th DLI.
G Ainsley is the first name on the Harraton War Memorial and he was also on the St George’s Roll of Honour as GH Ainsley. Fatfield Council School Memorial has him listed as Geo H Ainsley.
On the Electoral Roll for 1914 we find John Ainsley of 21, Castle Street and on the 1915 roll there are 3 Ainsleys – John, as above (GH’s father), William of 3, Old Barley Mow and George of 4, Old Barley Mow.
After GH’s death the army form that asked for the names of living relatives listed the following: Father - JRW Ainsley, Mother - Dorothy, Brothers - JRW (11) William (5) and Sisters Florence (17), Arabella May (15, named after JRW Sr’s mother) and Beatrice (10).
Pension card states Pte George 73926, DLI dofw 30/10/18 of 4 High Chapel Row, son of Dorothy, aged 41, awarded 12/6 from 3/6/19
A second, dependant’s pension card gives George’s details as above, states that he died of wounds and suggests that the original pension of 12/6d from 3/6/19 was transferred to Mr John Ainsley when George’s mother, Dorothy, died (Oct-Dec 1945). The original address was 4 High Chapel Row but that was changed to Union Row for Mr Ainsley.
Frank Allan 2 Biddick Lane Crossing. Minesweeper Gosland II. Born 8/12/96 at Durham, miner J73077, enlisted 5/7/17. Ordinary Seaman on Attentives and then AB 24/8/18 until Dec 1918 and demob in Feb 1919. War Gratuity paid. In 1911 possibly at Coxgreen – John Allen 45 single quarryman, sister Eliz Ann 43, Cora niece 17, Frank nephew 14 and John Thos Mordy 37 boarder single, forgeman at Cook’s. Places of birth - Penshaw and then Coxgreen 4.
Robert Atkinson Peartree Cottages. 284836 495th HS Emp Coy. In 1911 at Biddick Inn Tce – Thomas Atkinson 43 stonemason estate, married 19 years to Eliz with 3 children 2 still alive – Robert 18 gardener estate worker, Thomas deleted and Mary 7m. Places of birth - Pensher, Burn Moor, Pensher 2 and Fatfield.
Robert Appleby 10 Biddick Inn Tce. 270164 2/4th Manchesters. He was born in Fatfield and enlisted in Washington becoming Private 202649, Durham Light Infantry, and then being transferred to the 2/6th Manchester Regiment (Lance Corporal 270164 at the time of his death). The 2nd/6th Manchesters were part of the 66th Division (the ‘Clickety Clicks’), which landed in France in February 1917, and served with the 5th Army under General Gough, taking part in operations on the River Ancre in early 1917 and then in operations on the Flanders coast later in the year.
In the 1901 Census we find, at Short Row, James Appleby, 36, a deputy below and Isabella (36), with their children - James W (10), Frederick C (8), John G (6) and Robert (4). The entire family were born in Fatfield.
In 1911 the family were still at Short Row. We can see that James W was actually James William Newton Appleby and that he, Frederick Charles and John Gilchrist worked in the pit as, respectively, putters and a driver, while Robert was an errand boy. Margaret Appleby (62), aunt of James Sr., was living with them.
Going back to 1891, the Census lists Henry (born in Shotton) working as a trapper at the age of 13 and Jane 11, a scholar, neither of whom was present in the family home in 1901.
Robert was 21 when killed on 23rd March 1918 (according to CWGC) during the devastating attack made by the Germans on the Western Front – Operation Kaiserschlacht. This saw them breach the Allied line and head, once more, for Paris. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, Panels 64-67. (The list of soldiers’ effects lists Robert as 61214 108 Labour Company and gives his death as 21/3/18.) A very high proportion of the British casualties in that particular battle have no known grave. The Pozieres Memorial is halfway between Albert and Bapaume.
Robert Appleby 270164 Manchester Reg L/Cpl and John George Appleby, his brother Dr 21406 RFA share a pension card. 3 claimants were Miss Violet Smart Forster guardian of Robert’s child living at 4 Long Row and Mrs Isabella and Mr James Appleby of 10 Biddick Inn Tce as mother and father. Award of 6/8 from 11/7/18 to 12/10/32. Under it says 6/8d from 4/7/19 to 2/9/19 then 8sh from 3/9/19 but child died 15/9/19. Mother awarded 6/3d from 4/4/17 for 220 weeks then 17/- for life. Combined award 15sh from 10/12/18 to 7/2/19. Both claimants on both soldiers award 19/6d from 10/12/18 for 49 weeks then 19/6d for life. The dependant’s card gives the same information but omits any amount or date. The card does note that Violet S Forster (deceased) and it seems that she died at Houghton le Spring in July 1929.
Henry Appleby 10 Biddick Inn Tce. 1511 NF. SR Born Fatfield aged 36 when he enlisted at Shiney Row on 30/8/14. 13529 Yorks Regiment. Discharged 4/12/14, medically unfit, miners nystagmus to 15 Victoria Tce, Penshaw. Had married Hannah Scott 24/12/04 by Rev Reeman. Mary b Leamside 1906 but baptised at Fatfield and Jane b 1911 at Broom Park also baptised at Fatfield. Don’t know when he rejoined. Pension ledger 20/1511 born 1878. Address 10 The Square, suffered from malaria, married. Discharged 31/3/19. 20% for 8/- + 4/8d for wife and 2 children and then from Feb 1922 14% and total 10/6d for 70 weeks and then an advance of £20 as lump sum. Hnery Appleby 33, hewer, married 6 years to Hannah 25 with 3 children, 2 still alive – Mary 4, Jane 2m and sister Jemima 15. Places of birth - Fatfield 2, Leamside, Broom Park and Fatfield.
John Thomas Archer 7 Biddick Inn Tce. 23459 1st R Innis Fusiliers - War and Victory medals (next number to Wm Stangroom). On St George’s Roll of Honour. In 1911 at 5 Ferryboat Cottages – John Archer hewer 38, married 18 years and 3 children to Margaret 43 – Ellen 17, John Thomas 14 banksman above and David 9. Places of birth - Fatfield Washington Station, Fatfield 2 and Washington Station.
Arthur Bailey 2 The Gears RGA. Need a number. At 3 The Gears 1919
James Baker 28 Wormhill Tce. 77066 4th Mobile X ray Unit RAMC. MSM (France date of Gazette 60), War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 3 Office Row, Harraton – Daniel Lythgoe Baker 44 overman, married to Frances Lythgoe baker for 23 years and 1 child – James Lythgoe Baker 14 apprentice joiner. Places of birth - S Shields and Fatfield 2.
John Thomas Bates 36 Fatfield Square. 200898 5th DLI. In the 1911 Census the family are listed at 26, Waggonway Street, Wardley Colliery, Gateshead. Mrs Bates thought she was born in Hand in Hole, Durham (Handenhold). John Thomas’ place of birth is listed as Pensher Staithes. JT was a driver at the pit and his brother, Robert, was a screener. Sam, Alice, Ralph (7) and James (5) were all attending school. They also had Sarah Elizabeth Binks working for them as a domestic servant. Mr and Mrs Bates had been married 19 years and the 6 children living with them were the survivors of 9 that they’d had. On 8/2/18 the Chester Chronicle carried a photo of Private R Bates but no reason was given. It seems therefore that brother Robert also enlisted although there is no service record for him. JT died on 20/11/18 and is buried in Berlin SW Cemetery, X.C.6 - and we can therefore assume that he was taken prisoner and died in incarceration. His address at the time of his death was 36, Fatfield Square. He was listed as JT Bates, 200898 5th DLI on the Harraton and Fatfield Parish List of Absent Voters in 1918 and as Bates JT on the Harraton War Memorial. The St George’s Roll of Honour has him as Bates JT – killed.
Robert Bates 36 Fatfield Square. Acting L/Cpl 21307 West Yorks Silver War badge enlisted 26/5/15, discharged wounds aged 23. To France 9/12/15 so War, Victory and 1915 Star. Next number to RW Syson, dofw 10/10/17. Pension ledger says born 1896, discharged 21/2/19, single 13 Low Chapel Row, GSW both feet. 30% so pension of 12/- per week and that remained until 4/4/23 and then for life – still 30% and 12/-. (See above for family info.)
Samuel Bates 36 Fatfield Square. 132667 47th Battery MGC. War and Victory medals. SR says born Bill Quay, miner aged 20, enlisted in MGC, discharged 12/1/19, rejoined MGC in October 1919 and served at Constantinople from April 1920-April 1921. Father Thomas 6
Green Gates Square, Fatfield. Had joined York and Lancs on 12/1/17, to France 2/4/18, wounded in August shrapnel in the back, admitted to hops at Le Treport, returned to action in October. Being in possession of dirty equipment, then dirty rifle, sleeping without mosquito net, drunk at Haida Pasha. (See above for family info.)
Charles Batey 24 Wormhill Tce. Corporal 057680 39th Div Train ASC. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Girdle Cake House – Grear Batey 74, married 54 years and 7 children, 4 still alive to Hannah Washington Batey 71 – Grear grandson 20 hewer, Henrietta grdau 18, Charles grandson 16 belt boy, Edward 14 grson, Hannah May grdau 10. Places of birth Ireland, Sunderland and the rest Fatfield.
Edward Smith Batey 24 Wormhill Tce 24720 Coldstream Guards. War and Victory medals. Pension record. Attested from 24 Wormhill Tce, miner, 18, single, 11/12/15 at HLS. Mobilised 24/4/18, father Edward at Hedley Ave, Wallsend. To reserve 22/11/18. Joined BEF 1/11/18. (See above for family info)
George Henry Bell 1 Lambton St. 1397 Royal Fusiliers. 1 Lambton St 1919
George Bell 3 Slate Houses. Driver 21514 14th Div Amm Column RFA. To France 21/5/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. (See below for family details.)
James Bell 13 Short Row. Driver 34099 RFA. To Balkans 27/6/15. War, Victory medals and 1915 Star. In 1911 at The Glen Fatfield – George Bell Stoneman 51, married to Jane Ann 50 for 26 years with 11 children, 8 still alive – George 25 hewer, James 23 hewer, William 20 putter, Thomas 19 putter, Richard 17 fitter (killed 16/8/17), Nellie 13, Jane 11, and William Appleby 46 boarder single Stoneman and Margaret Belsher servant 20. Places of birth - all Fatfield except servant CLS.
William Bell 13 Short Row. Driver 21515 RFA War and Victory and 1915 Star. (See above for family info.)
William Spring/Sperring Berriman Biddick Inn. 261179 498 HS Emp Coy. In 1911 at Biddick Inn – James Berriman 28 licensed victualler, married to Jane 22 for one year with 1 child (no child listed) and William Berriman brother 22 barman and Emily Allison 20 servant. Places of birth - Fatfield, Sacriston, Fatfield and Penshaw.
John Thomas Blair 15 Castle St. 40998 15th HLI. R Scots attached 20 BN then 15 HLI then 9th HLI War and Victory medals. Pension says discharged 14/1/19. Gassed. Started at interim 8/- and then 80% for 32/- per week and then 5/3/23 40% so 16/-. Then card for Rosina as widow at 21 Hawthorne Tce Fatfield, dated 10/5/51. PR born Ouston, medical at Sunderland 25/4/16, chemical labourer, 19 years old. Gassed at Arras 13/4/18 and removed same day to Field Ambulance 91st then 6th GH Rouen then Chelsea 10 weeks. Suggested 20% disability. Suffered scabies in Dec 1916, trench feet in Jan 17, GSW face July 1917, Sept 1917 shrapnel wound to face. In 1911 at 15 Castle St – George Blair hewer 38, married 18 years to Eliza with 8 children, 7 still alive Francis 18 putter, John Thos 13, Mary Amy 11, George Robert 9, Eva May 7, Florance 4 and Margaret 2. Places of birth - Sherburn, Chesterfield, Tudhoe, Pelton 5 and Fatfield.
James Adamson 15 Nova Scotia 325657 2nd Coy RE 9th DLI. Started as 1/9th DLI 9/7277 then attached Corps Depot then 1/9 DLI then attached RE Training School then 1/9th DLI. War and Victory medals. SR - a Wesleyan, lived at 15 Nova Scotia and served in the 7th DLI. He was born in 1888 in Murton and enlisted in Houghton in July 1915. At enlistment he was 5 feet 6 tall with a chest of 35 inches, good physical development and normal vision. He must have been a good soldier because he rose through the ranks – Lance Corporal in September 1915, Acting Corporal in April 1916 and Lance Sergeant in January 1917. Then something went wrong because his Commanding Officer deprived him of his Lance stripe in July 1918 and he ended the war as a Corporal. He was demobilised in February 1919 and agreed that he had suffered no disability in the service. Summing up his record:
Home 29.7.15 – 3.11.16
Abroad 4.11.16 – 3.1.19
Home 4.1.19 – 13.2.19.
He was 24 awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal and appears on the St George’s Roll.
B 1890 acc to 1939 roll, m to Harriet, carting contractor at East Avenue
In 1911 at 14 Church St, Thornley – Thomas Adamson 51 onsetter under, married for 29 years to Mary Jane (Bartley) with 7 children, 6 still alive – James 22, labourer, William 19 miner, Anthony 17 miner, Stephen 15 miner. Places of birth Seaham Harbour, Coxgreen, and Murton 4.
George Hedley Ainsley 4 High Chapel Row 73926 4th DLI – attested at Houghton-le-Spring on 19/10/16 and was placed into Army Reserve Class B. He was 17, a putter and living at 4, High Chapel Row. When examined in April 1918 he was 5 feet 4, weighed 119lbs and was described as having a fresh complexion, light brown hair and brown eyes. He had a birthmark below his right clavicle and a mole below his left groin. His physical development (at 119lbs) was described as ‘good’. GH had been born at Birtley.
In the 1901 Census the family were living at Old Barley Mow, sometimes called Low Flatts, and consisted of John RW Ainsley, a hewer (25), born at Sunnybrow, his wife, Dorothy, born at Plawsworth (23) and George Hedley, born at Pelaw Grange.
By 1911 they were living at 21, Castle Street, Fatfield. John and Dorothy had been married 12 years and had had 6 children, one of whom had died. Additions to the family since 1901 were Florence (9), Arabella Mary (6), John RW (3) and Beatrice (1). George Hedley was a scholar. Mr Ainsley was a deputy. One of the JRW Ainsleys, probably JRW Sr, was a Harraton Parish Councillor in the late 1920s.
GH was posted to the 12th DLI on 28th August 1918 and, as Private 73926, died of wounds in the 39th Casualty Clearing Station, Italy, on 30th October 1918 – the same day as George Usher. His death was announced in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle in the edition of 6th December 1918 – “Eldest son of Mr and Mrs John Ainsley of Fatfield -
‘With aching hearts we shook his hand
Tears glistened in our eyes
We wished him luck but little thought
It was our last goodbye.”
On 24/5/19 the family received a war gratuity of £5.
The family received GH’s War Medal and the Victory Medal in April 1919. In July 1919 they received a letter from the Infantry Record Office at York telling them that it had been necessary to exhume their son’s body (it doesn’t say from where) so that it could be reburied, ‘with all due care and reverence by an army chaplain,’ in Giavera Cemetery, Plot 3, Row E, Grave 6. Though it wasn’t mentioned in his record, George Hedley’s possessions must have been sent home because a coin, perhaps Egyptian, which had been carried by him, was given to his brother, JRW, and the latter’s name was stamped into the coin. He carried it through WW2 on HMS Dido and it was then left to his son, George Hedley, now an elderly gentleman, still living in Harraton. The present George Hedley has a memory of being told
that his uncle was killed by a sniper’s bullet and can remember his grandmother crying at the kitchen table years after the event.
GH was listed on the Absent Voters List for the Harraton and North Biddick Parish as being 73926, 4th DLI.
G Ainsley is the first name on the Harraton War Memorial and he was also on the St George’s Roll of Honour as GH Ainsley. Fatfield Council School Memorial has him listed as Geo H Ainsley.
On the Electoral Roll for 1914 we find John Ainsley of 21, Castle Street and on the 1915 roll there are 3 Ainsleys – John, as above (GH’s father), William of 3, Old Barley Mow and George of 4, Old Barley Mow.
After GH’s death the army form that asked for the names of living relatives listed the following: Father - JRW Ainsley, Mother - Dorothy, Brothers - JRW (11) William (5) and Sisters Florence (17), Arabella May (15, named after JRW Sr’s mother) and Beatrice (10).
Pension card states Pte George 73926, DLI dofw 30/10/18 of 4 High Chapel Row, son of Dorothy, aged 41, awarded 12/6 from 3/6/19
A second, dependant’s pension card gives George’s details as above, states that he died of wounds and suggests that the original pension of 12/6d from 3/6/19 was transferred to Mr John Ainsley when George’s mother, Dorothy, died (Oct-Dec 1945). The original address was 4 High Chapel Row but that was changed to Union Row for Mr Ainsley.
Frank Allan 2 Biddick Lane Crossing. Minesweeper Gosland II. Born 8/12/96 at Durham, miner J73077, enlisted 5/7/17. Ordinary Seaman on Attentives and then AB 24/8/18 until Dec 1918 and demob in Feb 1919. War Gratuity paid. In 1911 possibly at Coxgreen – John Allen 45 single quarryman, sister Eliz Ann 43, Cora niece 17, Frank nephew 14 and John Thos Mordy 37 boarder single, forgeman at Cook’s. Places of birth - Penshaw and then Coxgreen 4.
Robert Atkinson Peartree Cottages. 284836 495th HS Emp Coy. In 1911 at Biddick Inn Tce – Thomas Atkinson 43 stonemason estate, married 19 years to Eliz with 3 children 2 still alive – Robert 18 gardener estate worker, Thomas deleted and Mary 7m. Places of birth - Pensher, Burn Moor, Pensher 2 and Fatfield.
Robert Appleby 10 Biddick Inn Tce. 270164 2/4th Manchesters. He was born in Fatfield and enlisted in Washington becoming Private 202649, Durham Light Infantry, and then being transferred to the 2/6th Manchester Regiment (Lance Corporal 270164 at the time of his death). The 2nd/6th Manchesters were part of the 66th Division (the ‘Clickety Clicks’), which landed in France in February 1917, and served with the 5th Army under General Gough, taking part in operations on the River Ancre in early 1917 and then in operations on the Flanders coast later in the year.
In the 1901 Census we find, at Short Row, James Appleby, 36, a deputy below and Isabella (36), with their children - James W (10), Frederick C (8), John G (6) and Robert (4). The entire family were born in Fatfield.
In 1911 the family were still at Short Row. We can see that James W was actually James William Newton Appleby and that he, Frederick Charles and John Gilchrist worked in the pit as, respectively, putters and a driver, while Robert was an errand boy. Margaret Appleby (62), aunt of James Sr., was living with them.
Going back to 1891, the Census lists Henry (born in Shotton) working as a trapper at the age of 13 and Jane 11, a scholar, neither of whom was present in the family home in 1901.
Robert was 21 when killed on 23rd March 1918 (according to CWGC) during the devastating attack made by the Germans on the Western Front – Operation Kaiserschlacht. This saw them breach the Allied line and head, once more, for Paris. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, Panels 64-67. (The list of soldiers’ effects lists Robert as 61214 108 Labour Company and gives his death as 21/3/18.) A very high proportion of the British casualties in that particular battle have no known grave. The Pozieres Memorial is halfway between Albert and Bapaume.
Robert Appleby 270164 Manchester Reg L/Cpl and John George Appleby, his brother Dr 21406 RFA share a pension card. 3 claimants were Miss Violet Smart Forster guardian of Robert’s child living at 4 Long Row and Mrs Isabella and Mr James Appleby of 10 Biddick Inn Tce as mother and father. Award of 6/8 from 11/7/18 to 12/10/32. Under it says 6/8d from 4/7/19 to 2/9/19 then 8sh from 3/9/19 but child died 15/9/19. Mother awarded 6/3d from 4/4/17 for 220 weeks then 17/- for life. Combined award 15sh from 10/12/18 to 7/2/19. Both claimants on both soldiers award 19/6d from 10/12/18 for 49 weeks then 19/6d for life. The dependant’s card gives the same information but omits any amount or date. The card does note that Violet S Forster (deceased) and it seems that she died at Houghton le Spring in July 1929.
Henry Appleby 10 Biddick Inn Tce. 1511 NF. SR Born Fatfield aged 36 when he enlisted at Shiney Row on 30/8/14. 13529 Yorks Regiment. Discharged 4/12/14, medically unfit, miners nystagmus to 15 Victoria Tce, Penshaw. Had married Hannah Scott 24/12/04 by Rev Reeman. Mary b Leamside 1906 but baptised at Fatfield and Jane b 1911 at Broom Park also baptised at Fatfield. Don’t know when he rejoined. Pension ledger 20/1511 born 1878. Address 10 The Square, suffered from malaria, married. Discharged 31/3/19. 20% for 8/- + 4/8d for wife and 2 children and then from Feb 1922 14% and total 10/6d for 70 weeks and then an advance of £20 as lump sum. Hnery Appleby 33, hewer, married 6 years to Hannah 25 with 3 children, 2 still alive – Mary 4, Jane 2m and sister Jemima 15. Places of birth - Fatfield 2, Leamside, Broom Park and Fatfield.
John Thomas Archer 7 Biddick Inn Tce. 23459 1st R Innis Fusiliers - War and Victory medals (next number to Wm Stangroom). On St George’s Roll of Honour. In 1911 at 5 Ferryboat Cottages – John Archer hewer 38, married 18 years and 3 children to Margaret 43 – Ellen 17, John Thomas 14 banksman above and David 9. Places of birth - Fatfield Washington Station, Fatfield 2 and Washington Station.
Arthur Bailey 2 The Gears RGA. Need a number. At 3 The Gears 1919
James Baker 28 Wormhill Tce. 77066 4th Mobile X ray Unit RAMC. MSM (France date of Gazette 60), War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 3 Office Row, Harraton – Daniel Lythgoe Baker 44 overman, married to Frances Lythgoe baker for 23 years and 1 child – James Lythgoe Baker 14 apprentice joiner. Places of birth - S Shields and Fatfield 2.
John Thomas Bates 36 Fatfield Square. 200898 5th DLI. In the 1911 Census the family are listed at 26, Waggonway Street, Wardley Colliery, Gateshead. Mrs Bates thought she was born in Hand in Hole, Durham (Handenhold). John Thomas’ place of birth is listed as Pensher Staithes. JT was a driver at the pit and his brother, Robert, was a screener. Sam, Alice, Ralph (7) and James (5) were all attending school. They also had Sarah Elizabeth Binks working for them as a domestic servant. Mr and Mrs Bates had been married 19 years and the 6 children living with them were the survivors of 9 that they’d had. On 8/2/18 the Chester Chronicle carried a photo of Private R Bates but no reason was given. It seems therefore that brother Robert also enlisted although there is no service record for him. JT died on 20/11/18 and is buried in Berlin SW Cemetery, X.C.6 - and we can therefore assume that he was taken prisoner and died in incarceration. His address at the time of his death was 36, Fatfield Square. He was listed as JT Bates, 200898 5th DLI on the Harraton and Fatfield Parish List of Absent Voters in 1918 and as Bates JT on the Harraton War Memorial. The St George’s Roll of Honour has him as Bates JT – killed.
Robert Bates 36 Fatfield Square. Acting L/Cpl 21307 West Yorks Silver War badge enlisted 26/5/15, discharged wounds aged 23. To France 9/12/15 so War, Victory and 1915 Star. Next number to RW Syson, dofw 10/10/17. Pension ledger says born 1896, discharged 21/2/19, single 13 Low Chapel Row, GSW both feet. 30% so pension of 12/- per week and that remained until 4/4/23 and then for life – still 30% and 12/-. (See above for family info.)
Samuel Bates 36 Fatfield Square. 132667 47th Battery MGC. War and Victory medals. SR says born Bill Quay, miner aged 20, enlisted in MGC, discharged 12/1/19, rejoined MGC in October 1919 and served at Constantinople from April 1920-April 1921. Father Thomas 6
Green Gates Square, Fatfield. Had joined York and Lancs on 12/1/17, to France 2/4/18, wounded in August shrapnel in the back, admitted to hops at Le Treport, returned to action in October. Being in possession of dirty equipment, then dirty rifle, sleeping without mosquito net, drunk at Haida Pasha. (See above for family info.)
Charles Batey 24 Wormhill Tce. Corporal 057680 39th Div Train ASC. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Girdle Cake House – Grear Batey 74, married 54 years and 7 children, 4 still alive to Hannah Washington Batey 71 – Grear grandson 20 hewer, Henrietta grdau 18, Charles grandson 16 belt boy, Edward 14 grson, Hannah May grdau 10. Places of birth Ireland, Sunderland and the rest Fatfield.
Edward Smith Batey 24 Wormhill Tce 24720 Coldstream Guards. War and Victory medals. Pension record. Attested from 24 Wormhill Tce, miner, 18, single, 11/12/15 at HLS. Mobilised 24/4/18, father Edward at Hedley Ave, Wallsend. To reserve 22/11/18. Joined BEF 1/11/18. (See above for family info)
George Henry Bell 1 Lambton St. 1397 Royal Fusiliers. 1 Lambton St 1919
George Bell 3 Slate Houses. Driver 21514 14th Div Amm Column RFA. To France 21/5/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. (See below for family details.)
James Bell 13 Short Row. Driver 34099 RFA. To Balkans 27/6/15. War, Victory medals and 1915 Star. In 1911 at The Glen Fatfield – George Bell Stoneman 51, married to Jane Ann 50 for 26 years with 11 children, 8 still alive – George 25 hewer, James 23 hewer, William 20 putter, Thomas 19 putter, Richard 17 fitter (killed 16/8/17), Nellie 13, Jane 11, and William Appleby 46 boarder single Stoneman and Margaret Belsher servant 20. Places of birth - all Fatfield except servant CLS.
William Bell 13 Short Row. Driver 21515 RFA War and Victory and 1915 Star. (See above for family info.)
William Spring/Sperring Berriman Biddick Inn. 261179 498 HS Emp Coy. In 1911 at Biddick Inn – James Berriman 28 licensed victualler, married to Jane 22 for one year with 1 child (no child listed) and William Berriman brother 22 barman and Emily Allison 20 servant. Places of birth - Fatfield, Sacriston, Fatfield and Penshaw.
John Thomas Blair 15 Castle St. 40998 15th HLI. R Scots attached 20 BN then 15 HLI then 9th HLI War and Victory medals. Pension says discharged 14/1/19. Gassed. Started at interim 8/- and then 80% for 32/- per week and then 5/3/23 40% so 16/-. Then card for Rosina as widow at 21 Hawthorne Tce Fatfield, dated 10/5/51. PR born Ouston, medical at Sunderland 25/4/16, chemical labourer, 19 years old. Gassed at Arras 13/4/18 and removed same day to Field Ambulance 91st then 6th GH Rouen then Chelsea 10 weeks. Suggested 20% disability. Suffered scabies in Dec 1916, trench feet in Jan 17, GSW face July 1917, Sept 1917 shrapnel wound to face. In 1911 at 15 Castle St – George Blair hewer 38, married 18 years to Eliza with 8 children, 7 still alive Francis 18 putter, John Thos 13, Mary Amy 11, George Robert 9, Eva May 7, Florance 4 and Margaret 2. Places of birth - Sherburn, Chesterfield, Tudhoe, Pelton 5 and Fatfield.
Robert Blair 5 Nova Scotia 21473 RFA. was born in Spennymoor in 1885, married Elizabeth Jane Hope in Chester-le-Street Registry Office in April 1911 and had three children. Elsie was born in 1911, Maggie in 1914 and Robert in 1915. Robert attested at Shiney Row in September 1914 and was posted Gunner 21473, Royal Field Artillery. In his medical he was described as having a fresh complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He was 5 feet 7 tall and weighed 137 lbs. He was, of course, along with almost every able-bodied male in the village, a miner, and lived at 5 Short Row, Nova Scotia.
Robert embarked at Southampton on 23 July 1915 and landed in Le Havre the next day. He was granted a week’s leave in May 1916 and was admitted to hospital suffering from gonorrhoea in December 1916. At the end of January he was discharged to Base Details and then posted to A Battery in April 1917. He was wounded in action three days later, “severe gunshot wound to the back”. He was admitted to hospital and then released to No3 Rest Camp, Le Havre, on 1st June 1917. He had another short spell in hospital, in July 1917 and then, in August, he joined B/107 Brigade. He had eleven days leave in October and then further leave, about a fortnight, from the end of February until the start of March 1918. This was almost certain to have been in connection with the death of his son Robert who died in February at home, 2 Nova Scotia. The boy’s Death Certificate is included in Robert’s records as is a memo stating that the boy died of ?aryngitis and convulsions. Robert’s mother-in-law, Sarah Hope, of 54 Castle Street, made her mark as witness of the death. There’s a further memo from Robert stating “The payment of 2/7d being the amount due to me for the certificate furnished overleaf of the death of Robert Blair stated to have been the son of Gunner Robert Blair 21473 is hereby requested.” The money was payable at Birtley Post Office.
Robert returned to England aboard the SS Princess Victoria in December 1918, miners being needed at home. Robert earned the 1914/15 Star, the War Medal and the Victory Medal and in February 1921 he received a letter telling him his Military Medal for bravery in the field was ready, the information having appeared in the London Gazette on 28 July 1919. He wrote back from 6, Verdun Terrace, Fatfield asking for it to be posted to him. Robert was included on the St George’s Roll.
Frank/Francis Blair was also born in Spennymoor and was one of those listed on the Harraton War Memorial but he does not appear to have been Robert’s brother, certainly the latter does not appear on the list of Frank’s relatives drawn up after his death
In 1939 at 14 Maplewood Cres with wife Eliz and children Philip and Hilda, working as builder’s labourer.
Joseph Bloomfield 30 Nova Scotia 388347 RAMC. He was living at 1, Harraton Colliery and working for the Lambton and Hetton Coal Company when he enlisted in the RAMC at Gateshead in January 1915 and was then placed in reserve. He was 24 at the time, 5 feet 7 with good vision, a 37-inch chest and well developed physically. His family consisted of Joseph, his father, a miner, Harriet his mother, born in Cornwall, and at least 5 brothers. The 1901 Census has them at Ouston; Joseph (32), Harriet (35) and the children – John J (13), Joseph (10), Lancelot (8), Thomas (4), William D (2) and Stanley (2 months). Harriet’s mother was Sarah Poskelly, by then a widow.
In April 1915 he was assigned to the 2nd Northumberland Field Ambulance section and went abroad in the same month, serving until December 1915 at which time he got a week’s leave before returning to France in Jan 1916. He was back in Blighty from November 1916 until August 1917 and was then posted to Salonika from August 1917 to December 1918 where he saw out the war. He’d suffered trench foot (47 days in hospital) and malaria but when he applied for a pension for these conditions he was denied. He’d also been admitted to hospital in Salonika suffering from diarrhoea. His address on discharge was given as 18,Church St, West Rainton. Joseph is one of four Bloomfields on the St George’s Roll. See below for 1911 family info.
In 1939 at 10 Brown’s Buildings Barley Mount – at colliery signal bell and telephone. Household of 17, at least 3 of whom were their kids.
Lancelot Bloomfield 1 Pit Houses 52058 36th Siege Batty RGA, was the younger brother of Joseph (see above). He was also living in the family home at 1, Harraton Colliery when he enlisted at Shiney Row in November 1914. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was 5 feet 9, weighed 140 pounds, with a fair complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes. He was Church of England. In July 1915 he passed his signalling class and then embarked for France in September of the same year. He had a couple of run-ins with army authority – both instances of overstaying his pass (in one case the delights of Plymouth and in the other the delights of Portsmouth) and he was ordered to spend an extra 10 days in the barracks as a result of these misdemeanours.
Lance had a spell in hospital in September 1916, suffering from influenza, and was then admitted to hospital in Rouen, in late October 1918, with mild gas poisoning, leaving hospital three days before the armistice was signed. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. On demobilisation in January 1919 his home address was given as Pear Tree Cottage, Fatfield. He appears, along with his three brothers, on the St George’s Roll. See below for family info.
1939 Register at 27 North Cres with wife Eliz and kids Hilda and Eliz, working as Colliery engineman above
Thomas Bloomfield 143361 ASC. To France 30/10/15. Acting WO Class II, Sergeant. War, Victory and 1915 Star. In 1911 at 1 Harraton Colliery - Joseph Bloomfield 43, married for 24 years to Harriet Ellen 45 with 8 children – Joseph 20, Lancelot 20, Thomas 14, William Delf B 12, Stanley10, Septimus Roskelly B7, Hannah Marianne 4 and Jane Sarah Ainsley servant 15. Mr Bloomfield was a miner’s official and the three eldest lads were also working at the pit. Places of birth were Ouston, Cornwall, Urpeth, Ouston. Ewe Hill, Ouston, Perkinsville, Ouston and Birtley.
William Delf Bloomfield 14416 RNAS ACC. Ordinary Seaman J86338/ F14289 Victory, War and 1915 Star. Born 12/8/97 at CLS, miner, late RND TZ9495. Joined 12/5/16. President II at Scapa then Pulham? And Wandsworth See above for family info.
James Boyle 45 Castle St 45130 A/57th Bde RFA. 5/7/15 to Egypt – War and Victory and 1915 Star. In 1901 the family were living at 93, Parnaby Terrace, Gateshead, and consisted of Robert (40), a coal miner born in Ireland, his wife Mary (35), also born in Ireland and children - Richard (14), Mary Ellen (12), Edward (9), James (6) and Robert (3). All the children were born in Tyne Dock or Gateshead.
In 1911 the same family were living at 24, Beaumont Terrace West, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne. Robert and Mary had been married 27 years and their places of birth were identified as, respectively, Kilkenny and Castle Comer, Ireland. Richard Sr was working as a hewer, Edward (born at Clough Parrup) as a putter and James (born at County Durham, Lowtums??) as a driver, while Robert (born at Lowtums??) was at school. Sisters Mary Ellen (married but still at home and no mention of a husband) and Maggie (10, born at Lowtums??) completed the family. They also had a boarder, Michael Kaiton, 36, born in Kilkenny.
By 1915 the family were living at 46, Castle Street, Fatfield, and Robert Sr. was listed on the Electoral Roll of that year.
Septimus Bohill 1 Chatershaugh Cottages (no details). Gunner 45132, War and Victory medals then 35566 RAVC. To 2a 5/7/15 so 1915 Star. Pension Ledger b 1891. Pension card states that he suffered 20% disability from malaria. Born 1891 disch 21/9/18. Final award 12/7/22 of £5, previously 8/- per week.
In 1911 at 274 Middle St, Ouston - William Bohill 50 hewer, married to mary 44 for 21 years and 10 children, 9 still alive – Septimus 20 putter, James putter 18 (killed 9/6/17), Jane 15, Isabella 13, John 11, William 8, Margaret 6, Albert 3, Frances 1. Places of birth Fatfield, Shincliffe, Sacriston, Waldridge Fell, Sacriston, Fatfield 6. Septimus married the widow of Thomas Nattrass in 1919.
Kyran Brennan 12 Fatfield Square 4th DLI. War and Victory medal roll has John Kyran 13539 14th DLI and then 18 Tank Corps 308639. In 1911 at 1 Church St, Quebec, Durham – John Brennan 52 hewer, married 26 years with 9 children, 8 still alive to Margaret – John Kyran 23 hewer, Michael 21 colliery blacksmith, John 19 hewer, Bridget 18, Edward 16 pit head, James 14 driver, George 12, Eliz Beech sisinlaw 56 married 38 years 9 children, 6 still alive. Places of birth Kilkenny, Staffs, Cannock, Lanarkshire, Sacriston, Usworth 4 and Birmingham.
John Bridges Laburnum House 65418 85th Siege Batty RGA. John was 26 and living at Laburnum House, North Biddick when he enlisted in Sunderland in November 1915. He’d been born in Wallsend and had married Annie Scott at Fatfield Parish Church in May 1914. Their son James was born on 1st July, 1918. JR was 5 feet 7, and weighed 132 pounds. He joined the RGA and was posted to the 85th Siege Battery. Before joining the BEF in May 1916, he’d spent his time in the army at Dover, Sheerness, Lydd and Barrow. He may have been a company cook because in 1917 he spent a month on a cookery course in Calais. His record shows that he was hospitalised in February 1918 with enteritis and then again in September 1918, sick, but neither illness lasted more than 3 days. His discharge notes that he was released from the army (ie transferred to Class Z) in December 1918 as a miner and, clearly, they were wanted back in the pits. JR didn’t claim any disability as a result of his war service.
Gunner Bridges was awarded the War and Victory Medals. He is listed on the St George’s Roll. Born in Dundee in 1891 and died in Harraton 1941. In 1911 at Biddick Inn Tce (no number given) - John Scott 63 retired miner, married 18 years to Eliza Jane 49 newsagent business and Annie Scott 23 newsagent business with harles Roland Scott grandson 4, John Bridges nephew 18 hewer and George Crichton cousin 27 hewer. Places of birth Fatfield, at sea, Fatfield 2 and Dundee 2. George died in the army in the UK 10/2/15.
1939 at 9 Laburnum House with1939 at 9 Laburnum House with motherinlaw Scott, wife Annie and dau Eliza Pearson (Bridges) Newsagent
Clement Bertram Briggs 2 Chatershaugh Cottages 27516 2nd Royal Berks. Started in 8 Div Army Cyclist Corps 9475. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 29 Gladstone Tce, Penshaw – Clement Bartram Briggs 26 hewer, married for 3 years to Sarah Jane (Honeyball) with Ivy 2. Places of birth were Great Moulton Norfolk, Winston Durham and Byers Green. Clement died in 1955.
James Brooks 4 Hobson Tce 53324 RAF 4 Hobson in 1919. This may be James Oxley Brooks who, according to the 1911 Census, was 41 in 1911 and living at 4 Hobson Terrace with Richard 47 and Alfred Brabban 32 (they were brothers), Henrietta Hannah Brooks 37 (his wife) Dorothy May Brooks, one of his 2 children, and a niece of Richard Brabban called Alice Gibson 10. Places of birth were Gateshead, Usworth, Washington, Washington Penshaw and Washington Station. The Brabbans were blacksmiths and James a bricklayer’s labourer.
Robert William Britton 17 The Parade 15671 6th East Yorks. War and Victory medals. To Balkans 9/9/15 – 1915 Star. In 1911 at 13 Eden Tce – John Thos Britton 47 deputy, married 26 years to Isabel Ann 43 with 12 children, 11 still alive – Robert W 21 hewer, John Thos 19 putter, Mary Jones B 15, James Jones B 13, Nora 10, Alice 8, Ethel E 6 and Fred 3. Places of birth Annfield Plain, Seghill, HLS 6, Wingate 1 and CLS 1.
Richard Thomas Browell 21 The Parade 23755 9th Duke of Wellington’s.Started as 32732 3rd DLI and then West Riding. War and Victory medals. Discharged 28/3/19. Born Oct 1888. 1939 at 21 The Parade working for Durham CC on roads. B Hartleppol but in Wash by 1916. In 1911 at Rose Cottage, Medomsley – Alexander Duncan 61 electrician, married to Eliz 62 for 36 years, 7 children, 3 still alive – Ann 30, Mary 21, Alfred 33 small runner coke yard married to Ethel dauinlaw 26 for 1 year and Richard Thos Browell 22 single visitor grocer’s shop assistant. Places of birth Hammer Hill Nd, Blackhill, Leadgate, Dipton, Leadgate, Hartlepool and Hartlepool. Richard married Mary Duncan and they had a son Raymond. After Mary died in 1926 he married Lily Forbes. He died in 1948.
Henry Brown 18 Castle St 78114 NF. SR. He was born in 1899 and a labourer at the pit, when he enlisted in April 1918 at the age of 19. Henry’s father was called Mark. Henry was 5 feet 4 and had a 34-inch chest. He enlisted at the reception depot for the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was posted in August 1918, went to France and transferred to the 2nd Yorks and Lancs Regiment. In September he suffered what was described as a “mild gunshot wound to the thigh.” He returned to the UK in January 1919 and was demobilised in February of the same year with a 1% disability owing to the thigh wound and with a £25 gratuity as a result of it – paid in August of 1919. Like other miners his prompt release was as a result of them being needed down the pit. Interestingly, his War and Victory Medals were posted to Clover Bar Rd, Alberta, Canada, in August 1922. Perhaps Henry was looking for a home fit for heroes somewhere other than Fatfield. He is listed on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 14 Chapel St, Chirton, N Shields – Mark Brown 45 hewer, married to Ellen (Jackson) 43 for 23 years, 10 children 6 still alive – James 14 rope lad, Henry 12, Hugh 3, Kate 10, Nellie 5 and Alexander Malcolm sinlaw putter 26 married to Eliz Malcolm 18 for 1 month. Places of birth New field, Tow Law, Wakefield, N Shields 5 and The Allotment (sic) ND (like West Alottment?)
James Brown 18 Castle St 750671 315 Bde RFA. Discharged from 4 DAC 21/1/19 born 1897 Pension ledger. Says b 1897 of 15 Castle St single, debility 20% = 8/- per week until October 1923, final award September 1924. Silver War Badge. Enlisted 28/4/15 did serve overseas. (See above for family info.)
John Brown 1 Waggonway Tce 35272 RFA There was William B at 1 Wagonway in 1919. See also the entry below for William Brown!
Joseph Brown 9 Victoria Place 27/838 22nd NF. 27th NF, then 18th then 22nd. War and Victory medals. Not at Vic in 1919
Joseph Brown 32 Castle St 27248 2/54th Bde RFA. SR. Born West Rainton, single, aged 21, miner, when he attested at Shiney Row 1/9/14. When demobilised gave his address as 2 Old Row Success, Fencehouses. Letter from relative calls him JH Brown and asking for info because 7 weeks since heard from him and 2 years since saw him. Letter from 10 Beatrice Tce. His son Joseph Hurworth Brown aged 3 died of pneumonia and heart failure on 14/7/18 at 2 Success. To Salonica 1916-1918. Father Wm Brown of 32 Castle St, wife was Maria Hurworth from March 1915. War and Victory medals and to France 19/5/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at Whitefield Pit, Penshaw – William Brown 54 hewer, married to Lizzie 53 for 29 years and 11 kids, 7 still alive – John 20 shifter, William 15 driver, Joseph 18 putter, Eliz 11, Annie 9, Mary Jane 4, Jane 16. Places of birth HLS, Newbottle, Gate Row Rainton, Rainton, Gate Row Rainton, Sheriff Hill 2, Penshaw Staith and Lumley.
Thomas Brown 25 Long Row 352616 RE Bde RFA. SR 25 Long Row, born 1897 18 a miner attested 17/2/16 at Washington (Mark Ford signed the papers), father John Brown at 25 Long Row. Mobilised April 1918 and demobilised Dec 1918. Signal Depot at Biggleswade, proficient telegraph lineman. No indication of him going abroad. In 1911 at 33 Castle St – John Brown 40 hewer, married to Eliz (Archer) 35 for 18 years and 5 children – Mary Eliz 17, Thomas 13, Annas 11, Minnie 9 and Lilian 7. All born Fatfield.
William Brown 1 Waggonway Tce 19354 Yorks. SWB enlisted 4/1/15 discharged 28/1/19 wounded aged 28. SWB says Yorks. War and Victory 9th Yorks, then 2nd Yorks then 13th Yorks. To France 7/10/15 1915 Star. Pension Ledger says GSW right leg. Says also he is John Brown of 1 Waggonway Tce discharged 28/1/19 born 1892 and later address E22B Elisabethville Birtley. 40% disability so 16/- per week until Nov 23 and then for life.
Robert embarked at Southampton on 23 July 1915 and landed in Le Havre the next day. He was granted a week’s leave in May 1916 and was admitted to hospital suffering from gonorrhoea in December 1916. At the end of January he was discharged to Base Details and then posted to A Battery in April 1917. He was wounded in action three days later, “severe gunshot wound to the back”. He was admitted to hospital and then released to No3 Rest Camp, Le Havre, on 1st June 1917. He had another short spell in hospital, in July 1917 and then, in August, he joined B/107 Brigade. He had eleven days leave in October and then further leave, about a fortnight, from the end of February until the start of March 1918. This was almost certain to have been in connection with the death of his son Robert who died in February at home, 2 Nova Scotia. The boy’s Death Certificate is included in Robert’s records as is a memo stating that the boy died of ?aryngitis and convulsions. Robert’s mother-in-law, Sarah Hope, of 54 Castle Street, made her mark as witness of the death. There’s a further memo from Robert stating “The payment of 2/7d being the amount due to me for the certificate furnished overleaf of the death of Robert Blair stated to have been the son of Gunner Robert Blair 21473 is hereby requested.” The money was payable at Birtley Post Office.
Robert returned to England aboard the SS Princess Victoria in December 1918, miners being needed at home. Robert earned the 1914/15 Star, the War Medal and the Victory Medal and in February 1921 he received a letter telling him his Military Medal for bravery in the field was ready, the information having appeared in the London Gazette on 28 July 1919. He wrote back from 6, Verdun Terrace, Fatfield asking for it to be posted to him. Robert was included on the St George’s Roll.
Frank/Francis Blair was also born in Spennymoor and was one of those listed on the Harraton War Memorial but he does not appear to have been Robert’s brother, certainly the latter does not appear on the list of Frank’s relatives drawn up after his death
In 1939 at 14 Maplewood Cres with wife Eliz and children Philip and Hilda, working as builder’s labourer.
Joseph Bloomfield 30 Nova Scotia 388347 RAMC. He was living at 1, Harraton Colliery and working for the Lambton and Hetton Coal Company when he enlisted in the RAMC at Gateshead in January 1915 and was then placed in reserve. He was 24 at the time, 5 feet 7 with good vision, a 37-inch chest and well developed physically. His family consisted of Joseph, his father, a miner, Harriet his mother, born in Cornwall, and at least 5 brothers. The 1901 Census has them at Ouston; Joseph (32), Harriet (35) and the children – John J (13), Joseph (10), Lancelot (8), Thomas (4), William D (2) and Stanley (2 months). Harriet’s mother was Sarah Poskelly, by then a widow.
In April 1915 he was assigned to the 2nd Northumberland Field Ambulance section and went abroad in the same month, serving until December 1915 at which time he got a week’s leave before returning to France in Jan 1916. He was back in Blighty from November 1916 until August 1917 and was then posted to Salonika from August 1917 to December 1918 where he saw out the war. He’d suffered trench foot (47 days in hospital) and malaria but when he applied for a pension for these conditions he was denied. He’d also been admitted to hospital in Salonika suffering from diarrhoea. His address on discharge was given as 18,Church St, West Rainton. Joseph is one of four Bloomfields on the St George’s Roll. See below for 1911 family info.
In 1939 at 10 Brown’s Buildings Barley Mount – at colliery signal bell and telephone. Household of 17, at least 3 of whom were their kids.
Lancelot Bloomfield 1 Pit Houses 52058 36th Siege Batty RGA, was the younger brother of Joseph (see above). He was also living in the family home at 1, Harraton Colliery when he enlisted at Shiney Row in November 1914. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was 5 feet 9, weighed 140 pounds, with a fair complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes. He was Church of England. In July 1915 he passed his signalling class and then embarked for France in September of the same year. He had a couple of run-ins with army authority – both instances of overstaying his pass (in one case the delights of Plymouth and in the other the delights of Portsmouth) and he was ordered to spend an extra 10 days in the barracks as a result of these misdemeanours.
Lance had a spell in hospital in September 1916, suffering from influenza, and was then admitted to hospital in Rouen, in late October 1918, with mild gas poisoning, leaving hospital three days before the armistice was signed. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. On demobilisation in January 1919 his home address was given as Pear Tree Cottage, Fatfield. He appears, along with his three brothers, on the St George’s Roll. See below for family info.
1939 Register at 27 North Cres with wife Eliz and kids Hilda and Eliz, working as Colliery engineman above
Thomas Bloomfield 143361 ASC. To France 30/10/15. Acting WO Class II, Sergeant. War, Victory and 1915 Star. In 1911 at 1 Harraton Colliery - Joseph Bloomfield 43, married for 24 years to Harriet Ellen 45 with 8 children – Joseph 20, Lancelot 20, Thomas 14, William Delf B 12, Stanley10, Septimus Roskelly B7, Hannah Marianne 4 and Jane Sarah Ainsley servant 15. Mr Bloomfield was a miner’s official and the three eldest lads were also working at the pit. Places of birth were Ouston, Cornwall, Urpeth, Ouston. Ewe Hill, Ouston, Perkinsville, Ouston and Birtley.
William Delf Bloomfield 14416 RNAS ACC. Ordinary Seaman J86338/ F14289 Victory, War and 1915 Star. Born 12/8/97 at CLS, miner, late RND TZ9495. Joined 12/5/16. President II at Scapa then Pulham? And Wandsworth See above for family info.
James Boyle 45 Castle St 45130 A/57th Bde RFA. 5/7/15 to Egypt – War and Victory and 1915 Star. In 1901 the family were living at 93, Parnaby Terrace, Gateshead, and consisted of Robert (40), a coal miner born in Ireland, his wife Mary (35), also born in Ireland and children - Richard (14), Mary Ellen (12), Edward (9), James (6) and Robert (3). All the children were born in Tyne Dock or Gateshead.
In 1911 the same family were living at 24, Beaumont Terrace West, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne. Robert and Mary had been married 27 years and their places of birth were identified as, respectively, Kilkenny and Castle Comer, Ireland. Richard Sr was working as a hewer, Edward (born at Clough Parrup) as a putter and James (born at County Durham, Lowtums??) as a driver, while Robert (born at Lowtums??) was at school. Sisters Mary Ellen (married but still at home and no mention of a husband) and Maggie (10, born at Lowtums??) completed the family. They also had a boarder, Michael Kaiton, 36, born in Kilkenny.
By 1915 the family were living at 46, Castle Street, Fatfield, and Robert Sr. was listed on the Electoral Roll of that year.
Septimus Bohill 1 Chatershaugh Cottages (no details). Gunner 45132, War and Victory medals then 35566 RAVC. To 2a 5/7/15 so 1915 Star. Pension Ledger b 1891. Pension card states that he suffered 20% disability from malaria. Born 1891 disch 21/9/18. Final award 12/7/22 of £5, previously 8/- per week.
In 1911 at 274 Middle St, Ouston - William Bohill 50 hewer, married to mary 44 for 21 years and 10 children, 9 still alive – Septimus 20 putter, James putter 18 (killed 9/6/17), Jane 15, Isabella 13, John 11, William 8, Margaret 6, Albert 3, Frances 1. Places of birth Fatfield, Shincliffe, Sacriston, Waldridge Fell, Sacriston, Fatfield 6. Septimus married the widow of Thomas Nattrass in 1919.
Kyran Brennan 12 Fatfield Square 4th DLI. War and Victory medal roll has John Kyran 13539 14th DLI and then 18 Tank Corps 308639. In 1911 at 1 Church St, Quebec, Durham – John Brennan 52 hewer, married 26 years with 9 children, 8 still alive to Margaret – John Kyran 23 hewer, Michael 21 colliery blacksmith, John 19 hewer, Bridget 18, Edward 16 pit head, James 14 driver, George 12, Eliz Beech sisinlaw 56 married 38 years 9 children, 6 still alive. Places of birth Kilkenny, Staffs, Cannock, Lanarkshire, Sacriston, Usworth 4 and Birmingham.
John Bridges Laburnum House 65418 85th Siege Batty RGA. John was 26 and living at Laburnum House, North Biddick when he enlisted in Sunderland in November 1915. He’d been born in Wallsend and had married Annie Scott at Fatfield Parish Church in May 1914. Their son James was born on 1st July, 1918. JR was 5 feet 7, and weighed 132 pounds. He joined the RGA and was posted to the 85th Siege Battery. Before joining the BEF in May 1916, he’d spent his time in the army at Dover, Sheerness, Lydd and Barrow. He may have been a company cook because in 1917 he spent a month on a cookery course in Calais. His record shows that he was hospitalised in February 1918 with enteritis and then again in September 1918, sick, but neither illness lasted more than 3 days. His discharge notes that he was released from the army (ie transferred to Class Z) in December 1918 as a miner and, clearly, they were wanted back in the pits. JR didn’t claim any disability as a result of his war service.
Gunner Bridges was awarded the War and Victory Medals. He is listed on the St George’s Roll. Born in Dundee in 1891 and died in Harraton 1941. In 1911 at Biddick Inn Tce (no number given) - John Scott 63 retired miner, married 18 years to Eliza Jane 49 newsagent business and Annie Scott 23 newsagent business with harles Roland Scott grandson 4, John Bridges nephew 18 hewer and George Crichton cousin 27 hewer. Places of birth Fatfield, at sea, Fatfield 2 and Dundee 2. George died in the army in the UK 10/2/15.
1939 at 9 Laburnum House with1939 at 9 Laburnum House with motherinlaw Scott, wife Annie and dau Eliza Pearson (Bridges) Newsagent
Clement Bertram Briggs 2 Chatershaugh Cottages 27516 2nd Royal Berks. Started in 8 Div Army Cyclist Corps 9475. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 29 Gladstone Tce, Penshaw – Clement Bartram Briggs 26 hewer, married for 3 years to Sarah Jane (Honeyball) with Ivy 2. Places of birth were Great Moulton Norfolk, Winston Durham and Byers Green. Clement died in 1955.
James Brooks 4 Hobson Tce 53324 RAF 4 Hobson in 1919. This may be James Oxley Brooks who, according to the 1911 Census, was 41 in 1911 and living at 4 Hobson Terrace with Richard 47 and Alfred Brabban 32 (they were brothers), Henrietta Hannah Brooks 37 (his wife) Dorothy May Brooks, one of his 2 children, and a niece of Richard Brabban called Alice Gibson 10. Places of birth were Gateshead, Usworth, Washington, Washington Penshaw and Washington Station. The Brabbans were blacksmiths and James a bricklayer’s labourer.
Robert William Britton 17 The Parade 15671 6th East Yorks. War and Victory medals. To Balkans 9/9/15 – 1915 Star. In 1911 at 13 Eden Tce – John Thos Britton 47 deputy, married 26 years to Isabel Ann 43 with 12 children, 11 still alive – Robert W 21 hewer, John Thos 19 putter, Mary Jones B 15, James Jones B 13, Nora 10, Alice 8, Ethel E 6 and Fred 3. Places of birth Annfield Plain, Seghill, HLS 6, Wingate 1 and CLS 1.
Richard Thomas Browell 21 The Parade 23755 9th Duke of Wellington’s.Started as 32732 3rd DLI and then West Riding. War and Victory medals. Discharged 28/3/19. Born Oct 1888. 1939 at 21 The Parade working for Durham CC on roads. B Hartleppol but in Wash by 1916. In 1911 at Rose Cottage, Medomsley – Alexander Duncan 61 electrician, married to Eliz 62 for 36 years, 7 children, 3 still alive – Ann 30, Mary 21, Alfred 33 small runner coke yard married to Ethel dauinlaw 26 for 1 year and Richard Thos Browell 22 single visitor grocer’s shop assistant. Places of birth Hammer Hill Nd, Blackhill, Leadgate, Dipton, Leadgate, Hartlepool and Hartlepool. Richard married Mary Duncan and they had a son Raymond. After Mary died in 1926 he married Lily Forbes. He died in 1948.
Henry Brown 18 Castle St 78114 NF. SR. He was born in 1899 and a labourer at the pit, when he enlisted in April 1918 at the age of 19. Henry’s father was called Mark. Henry was 5 feet 4 and had a 34-inch chest. He enlisted at the reception depot for the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was posted in August 1918, went to France and transferred to the 2nd Yorks and Lancs Regiment. In September he suffered what was described as a “mild gunshot wound to the thigh.” He returned to the UK in January 1919 and was demobilised in February of the same year with a 1% disability owing to the thigh wound and with a £25 gratuity as a result of it – paid in August of 1919. Like other miners his prompt release was as a result of them being needed down the pit. Interestingly, his War and Victory Medals were posted to Clover Bar Rd, Alberta, Canada, in August 1922. Perhaps Henry was looking for a home fit for heroes somewhere other than Fatfield. He is listed on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 14 Chapel St, Chirton, N Shields – Mark Brown 45 hewer, married to Ellen (Jackson) 43 for 23 years, 10 children 6 still alive – James 14 rope lad, Henry 12, Hugh 3, Kate 10, Nellie 5 and Alexander Malcolm sinlaw putter 26 married to Eliz Malcolm 18 for 1 month. Places of birth New field, Tow Law, Wakefield, N Shields 5 and The Allotment (sic) ND (like West Alottment?)
James Brown 18 Castle St 750671 315 Bde RFA. Discharged from 4 DAC 21/1/19 born 1897 Pension ledger. Says b 1897 of 15 Castle St single, debility 20% = 8/- per week until October 1923, final award September 1924. Silver War Badge. Enlisted 28/4/15 did serve overseas. (See above for family info.)
John Brown 1 Waggonway Tce 35272 RFA There was William B at 1 Wagonway in 1919. See also the entry below for William Brown!
Joseph Brown 9 Victoria Place 27/838 22nd NF. 27th NF, then 18th then 22nd. War and Victory medals. Not at Vic in 1919
Joseph Brown 32 Castle St 27248 2/54th Bde RFA. SR. Born West Rainton, single, aged 21, miner, when he attested at Shiney Row 1/9/14. When demobilised gave his address as 2 Old Row Success, Fencehouses. Letter from relative calls him JH Brown and asking for info because 7 weeks since heard from him and 2 years since saw him. Letter from 10 Beatrice Tce. His son Joseph Hurworth Brown aged 3 died of pneumonia and heart failure on 14/7/18 at 2 Success. To Salonica 1916-1918. Father Wm Brown of 32 Castle St, wife was Maria Hurworth from March 1915. War and Victory medals and to France 19/5/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at Whitefield Pit, Penshaw – William Brown 54 hewer, married to Lizzie 53 for 29 years and 11 kids, 7 still alive – John 20 shifter, William 15 driver, Joseph 18 putter, Eliz 11, Annie 9, Mary Jane 4, Jane 16. Places of birth HLS, Newbottle, Gate Row Rainton, Rainton, Gate Row Rainton, Sheriff Hill 2, Penshaw Staith and Lumley.
Thomas Brown 25 Long Row 352616 RE Bde RFA. SR 25 Long Row, born 1897 18 a miner attested 17/2/16 at Washington (Mark Ford signed the papers), father John Brown at 25 Long Row. Mobilised April 1918 and demobilised Dec 1918. Signal Depot at Biggleswade, proficient telegraph lineman. No indication of him going abroad. In 1911 at 33 Castle St – John Brown 40 hewer, married to Eliz (Archer) 35 for 18 years and 5 children – Mary Eliz 17, Thomas 13, Annas 11, Minnie 9 and Lilian 7. All born Fatfield.
William Brown 1 Waggonway Tce 19354 Yorks. SWB enlisted 4/1/15 discharged 28/1/19 wounded aged 28. SWB says Yorks. War and Victory 9th Yorks, then 2nd Yorks then 13th Yorks. To France 7/10/15 1915 Star. Pension Ledger says GSW right leg. Says also he is John Brown of 1 Waggonway Tce discharged 28/1/19 born 1892 and later address E22B Elisabethville Birtley. 40% disability so 16/- per week until Nov 23 and then for life.
Robert Henry Bryson 11 Waggonway Tce. Gunner 34100 10th DAC. War and Victory medals and 1915 Star – to Balkans 7/7/15 or 27/6/15. In 1911 he was living at 1Ledger Tce, Blackhill, the stepson of John and Mary Corrigan who’d been married only 2 years. Robert Henry was 17 and his siblings were Jane Oswald B 19, Emily Mary B 10 and Elizabeth 8. Robert was a butcher’s assistant.
Charles (Frederick) Burch 7 Castle St 032582 Private, discharged 16/10/19, War and Victory medals. AOC (See below for family info). He married Barbara Cumpson in 1919 and was living in Castle St in 1939. He died in 1987.
Henry Burch 7 Castle St 02559 30th Coy AOC. Discharged 16/8/19 with War and Victory medals and 1914-15 Star. SR – He was 24 and living at 7 Castle St when he enlisted on 23/11/14. To Egypt March 1915 and then to Basrah, time in hospital in June 1917 with NYD and Sand Fly fever. To India for a month’s leave in March 1918 then back to Basrah In 1911 at 7 Castle St - Henry Burch 48 blacksmith at pit, married for 23 years to Sarah (Ann Garbutt) 48 with 5 children, 4 still alive – Ellen 22 dressmaker, Henry 20 blacksmith at pit, Charles Frederick 15 blacksmith’s striker, William 12. Places of birth High Heworth, Hipwick Yorks and Fatfield 4.
William Burch 7 Castle St M315896 377 (MT) Coy ASC. War and Victory medals. SR Born Feb 1899, 7 Castle St, ASC, apprentice fitter, attested 10/1/17, mobilised 23/4/17. Then 35 SBAC Coy. To France March 1918. Discharged 24/12/19. (See above for family info.)
Joseph Burns Victoria Cottage 24753 1st Garrison Btn NF. War medal only. In 1911 at 2 Picktree – Joseph J Burn (sic)46 wood waggoner, married to Margaret 39 for 16 years and no children with Mary E Jackson niece aged 10. Places of birth – Fatfield, Winlaton and Stanley.
William Arthur Button 21 Long Row 1465 NF. 22nd NF, then 23rd. Enlisted 28/1/15, Silver War Badge, discharged 25/4/19, served overseas. War and Victory medals. Born 1874. Pension ledger. In 1911 at 31 Fatfield Square – William Arthur Button 36 hewer, married for 13 years with 5 children to Elizabeth 35 and Mary Annie 11, Harriet 9, Jane Isabella 8, Florence Margaret 5 and George William 8m. Places of birth – Washington, Fatfield, Pattinson Town, Newburn, HLS, Portobello and Fatfield.
Henry (Joseph) Capp 1 Harraton Tce 218551 RFA. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 5 Euclid Ave, Harrogate – Henry J Capp 24, groom, married 3 years to Sarah Ellen with Francis Joseph 2 and Rose Sarah 1. Places of birth Thirsk, Lambton Gardens, Harrogate and Lambton Gardens. He died in Gateshead in 1965.
John Henry Carmichael Peartree Cottages 58435 32nd Batty MGC. A/Cpl. Gazette 18/2/19. War and Victory medals and MM and DCM says Sgt. Discharged 25/9/19 (next number to Benjamin Dean). DCM citation ‘L/Cpl JH Carmichael 32nd Bn MG Corps (Washington) LG 10/1/20. For conspicuous gallantry and good work near Ors on 2nd Nov 1918. He was in charge of 2 guns, and materially assisting in beating off an enemy counter-attack, he held on to his position, when the enemy again attacked in greater force through the night, till the infantry launched a successful attack next morning.’
James William Carr 14 Wormhill Tce 421627 20th Labour Corps, had been 57788 NF. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 27 Long Row – James William Carr 29 mason at coal mine, married for 4 years to Ester with 2 children – Hild(sic) 4 and William 10m. All were born in Fatfield.
Richard Carr 6 Nova Scotia 111263 RFA. War and Victory medals. In the 1901 Census the Carr family is listed at Nova Scotia. The family consisted of Henry (47), a weighman, his wife Elizabeth (43) and sons John, 16, a colliery mason, Thomas 13, Richard 7 and daughter Annie, 3. In October, 1915, Richard, a horse keeper, enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery at Newcastle. He was 5 feet 4, weighed 122 lbs, had a chest of 35.5 inches and professed himself a Primitive Methodist. His brief record indicates that he was posted as driver in February 1915 and went to France in March 1916 before being demobilised in February
1919. He was awarded the Victory and War Medals and was included on the St George’s Roll.
1939 at 6 Verdun Tce with Edith Ann and Geo Nicholson by 1860. Rich was horse keeper underground.
James Carroll 1 Woodside Farm. HMS Apollo. K4200. Born Six Houses Durham in 1899. Joined in March 1917. In 1911 at Woodside farm, Fatfield, - James Carroll 36 widower (married 14 years and 9 children, 5 still alive) hewer, Eliz McWhirter housekeeper 24, John Henry C 13, James 11, William 6, Isabella 4, Margaret 3 and Margaret McWhirter dau 7m. Places of birth Durham, Gateshead, CLS, Gateshead 5.
John Richard Cate 9 Low Chapel Row. 13156 ASC. Pension ledger b 1883. Richard John, married, 9 Low Chapel Row, discharged 19/4/19 rheumatism aggravated by service 20% for 8/- and 4/8d for 2 children, then from 14/4/20 8/-+7/- for 4 children and finally 14% for total of 12/6d for 35 weeks from 15/2/22. SR Army has Richard John, b Brotton, aged 30, miner, Border Regt at Wallsend 3/9/14, discharged 20/11/14 as not likely to become an efficient soldier. Rheumatism. Then discharged in April 1919 as 127233 RASC. Lilian Cate b 1912 at Tynemouth and Florence 1911 at Harraton. In 1911 at 6 Ferryboat Cottages – Richard Cate 27 hewer, married to Margaret Ann McQueen (Sedgefield) 22 for 6 years and Florence 1m and Susan Cate sister 15. Places of birth Brotton Yorks, Chester Moor, Fatfield and Urpeth.
Henry Chapman Fatfield Lodge. 240749 2/5th Lincolns then 569805 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge enlisted 29/8/14 and discharged 19//2/19 sickness. Pension ledger b 1877 and resident Lambton Park. Died 6/11/24 wife Elizabeth. C/O Mrs Gordon Lambton Park. Different card rheumatism and DAH (Disordered Action of the Heart), , discharged 19/2/19 20% for 8/- + 3/6d for child then 14% for total 9/6d for 70 weeks from 19/5/22.
Fred William Collins Victoria Hotel. 224632 68 Field Coy RE SR Then 46715 Leicester Regt then back to RE. War and Victory medals. Joined 10/1/17, joiner innkeeper, aged 36, address Victoria Hotel, wife Margerite from Dec 1915 but children named as Ethel Mary, Annie, Frederick William and Steven Allison. To France Sept 1917 then transferred to 11th Leicester Regt and then re transferred to RE, Base Depot 421 Coy and then 68th Coy. as carpenter.
James Colpitts 15 Long Row. 44956 Yorks Regt 10th then 7th, enlisted 7/6/15 under age 22/2/16 and discharged 31/1/19. War and Victory and Silver War Badge wounds, aged 20. SR very faded but seems to have enlisted Feb 1916 and then called up in March 17. To France 26/9/17 Father John. Time in Royal Victoria Hospital Hants. Shrapnel wound abdomen and left arm (severe). Several telegrams about his condition remaining unchanged, next of kin notified. Dec17-Jan 1918. Pension ledger, b 1899, single, discharged 31/1/19 at 15 Long Row, multiple wounds, 100% for 40/- to 29/5/23. His widow was Mary Selina
Luke Colpitts 18 Fatfield Square. 204742 23rd NF. Previously 1/4th, 26th NF, 23rd NF then 15th DLI 46759. War and Victory medals finished in DLI. Pension ledger b 1898 discharged 18/1/19. The 1911 Census lists the family of Thomas and Alice Colepits (sic) as living at 22, The Square, Fatfield. Their children were Luke, John, Robert, Lizzie and Thomas. Mr and Mrs Colpitts had been married 15 years and had suffered the deaths of 3 of their 8 children. Places of birth Fatfield, Spennymoor, Herrington and Fatfield 4.
Edward Conley 7 Ferryboat Cottages. 45129 RFA. 1/7/15 to Balkans so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 6 Wormhill Tce – Edward Conley 24 hewer, married to Joanna Ethel for under a year. Places of birth left blank.
William Fenwick Cook Rose Cottage. 398490 1st Siege Coy RARB. Army has RE (same number) and War and Victory medals. William Fenwick Cook, father 37 and son16 , were at Cross Row Boldon Colliery in 1911. The other family members were Mary 36 and Sarah14, John Thomas 11, Norah 8, Olive 3 and Warton Wake Cook 1. Mr Cook was born in Crook, his wife in Murton and the children in Boldon Colliery. Mr Cook was a hewer and William Jr a driver.
George Johnson Corbett 3 Castle St. 20/237 20th DLI. War and Victory medals – number close to James K Stangroom. In 1911 at 50 Kimberley Tce Craghead – Samuel Corbett 45 hewer, married to Eliz Ann (Johnson) 39 for 20 years and 2 children – George Johnson C 19 putter and Rebecca Hartshorn C 17. Places of birth Wolverhampton, Willington D, Birtley and Rainton.
Samuel Corbett 3 Castle St. 28303. Not under this number. See above for family info.
Charles (Frederick) Burch 7 Castle St 032582 Private, discharged 16/10/19, War and Victory medals. AOC (See below for family info). He married Barbara Cumpson in 1919 and was living in Castle St in 1939. He died in 1987.
Henry Burch 7 Castle St 02559 30th Coy AOC. Discharged 16/8/19 with War and Victory medals and 1914-15 Star. SR – He was 24 and living at 7 Castle St when he enlisted on 23/11/14. To Egypt March 1915 and then to Basrah, time in hospital in June 1917 with NYD and Sand Fly fever. To India for a month’s leave in March 1918 then back to Basrah In 1911 at 7 Castle St - Henry Burch 48 blacksmith at pit, married for 23 years to Sarah (Ann Garbutt) 48 with 5 children, 4 still alive – Ellen 22 dressmaker, Henry 20 blacksmith at pit, Charles Frederick 15 blacksmith’s striker, William 12. Places of birth High Heworth, Hipwick Yorks and Fatfield 4.
William Burch 7 Castle St M315896 377 (MT) Coy ASC. War and Victory medals. SR Born Feb 1899, 7 Castle St, ASC, apprentice fitter, attested 10/1/17, mobilised 23/4/17. Then 35 SBAC Coy. To France March 1918. Discharged 24/12/19. (See above for family info.)
Joseph Burns Victoria Cottage 24753 1st Garrison Btn NF. War medal only. In 1911 at 2 Picktree – Joseph J Burn (sic)46 wood waggoner, married to Margaret 39 for 16 years and no children with Mary E Jackson niece aged 10. Places of birth – Fatfield, Winlaton and Stanley.
William Arthur Button 21 Long Row 1465 NF. 22nd NF, then 23rd. Enlisted 28/1/15, Silver War Badge, discharged 25/4/19, served overseas. War and Victory medals. Born 1874. Pension ledger. In 1911 at 31 Fatfield Square – William Arthur Button 36 hewer, married for 13 years with 5 children to Elizabeth 35 and Mary Annie 11, Harriet 9, Jane Isabella 8, Florence Margaret 5 and George William 8m. Places of birth – Washington, Fatfield, Pattinson Town, Newburn, HLS, Portobello and Fatfield.
Henry (Joseph) Capp 1 Harraton Tce 218551 RFA. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 5 Euclid Ave, Harrogate – Henry J Capp 24, groom, married 3 years to Sarah Ellen with Francis Joseph 2 and Rose Sarah 1. Places of birth Thirsk, Lambton Gardens, Harrogate and Lambton Gardens. He died in Gateshead in 1965.
John Henry Carmichael Peartree Cottages 58435 32nd Batty MGC. A/Cpl. Gazette 18/2/19. War and Victory medals and MM and DCM says Sgt. Discharged 25/9/19 (next number to Benjamin Dean). DCM citation ‘L/Cpl JH Carmichael 32nd Bn MG Corps (Washington) LG 10/1/20. For conspicuous gallantry and good work near Ors on 2nd Nov 1918. He was in charge of 2 guns, and materially assisting in beating off an enemy counter-attack, he held on to his position, when the enemy again attacked in greater force through the night, till the infantry launched a successful attack next morning.’
James William Carr 14 Wormhill Tce 421627 20th Labour Corps, had been 57788 NF. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 27 Long Row – James William Carr 29 mason at coal mine, married for 4 years to Ester with 2 children – Hild(sic) 4 and William 10m. All were born in Fatfield.
Richard Carr 6 Nova Scotia 111263 RFA. War and Victory medals. In the 1901 Census the Carr family is listed at Nova Scotia. The family consisted of Henry (47), a weighman, his wife Elizabeth (43) and sons John, 16, a colliery mason, Thomas 13, Richard 7 and daughter Annie, 3. In October, 1915, Richard, a horse keeper, enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery at Newcastle. He was 5 feet 4, weighed 122 lbs, had a chest of 35.5 inches and professed himself a Primitive Methodist. His brief record indicates that he was posted as driver in February 1915 and went to France in March 1916 before being demobilised in February
1919. He was awarded the Victory and War Medals and was included on the St George’s Roll.
1939 at 6 Verdun Tce with Edith Ann and Geo Nicholson by 1860. Rich was horse keeper underground.
James Carroll 1 Woodside Farm. HMS Apollo. K4200. Born Six Houses Durham in 1899. Joined in March 1917. In 1911 at Woodside farm, Fatfield, - James Carroll 36 widower (married 14 years and 9 children, 5 still alive) hewer, Eliz McWhirter housekeeper 24, John Henry C 13, James 11, William 6, Isabella 4, Margaret 3 and Margaret McWhirter dau 7m. Places of birth Durham, Gateshead, CLS, Gateshead 5.
John Richard Cate 9 Low Chapel Row. 13156 ASC. Pension ledger b 1883. Richard John, married, 9 Low Chapel Row, discharged 19/4/19 rheumatism aggravated by service 20% for 8/- and 4/8d for 2 children, then from 14/4/20 8/-+7/- for 4 children and finally 14% for total of 12/6d for 35 weeks from 15/2/22. SR Army has Richard John, b Brotton, aged 30, miner, Border Regt at Wallsend 3/9/14, discharged 20/11/14 as not likely to become an efficient soldier. Rheumatism. Then discharged in April 1919 as 127233 RASC. Lilian Cate b 1912 at Tynemouth and Florence 1911 at Harraton. In 1911 at 6 Ferryboat Cottages – Richard Cate 27 hewer, married to Margaret Ann McQueen (Sedgefield) 22 for 6 years and Florence 1m and Susan Cate sister 15. Places of birth Brotton Yorks, Chester Moor, Fatfield and Urpeth.
Henry Chapman Fatfield Lodge. 240749 2/5th Lincolns then 569805 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge enlisted 29/8/14 and discharged 19//2/19 sickness. Pension ledger b 1877 and resident Lambton Park. Died 6/11/24 wife Elizabeth. C/O Mrs Gordon Lambton Park. Different card rheumatism and DAH (Disordered Action of the Heart), , discharged 19/2/19 20% for 8/- + 3/6d for child then 14% for total 9/6d for 70 weeks from 19/5/22.
Fred William Collins Victoria Hotel. 224632 68 Field Coy RE SR Then 46715 Leicester Regt then back to RE. War and Victory medals. Joined 10/1/17, joiner innkeeper, aged 36, address Victoria Hotel, wife Margerite from Dec 1915 but children named as Ethel Mary, Annie, Frederick William and Steven Allison. To France Sept 1917 then transferred to 11th Leicester Regt and then re transferred to RE, Base Depot 421 Coy and then 68th Coy. as carpenter.
James Colpitts 15 Long Row. 44956 Yorks Regt 10th then 7th, enlisted 7/6/15 under age 22/2/16 and discharged 31/1/19. War and Victory and Silver War Badge wounds, aged 20. SR very faded but seems to have enlisted Feb 1916 and then called up in March 17. To France 26/9/17 Father John. Time in Royal Victoria Hospital Hants. Shrapnel wound abdomen and left arm (severe). Several telegrams about his condition remaining unchanged, next of kin notified. Dec17-Jan 1918. Pension ledger, b 1899, single, discharged 31/1/19 at 15 Long Row, multiple wounds, 100% for 40/- to 29/5/23. His widow was Mary Selina
Luke Colpitts 18 Fatfield Square. 204742 23rd NF. Previously 1/4th, 26th NF, 23rd NF then 15th DLI 46759. War and Victory medals finished in DLI. Pension ledger b 1898 discharged 18/1/19. The 1911 Census lists the family of Thomas and Alice Colepits (sic) as living at 22, The Square, Fatfield. Their children were Luke, John, Robert, Lizzie and Thomas. Mr and Mrs Colpitts had been married 15 years and had suffered the deaths of 3 of their 8 children. Places of birth Fatfield, Spennymoor, Herrington and Fatfield 4.
Edward Conley 7 Ferryboat Cottages. 45129 RFA. 1/7/15 to Balkans so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 6 Wormhill Tce – Edward Conley 24 hewer, married to Joanna Ethel for under a year. Places of birth left blank.
William Fenwick Cook Rose Cottage. 398490 1st Siege Coy RARB. Army has RE (same number) and War and Victory medals. William Fenwick Cook, father 37 and son16 , were at Cross Row Boldon Colliery in 1911. The other family members were Mary 36 and Sarah14, John Thomas 11, Norah 8, Olive 3 and Warton Wake Cook 1. Mr Cook was born in Crook, his wife in Murton and the children in Boldon Colliery. Mr Cook was a hewer and William Jr a driver.
George Johnson Corbett 3 Castle St. 20/237 20th DLI. War and Victory medals – number close to James K Stangroom. In 1911 at 50 Kimberley Tce Craghead – Samuel Corbett 45 hewer, married to Eliz Ann (Johnson) 39 for 20 years and 2 children – George Johnson C 19 putter and Rebecca Hartshorn C 17. Places of birth Wolverhampton, Willington D, Birtley and Rainton.
Samuel Corbett 3 Castle St. 28303. Not under this number. See above for family info.
John Thomas Corps 12 Wormhill Tce. 25151 7/8th Royal Irish Fusiliers. He was born in Sherburn, enlisted at Shirehampton, Bristol, on 24/2/15 and was, at that time, resident at Hall Gate, Hetton-le-Hole. JT was a 31-year old married man whose wife, Frances Anne Stevens (they married in April 1911) had, at some stage, moved to 83, Vine Street, Tyne Dock. The couple had a son, Thomas, born at Dawdon in 1911. When he attested JT gave his occupation as ‘groom.’
In the 1901 Census JT’s family were living at Fatfield House Farm Cottages. Thomas, his father, was a farm hind (47), born Masham, his wife was Jane and their children were Christiana (22), Margaret J (19), John T (17), Walter Campbell (13), Eva A J (3). Another Christiana (a granddaughter, 3) was also present. JT was a carter. (Walter Campbell Corps has a Pension Record - it can be found in Appendix III).
By 1911 Thomas had died. His widow, Jane, was living at Hall Gates, Hetton-le-Hole with JT, now described as a farm waggoner, Walter, employed in the same way, EAJ (Eva) and Christeana (sic) a child who’d not only aged the normal ten years but had also become Jane’s daughter rather than granddaughter. Mrs Colpitts had written on the Census form that she’d been married 35 years and had had 8 children, all of whom were still alive.
JT became Private 25151, 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and went to France in March 1915, after what appears to be a very short period of training and was then transferred to the Hussars in August 1916. He came home 16/8/16 but his record doesn’t specify why or for how long. He was wounded between 15th and 17th August 1917 but, again, his record gives no details of how. The next legible entry is that he was posted Private (6/7/18) back to the Royal Irish Rifles.
JT was killed on Saturday 24th August 1918 and was buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, III.G.24. By that time he was holder of the Military Medal, a fact reported in the Illustrated Chronicle (with photograph) of 16th January 1918, in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle in a brief entry of 25/1/18 and entered in the London Illustrated Gazette on 19/11/17. His other medals were the 1915 Star and the War Medal
His name appears on the Harraton Memorial as Corps JT, the St George’s Roll of Honour as Corps JT - killed and the Fatfield School Memorial as John T Corps M.M.
The Absent Voters list of 1918 for Harraton and North Biddick includes John William (sic) Corps, 25151 of the 7/8 Royal Irish Fusiliers. Assuming this was the same man, name slightly incorrect, it’s perhaps a surprise that his death hadn’t worked its way through the system, it having occurred in August 1918.
In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Jane, JT’s mother, received £11.9.10d on 8/1/20 and a war gratuity of £16.10sh was paid to her on the same day. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money. It isn’t clear why the money was paid to Jane since JT had married Frances Anne Stevens in 1911 in the Houghton-le-Spring district and they had a child, Thomas, born in 1911 at Easington. Frances Ann Corps remarried in Sunderland in 1923 and became Frances Ann Robson.
A pension card for John Thomas Corps lists him as 25151 Royal Irish Fusiliers and states that he was killed in action on 24/8/18, his death being notified on 18/9/18. His widow, Frances Ann, born 16/4/89 was living at 39 Mill End Rd, S Shields and their child, Thomas (d 1972), born 2/11/10 was under the guardianship of Mrs Jane Corps of 12 Wormhill Terrace. A grant of £6 was paid on 28/9/18 and the pension of 20/5d began on 24/3/19.
25/10/18 (Durham Chronicle) Officially reported killed in action in France, August 24, 1918, John Thomas Corps, MM, Royal Irish Fusiliers, son of Jane and the late Thomas Corps, Worm Hill Terrace, Fatfield, late of Hetton.
Loved in life, loved in death
Deeply mourned by his mother and son and all the family.
Robert Craig 8 Biddick Tce. K34329 HMS Roxburgh. Born S Shields 1897, enlisted June 1916, son of Edward and Catherine, siblings, Mary, Ismay and Edwin. In 1911 living at Acklington, a pony driver. Don’t know when he moved into Harraton.
Ralph Crow 6 Castle St. ASC R4/066141 and then 243504 1/5th Royal West Surreys. To France 29/3/15 so 1915 Star and discharged 15/3/19. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 6 Castle St – William Crow 40, married for 20 years with 8 children (4 still alive) to Mary Jane 38. Children were Martha 19 married but no husband named, Ralph17, Ellen 14, Edward Thomas C 10 and William Howe grandson aged 3m. Mr Crow was a hewer and Ralph a driver. Places of birth – all Fatfield.
William Crozier 9 Short Row. T4/249509 50th North Div Train. War, Victory and 1915 Star. To France 17/4/15 and discharged 5/2/19. Previously TF 220 transferred to Regular ASC 1/9/16. Not in Harraton in 1911.
John Henry Cummings 7 High Chapel Row. 370290 Royal Innis Fus. Started as 23458 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, to Balkans 5/12/15 and then 370290 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals. 1915 Star. Discharged 16/2/19. Possibly living in Old Painshaw in 1911.
Cuthbert Cumpson 7 Lambton. St 22/1172 NF 1st Garrison Bn. L/Cpl. Medal card states only War medal. In 1911 at 7 Lambton St – Cuthbert Cumpson 37, hewer, married to Jane Ann (Willis) 32 for 14 years and 3 children – Florance May 13, Sydney 8 and Hilda 3. Places of birth Fatfield, Pennsylvania and Fatfield 3. Cuthbert died in 1948.
George Cumpson 3 Office Row. T4/250535 662nd Coy RASC SR Enlisted 26/2/13 and discharged 14/12/18 sickness, served abroad. War and Victory medals. SR was born in Fatfield and joined the Territorial Army, Army Service Corps as S4/250535 in February 1913. George was 18, an apprentice butcher for Chester-le-Street Co-operative and he was living with his father, John Cumpson, at 62, Castle Street. He served at home until 4/8/14, at which point he was embodied and served at the Field Supply Depot in New Bridge Street, Newcastle, without, it should be said, much distinction. Indeed, in the time prior to him going abroad, he was punished on 8 occasions for being absent, once for neglect of his duty and once for insubordination. He was no stranger to forfeiting his pay and being confined to barracks. In November 1915 he was tried in a civil court for the theft of a revolver worth 8/6d from ASC Private Ernest Edward Hetherington and was found guilty and sentenced to a month in jail with hard labour. At that time the army considered discharging him, his military character being “most unsatisfactory” but decided against it.
In January 1917 George went overseas, probably to Salonika given that a memo written there in May of that year about an injury to his right ankle was at pains to point out that the injury was caused by football rather than his army duties. He was transferred home in May 1918 and served in the UK until he was discharged in December 1918 to 3, Office Row, Harraton Colliery. He was listed on the Absent Voters List and the St George’s Roll of Honour. He was awarded the War and Victory Medals.
In 1911 at 32 Castle St George Cumpson 33 hewer, married to Grace 33 for 11 years and 6 children – Mary 11, George 9, Grace 7, Annie 5, Edith 2 and Violet 1. Places of birth Fatfield, New Herrington, Fatfield 6.
Benjamin Dean 6 Hobson Tce. 58436 228th Service Coy MGC. enlisted in Sunderland and began his service as 35883 DLI before becoming Private 58436, 1st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (228 Service Company). The Machine Gun Corps was formed in October 1915 as the army became aware that combat had changed from the days of Napoleon and that doling out machine guns in “penny packets” was an outdated idea. George Coppard in his autobiography, “With a Machine Gun to Cambrai,” wrote, “No military pomp attended its birth or decease. It was not a famous regiment with glamour and whatnot, but a great fighting Corps, born for war only and not for parades. From the moment of its formation it was
kicking. It was with much sadness that I recall its disbandment in 1922, like old soldiers it simply faded away.” A total of 170,500 officers and men served in the MGC, of whom 62,049 were killed, wounded or missing. The memorial to the MGC is in Hyde Park.
228 Service Company fought with the 40th Divison from September 1918. Gunner Dean died on 21st September 1918, at which time the division were preparing for the crossing of the San Quentin canal, roughly half way between Cambrai and San Quentin, and he was buried at Unicorn Cemetery Vend’huile, I.B.30, near Cambrai.
Gunner Dean – killed is how he is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour and he is on the Harraton Memorial as Dean J. According to the Absent Voters List of 1918, Benjamin Dean of 6, Hobson Terrace was serving as 58436, 228th Service Company of the MGC.
In the 1901 Census there are 3 possible Deans. Firstly, at 1, Alice Terrace, Penshaw, we find Isabella (34), a widow and bread maker, born in South Hetton, Sarah (13), born in Penshaw, Benjamin (11), born Penshaw, Robert James (2), born Penshaw and Thompson Robinson (58), Isabella’s father, a widower, employed as caretaker at the Billiard Room.
Secondly, at 7, Chapel Row we find Benjamin Dean, a hewer, (24), born in Penshaw, his wife Mary (22), born in Washington and their children Hilda (3) and, our third possible Benjamin, (10 months).
Thus, from the 1901 information, either Benjamin (11), Benjamin (24) or, conceivably, Benjamin (10months) could be the Benjamin Dean who died in 1918. My feeling is that it was Benjamin (11) since he was probably the man on the Absent Voters List and his family’s 1911 address in Hobson Terrace is close to Halshaw Street. Whoever he was he was awarded the War and Victory medals.
By 1911 the family of our first possible had moved to 8, Halshaw Street and Isabella had remarried. Her new husband, from 1903, was Arthur Russell Sullivan (40), a tunnel miner born in Salford. They’d had one child who’d died. Benjamin was employed as a colliery tub maker, while Robert James was a scholar. Living with them were John Golightly (25), Arthur’s son-in-law, a hewer, Sarah Golightly (Sarah Dean as was) and their children, Robert James (2) and William Cramm Golightly (1), both born at Low Coxhoe.
On 5th June 1916 Benjamin Dean, a blacksmith then living in Easington (son of James, deceased) married Florence Radford (26) at Holy Trinity Church, Washington. This is consistent because he was 26 and his details fit with Benjamin Dean whose father was deceased by 1901 and whose mother was Isabella.
In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Florence, Ben’s widow, received £6.10.5d on 6/2/19 and a further war gratuity of £10 was paid to her on 11/12/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
A dependant’s card for Benjamin Dean, Pte MGC shows that his death was notified on 14/10/18 and that his widow Florence of Falshaw St, Washington Station was awarded a grant of £5 on 22/10/18 and a pension of 13/9d per week from 21/4/19. Florence Dean m John Golightly in CLS Jan 1922
Philip John Dent 1 High Chapel Row. 82612 2nd Res Hus Cavalry. Enlisted 17/2/16 and discharged 14/1/19. No indication of medals. In 1911 at 1 High Chapel Row – Philip John Dent 51 stoneman, married for 29 years to Harriet 48 with 9 children – Thomas Hunter D 17 lamp lad above, Philip John 14 pony driver, Barbara 11 and Jane 10. Places of birth Newbiggin by Sea, Binham Norfolk, Fatfield, Urpeth 3.
Thomas Dickson 26 Wormhill Tce. 14151 East Yorks. 6th then 11th E Yorks . 26/9/15 to Balkans so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 8 High Chapel Row – Thomas Dixon 29 hewer, married to Elizabeth (Harrison) 32 for 8 years with 4 children, 3 still alive – Thomas 7, John 3 and James 1. Places of birth – all Harraton. Thomas died in 1950.
Thomas William Dixon School House N Biddick. 49407 Cadet No 8 60 Bn 3rd Royal Fusiliers 28/10/16 to 6/11/17 and then commissioned DLI 28/5/18. Possibly son of Thomas (see above)
Arthur Penman Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. 62803 Driver then Gunner RFA. War and Victory medals. To France 26/8/15 so 1915 Star. Pension ledger 4 Biddick Tce, single, b 1897, bronchitis, discharged 9/3/19. Under 20% for 5/6d until 13/9/21. Widow Florence. Died 28/11/23 still at Biddick Tce. In 1911 at 43 Granville Tce, Binchester – John George Dobson 43 shifter, married to Mary Ann (Cook) for 21 years and 9 children – George William 20 screenman, John Richard 19 putter, Edith May 16, Arthur Penman D 14 screenlad, James Henry 10, Earnest 8, Hilda Eliz 5 and Norman 3. Places of birth – Sunderland, Husworth (sic), Sunderland 6, Coundon 2 and Binchester. He married Florence Ainsley in 1921 and died in 1923.
George William Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. 20530 (HS) Employment Coy and then 63073 18th Yorks Regt – War and Victory medals. SR Aged 25, a platelayer when he joined in Feb 1917, single, mother Mary Ann. To France 7/3/17 to 2/1/18. Discharged 25/1/19. (See above for family info.) Deafness in right ear after scarlet fever aged 10. Boiler fireman for Usworth Colliery. GSW thigh Jan 1918 to Northern General Hospital.
John George Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. R4/062545 Remount Dept ASC Pension ledger b 1899. Married 4 Biddick Tce, discharged 12/5/19. Suffering from distorted feet? 30% for 12/- and 8/10d for 3 children until 8/5.23. War and Victory medals.
John Richard Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. L7694 RFA. War and Victory medals. (See above for family details.)
Isaac Dodds 1 Short Row. 208068 RGA PR From 1 Short Row, aged 19, miner, 3/4/18 preferred a Scottish Regiment. Father Thomas, qualified as 2nd class signaller in Sept 1918. War and Victory medals. Discharged Nov 1918 for mining. Does not seem to have been abroad. In 1911 at 14 Low Chapel Row – Thomas Dodds 39 hewer, married to Mary Jane 37 for 18 years and 9 children, 8 still alive – William 15 landing lad, Thomas 14 landing lad, Isaac 12, Henry 10, Ann Richardson D 7, Mary Jane 4, George 2, John 10m. Places of birth – Coundon, Jarrow, CLS 6 and Fatfield 2.
Thomas Dodds 1 Short Row. 39183 3rd East Yorks SR under East Yorks. 1 Short Row, single, aged 21, miner, 20/4/18. War and Victory medals. To E Yorks 6/5/18. To France 30/8/18 and then transferred to W Riding 2/4th.on 21/8/18. GSW 17/9/18 and to 2nd Canadian Gen Hosp then England in October. Had been medically examined at Shiney Row in Dec 1915. (See above for family info.)
James Doyle 16 Biddick Tce. 89051 RAMC. 2nd Northumbian FieldAmbulance. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge, enlisted 19/4/15. In Malta from 16/12/16 to 31/5/177 and then Salonika 1/6/17 to 17/12/18. Discharged 20/1/19 sickness aged 32. Pension ledger, malaria, discharged 2/1/19 at 14 Biddick Tce 40% for 11/- and 4/8d for 2 children, rising to 16/- + 9/5d and then 20% for 8/-+4/8d until June 1922.SR 16 Biddick Tce April 1915, discharged 20/1/19, service in Salonica, suffering malaria, character very good. Married Margaret Dermody at Our Lady Immaculate 28/7/10 and James Michael b 21/10/11 at Esh Winning and May 27/3/16 at Washington. In 1911 at 21 Burnell Rd, Esh Winning – James Doyle 24, hewer, b Quebec Durham and Margaret 26, married under 1 year.
John Oswald Drinkald 5 The Parade. 2860 Sanitary Section 86th RAMC MSM East Africa 545822 in Peace Gazette 6/8/18 page 9221. Also War and Victory medal under 2860. The same man two numbers. In 1911 at 4 Wycliff Rd Sunderland – John Thomas Drinkald 46 butcher 46 married to Lizziebell 44 for 20 years and 3 children – John Oswald D butcher 19, Jane Frances D 16 and Williamina 13. Places of birth Newcastle, Cramlington and Swalwell 3.
Michael Duffy 9 Long Row. 14984 4th Dragoon Guards. Had been GS 14417. War and Victory medals, discharged 10/3/19. Not in Harraton in 1911.
In the 1901 Census JT’s family were living at Fatfield House Farm Cottages. Thomas, his father, was a farm hind (47), born Masham, his wife was Jane and their children were Christiana (22), Margaret J (19), John T (17), Walter Campbell (13), Eva A J (3). Another Christiana (a granddaughter, 3) was also present. JT was a carter. (Walter Campbell Corps has a Pension Record - it can be found in Appendix III).
By 1911 Thomas had died. His widow, Jane, was living at Hall Gates, Hetton-le-Hole with JT, now described as a farm waggoner, Walter, employed in the same way, EAJ (Eva) and Christeana (sic) a child who’d not only aged the normal ten years but had also become Jane’s daughter rather than granddaughter. Mrs Colpitts had written on the Census form that she’d been married 35 years and had had 8 children, all of whom were still alive.
JT became Private 25151, 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and went to France in March 1915, after what appears to be a very short period of training and was then transferred to the Hussars in August 1916. He came home 16/8/16 but his record doesn’t specify why or for how long. He was wounded between 15th and 17th August 1917 but, again, his record gives no details of how. The next legible entry is that he was posted Private (6/7/18) back to the Royal Irish Rifles.
JT was killed on Saturday 24th August 1918 and was buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, III.G.24. By that time he was holder of the Military Medal, a fact reported in the Illustrated Chronicle (with photograph) of 16th January 1918, in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle in a brief entry of 25/1/18 and entered in the London Illustrated Gazette on 19/11/17. His other medals were the 1915 Star and the War Medal
His name appears on the Harraton Memorial as Corps JT, the St George’s Roll of Honour as Corps JT - killed and the Fatfield School Memorial as John T Corps M.M.
The Absent Voters list of 1918 for Harraton and North Biddick includes John William (sic) Corps, 25151 of the 7/8 Royal Irish Fusiliers. Assuming this was the same man, name slightly incorrect, it’s perhaps a surprise that his death hadn’t worked its way through the system, it having occurred in August 1918.
In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Jane, JT’s mother, received £11.9.10d on 8/1/20 and a war gratuity of £16.10sh was paid to her on the same day. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money. It isn’t clear why the money was paid to Jane since JT had married Frances Anne Stevens in 1911 in the Houghton-le-Spring district and they had a child, Thomas, born in 1911 at Easington. Frances Ann Corps remarried in Sunderland in 1923 and became Frances Ann Robson.
A pension card for John Thomas Corps lists him as 25151 Royal Irish Fusiliers and states that he was killed in action on 24/8/18, his death being notified on 18/9/18. His widow, Frances Ann, born 16/4/89 was living at 39 Mill End Rd, S Shields and their child, Thomas (d 1972), born 2/11/10 was under the guardianship of Mrs Jane Corps of 12 Wormhill Terrace. A grant of £6 was paid on 28/9/18 and the pension of 20/5d began on 24/3/19.
25/10/18 (Durham Chronicle) Officially reported killed in action in France, August 24, 1918, John Thomas Corps, MM, Royal Irish Fusiliers, son of Jane and the late Thomas Corps, Worm Hill Terrace, Fatfield, late of Hetton.
Loved in life, loved in death
Deeply mourned by his mother and son and all the family.
Robert Craig 8 Biddick Tce. K34329 HMS Roxburgh. Born S Shields 1897, enlisted June 1916, son of Edward and Catherine, siblings, Mary, Ismay and Edwin. In 1911 living at Acklington, a pony driver. Don’t know when he moved into Harraton.
Ralph Crow 6 Castle St. ASC R4/066141 and then 243504 1/5th Royal West Surreys. To France 29/3/15 so 1915 Star and discharged 15/3/19. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 6 Castle St – William Crow 40, married for 20 years with 8 children (4 still alive) to Mary Jane 38. Children were Martha 19 married but no husband named, Ralph17, Ellen 14, Edward Thomas C 10 and William Howe grandson aged 3m. Mr Crow was a hewer and Ralph a driver. Places of birth – all Fatfield.
William Crozier 9 Short Row. T4/249509 50th North Div Train. War, Victory and 1915 Star. To France 17/4/15 and discharged 5/2/19. Previously TF 220 transferred to Regular ASC 1/9/16. Not in Harraton in 1911.
John Henry Cummings 7 High Chapel Row. 370290 Royal Innis Fus. Started as 23458 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, to Balkans 5/12/15 and then 370290 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals. 1915 Star. Discharged 16/2/19. Possibly living in Old Painshaw in 1911.
Cuthbert Cumpson 7 Lambton. St 22/1172 NF 1st Garrison Bn. L/Cpl. Medal card states only War medal. In 1911 at 7 Lambton St – Cuthbert Cumpson 37, hewer, married to Jane Ann (Willis) 32 for 14 years and 3 children – Florance May 13, Sydney 8 and Hilda 3. Places of birth Fatfield, Pennsylvania and Fatfield 3. Cuthbert died in 1948.
George Cumpson 3 Office Row. T4/250535 662nd Coy RASC SR Enlisted 26/2/13 and discharged 14/12/18 sickness, served abroad. War and Victory medals. SR was born in Fatfield and joined the Territorial Army, Army Service Corps as S4/250535 in February 1913. George was 18, an apprentice butcher for Chester-le-Street Co-operative and he was living with his father, John Cumpson, at 62, Castle Street. He served at home until 4/8/14, at which point he was embodied and served at the Field Supply Depot in New Bridge Street, Newcastle, without, it should be said, much distinction. Indeed, in the time prior to him going abroad, he was punished on 8 occasions for being absent, once for neglect of his duty and once for insubordination. He was no stranger to forfeiting his pay and being confined to barracks. In November 1915 he was tried in a civil court for the theft of a revolver worth 8/6d from ASC Private Ernest Edward Hetherington and was found guilty and sentenced to a month in jail with hard labour. At that time the army considered discharging him, his military character being “most unsatisfactory” but decided against it.
In January 1917 George went overseas, probably to Salonika given that a memo written there in May of that year about an injury to his right ankle was at pains to point out that the injury was caused by football rather than his army duties. He was transferred home in May 1918 and served in the UK until he was discharged in December 1918 to 3, Office Row, Harraton Colliery. He was listed on the Absent Voters List and the St George’s Roll of Honour. He was awarded the War and Victory Medals.
In 1911 at 32 Castle St George Cumpson 33 hewer, married to Grace 33 for 11 years and 6 children – Mary 11, George 9, Grace 7, Annie 5, Edith 2 and Violet 1. Places of birth Fatfield, New Herrington, Fatfield 6.
Benjamin Dean 6 Hobson Tce. 58436 228th Service Coy MGC. enlisted in Sunderland and began his service as 35883 DLI before becoming Private 58436, 1st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (228 Service Company). The Machine Gun Corps was formed in October 1915 as the army became aware that combat had changed from the days of Napoleon and that doling out machine guns in “penny packets” was an outdated idea. George Coppard in his autobiography, “With a Machine Gun to Cambrai,” wrote, “No military pomp attended its birth or decease. It was not a famous regiment with glamour and whatnot, but a great fighting Corps, born for war only and not for parades. From the moment of its formation it was
kicking. It was with much sadness that I recall its disbandment in 1922, like old soldiers it simply faded away.” A total of 170,500 officers and men served in the MGC, of whom 62,049 were killed, wounded or missing. The memorial to the MGC is in Hyde Park.
228 Service Company fought with the 40th Divison from September 1918. Gunner Dean died on 21st September 1918, at which time the division were preparing for the crossing of the San Quentin canal, roughly half way between Cambrai and San Quentin, and he was buried at Unicorn Cemetery Vend’huile, I.B.30, near Cambrai.
Gunner Dean – killed is how he is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour and he is on the Harraton Memorial as Dean J. According to the Absent Voters List of 1918, Benjamin Dean of 6, Hobson Terrace was serving as 58436, 228th Service Company of the MGC.
In the 1901 Census there are 3 possible Deans. Firstly, at 1, Alice Terrace, Penshaw, we find Isabella (34), a widow and bread maker, born in South Hetton, Sarah (13), born in Penshaw, Benjamin (11), born Penshaw, Robert James (2), born Penshaw and Thompson Robinson (58), Isabella’s father, a widower, employed as caretaker at the Billiard Room.
Secondly, at 7, Chapel Row we find Benjamin Dean, a hewer, (24), born in Penshaw, his wife Mary (22), born in Washington and their children Hilda (3) and, our third possible Benjamin, (10 months).
Thus, from the 1901 information, either Benjamin (11), Benjamin (24) or, conceivably, Benjamin (10months) could be the Benjamin Dean who died in 1918. My feeling is that it was Benjamin (11) since he was probably the man on the Absent Voters List and his family’s 1911 address in Hobson Terrace is close to Halshaw Street. Whoever he was he was awarded the War and Victory medals.
By 1911 the family of our first possible had moved to 8, Halshaw Street and Isabella had remarried. Her new husband, from 1903, was Arthur Russell Sullivan (40), a tunnel miner born in Salford. They’d had one child who’d died. Benjamin was employed as a colliery tub maker, while Robert James was a scholar. Living with them were John Golightly (25), Arthur’s son-in-law, a hewer, Sarah Golightly (Sarah Dean as was) and their children, Robert James (2) and William Cramm Golightly (1), both born at Low Coxhoe.
On 5th June 1916 Benjamin Dean, a blacksmith then living in Easington (son of James, deceased) married Florence Radford (26) at Holy Trinity Church, Washington. This is consistent because he was 26 and his details fit with Benjamin Dean whose father was deceased by 1901 and whose mother was Isabella.
In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Florence, Ben’s widow, received £6.10.5d on 6/2/19 and a further war gratuity of £10 was paid to her on 11/12/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
A dependant’s card for Benjamin Dean, Pte MGC shows that his death was notified on 14/10/18 and that his widow Florence of Falshaw St, Washington Station was awarded a grant of £5 on 22/10/18 and a pension of 13/9d per week from 21/4/19. Florence Dean m John Golightly in CLS Jan 1922
Philip John Dent 1 High Chapel Row. 82612 2nd Res Hus Cavalry. Enlisted 17/2/16 and discharged 14/1/19. No indication of medals. In 1911 at 1 High Chapel Row – Philip John Dent 51 stoneman, married for 29 years to Harriet 48 with 9 children – Thomas Hunter D 17 lamp lad above, Philip John 14 pony driver, Barbara 11 and Jane 10. Places of birth Newbiggin by Sea, Binham Norfolk, Fatfield, Urpeth 3.
Thomas Dickson 26 Wormhill Tce. 14151 East Yorks. 6th then 11th E Yorks . 26/9/15 to Balkans so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 8 High Chapel Row – Thomas Dixon 29 hewer, married to Elizabeth (Harrison) 32 for 8 years with 4 children, 3 still alive – Thomas 7, John 3 and James 1. Places of birth – all Harraton. Thomas died in 1950.
Thomas William Dixon School House N Biddick. 49407 Cadet No 8 60 Bn 3rd Royal Fusiliers 28/10/16 to 6/11/17 and then commissioned DLI 28/5/18. Possibly son of Thomas (see above)
Arthur Penman Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. 62803 Driver then Gunner RFA. War and Victory medals. To France 26/8/15 so 1915 Star. Pension ledger 4 Biddick Tce, single, b 1897, bronchitis, discharged 9/3/19. Under 20% for 5/6d until 13/9/21. Widow Florence. Died 28/11/23 still at Biddick Tce. In 1911 at 43 Granville Tce, Binchester – John George Dobson 43 shifter, married to Mary Ann (Cook) for 21 years and 9 children – George William 20 screenman, John Richard 19 putter, Edith May 16, Arthur Penman D 14 screenlad, James Henry 10, Earnest 8, Hilda Eliz 5 and Norman 3. Places of birth – Sunderland, Husworth (sic), Sunderland 6, Coundon 2 and Binchester. He married Florence Ainsley in 1921 and died in 1923.
George William Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. 20530 (HS) Employment Coy and then 63073 18th Yorks Regt – War and Victory medals. SR Aged 25, a platelayer when he joined in Feb 1917, single, mother Mary Ann. To France 7/3/17 to 2/1/18. Discharged 25/1/19. (See above for family info.) Deafness in right ear after scarlet fever aged 10. Boiler fireman for Usworth Colliery. GSW thigh Jan 1918 to Northern General Hospital.
John George Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. R4/062545 Remount Dept ASC Pension ledger b 1899. Married 4 Biddick Tce, discharged 12/5/19. Suffering from distorted feet? 30% for 12/- and 8/10d for 3 children until 8/5.23. War and Victory medals.
John Richard Dobson 4 Biddick Tce. L7694 RFA. War and Victory medals. (See above for family details.)
Isaac Dodds 1 Short Row. 208068 RGA PR From 1 Short Row, aged 19, miner, 3/4/18 preferred a Scottish Regiment. Father Thomas, qualified as 2nd class signaller in Sept 1918. War and Victory medals. Discharged Nov 1918 for mining. Does not seem to have been abroad. In 1911 at 14 Low Chapel Row – Thomas Dodds 39 hewer, married to Mary Jane 37 for 18 years and 9 children, 8 still alive – William 15 landing lad, Thomas 14 landing lad, Isaac 12, Henry 10, Ann Richardson D 7, Mary Jane 4, George 2, John 10m. Places of birth – Coundon, Jarrow, CLS 6 and Fatfield 2.
Thomas Dodds 1 Short Row. 39183 3rd East Yorks SR under East Yorks. 1 Short Row, single, aged 21, miner, 20/4/18. War and Victory medals. To E Yorks 6/5/18. To France 30/8/18 and then transferred to W Riding 2/4th.on 21/8/18. GSW 17/9/18 and to 2nd Canadian Gen Hosp then England in October. Had been medically examined at Shiney Row in Dec 1915. (See above for family info.)
James Doyle 16 Biddick Tce. 89051 RAMC. 2nd Northumbian FieldAmbulance. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge, enlisted 19/4/15. In Malta from 16/12/16 to 31/5/177 and then Salonika 1/6/17 to 17/12/18. Discharged 20/1/19 sickness aged 32. Pension ledger, malaria, discharged 2/1/19 at 14 Biddick Tce 40% for 11/- and 4/8d for 2 children, rising to 16/- + 9/5d and then 20% for 8/-+4/8d until June 1922.SR 16 Biddick Tce April 1915, discharged 20/1/19, service in Salonica, suffering malaria, character very good. Married Margaret Dermody at Our Lady Immaculate 28/7/10 and James Michael b 21/10/11 at Esh Winning and May 27/3/16 at Washington. In 1911 at 21 Burnell Rd, Esh Winning – James Doyle 24, hewer, b Quebec Durham and Margaret 26, married under 1 year.
John Oswald Drinkald 5 The Parade. 2860 Sanitary Section 86th RAMC MSM East Africa 545822 in Peace Gazette 6/8/18 page 9221. Also War and Victory medal under 2860. The same man two numbers. In 1911 at 4 Wycliff Rd Sunderland – John Thomas Drinkald 46 butcher 46 married to Lizziebell 44 for 20 years and 3 children – John Oswald D butcher 19, Jane Frances D 16 and Williamina 13. Places of birth Newcastle, Cramlington and Swalwell 3.
Michael Duffy 9 Long Row. 14984 4th Dragoon Guards. Had been GS 14417. War and Victory medals, discharged 10/3/19. Not in Harraton in 1911.
William Dunn 68 Castle St. 149803 or 254004 Railway Operating Division Railways RE. War and Victory medals. SR Joined at Ashington in Jan 1916, address , single, 22, railway signalman, 90 Station Rd, Ashington. Father John at 63 Castle St. To France 28/4/16, discharged 22/6/19 to 63 Castle St.
Henry John Ely 5 Short Row. 118947 No 8 Balloon Apron RAF Born 22/5/78 service from 11/1/18. Hannah Rebecca. In 1911 at 7 Harraton Colliery – Henry John Eley colliery cartman 32, married for 1 year to Anna Rebecca (Dent) 24 with son Francis Edward 9m. Places of birth Fatfield, Portobello, Fatfield. In 1939 at 5 Short Row, died 1943.
James Elliott 33 Long Row. 457879 451st Coy. Previously RE(T) 3074 2nd Cpl. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger address Whiteley Royd Farm Eastwood nr Todmorden. No illness or amount. In 1911 at 33 Long Row – Martha Elliott 70 widow (34 years and 3 children) Eliz Ann 32 caretaker at County Council school, James 29 colliery joiner and Peter Thomas E 27 colliery labourer above. Places of birth – Easington lane, hetton le Hole and Murton Colliery 2.
Albert Edward Ellison 12 Biddick Tce. 117884 190th N Training Squadron RAF. In 1911 at Woodside Hotel, Washington Staithes – Albert Edward Ellison 33 licensed victualler, married to Sarah J (Layfield) 33 for 9 years and 3 children – George W 8, Sydney 6 and Laura 5. Also present were Wallace Layfield broinlaw 27 waggonman at Coop killed 24/9/18, married to Isabella for 1 year and Edith, their daughter, 9m. Places of birth Washington, Millfield, Washington 3, Northallerton, Millfield and Washington.
Robert Errington (Army has George) 9 Biddick Tce. 24543 1st Garrison BN NF. War and Victory medals Not in Harraton in 1911.
Cuthbert Finley 44 Castle. St 95009 3rd DLI. Pension ledger, 44 Castle St. No info re cause or amount, pension may have been rejected. In 1911 at 18 Moor St South Moor – James Finley 49 miner married to Isabella 44 for 24 years and 12 children, 8 still alive – John Coates F 19 putter, James 18 putter, William Edward 16 driver, Cuthbert 12, Mary Sarah Eliz 11, Abraham 8, Martha 6 and Mary Isabella 3. Places of birth Scotland and Tow Law 9. In 1939 Cuthbert was married to Dorothy and living in 44 Castle St. He died in 1969.
Henry Forrest 9 The Parade. 251777 13th Camp F Troop RH and RFA. War and Victory medals. Not in Harraton in 1911.
Joseph Forster 3 Long Row. 69751 14th NF then 12/13th NF. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 9 Bell St Washington – John Earl Forster 54 bricklayer, married to Alice 45 for 25 years and 12 children, 8 still alive – May 19 draper’s assistant, John Earl F 17 driver, Violet Smart F 15, Sidney Armour F 13, Joseph 11, William 7 and Editha 3. Places of birth Shotley Bridge, Penshaw 4 and Washington 4.
Joseph William Forster 25 The Parade. 197882 55th remount Squadron RASC
Sydney Armour Forster 3 Long Row. Gunner 208034 2nd Res Bn RGA War and Victory medals. Base Details. In 1911 at 9 Bell St Washington – John Earl Forster 54 bricklayer, married to Alice 45 for 25 years and 12 children, 8 still alive – May 19 draper’s assistant, John Earl F 17 driver, Violet Smart F 15, Sidney Armour F 13, Joseph 11, William 7 and Editha 3. Places of birth Shotley Bridge, Penshaw 4 and Washington 4.
William Snowdon Forster North Biddick Farm. 270684 5th Res Cav. To France with Northumberland Hussars as Trooper 1543, 25/12/15 and discharged 8/4/19. War and Victory medals while in Corps of Hussars as 270684. In 1911 at North Biddick Farm (11 rooms) – George Emmerson Forster 52 farmer, married to Mary 49 for 27 years with 4 children, 3 still alive – William Snowdon 23 farm worker, Mary Olive 14, Edith Orton servant and Nelly Bennett 18 servant. Places of birth Washington, Harraton,North Biddick 2, Byers Green and Hylton. William died in 1937.
Andrew Walton Foster 21 Nova Scotia. Cpl with 7th Bn Yorks Regt to France 13/7/15, 15125 Trench Mortar battery. War, Victory and 1915 Star. Discharged 4/2/19. In 1911 at 21 Nova Scotia – Thomas Foster 63 screener, married to Rebecca (Robinson) 54 for 34 years and 8 children, 6 still alive – William 24 colliery clerk, Andrew Walton F 22 hewer, Isabel 19, Edward Eddy 16 putter killed 16/9/16, Robert Fort widower son in law 31 hewer and James Fort 9. Places of birth Harraton, Birtley, Harraton 4, Sherburn and Harraton. Andrew died in 1973.
James Foster 1 Lane Cottages. 116757 31st Coy MGC and then 79354 Corps of Hussars, War and Victory medal – serving.
William Foster 21 Nova Scotia. 388465 RAMC Acting WO1. War and Victory medals. See Andrew Walton Foster, above, for family details)
William Foster 27 Nova Scotia. 388465 Sgt 61st Gen Hosp RAMC (as above)
Edward Gales 48 Castle St. 306556 ASC. Pension ledger b 1865 discharged 21/11/18 Labour Corps. 45 Castle St, married, rheumatism attributed to service. 20% for 8/- +3/6d for 1 child and then reduced to 14% for total 8/6d for 70 weeks from March 1922.Started as 127234 ASC and then 306556 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals. He was a 45-year old coal miner when he joined the army in August 1915. He’d married Ann McQueen in 1899 and they had a daughter Mary Sowerby in 1906, at Ferryhill. Edward was originally in the Army Service Corps and was transferred to the Labour Corps, presumably because of his age. He served in France from 25/1/16 to 15/11/18 and, discharged as physically unfit, he was then paid a pension of 5/6d per week for the next 26 weeks. However, he was fit enough to go back to coal mining. Edward was entitled to the Silver Badge and received the War Medal in 1921. He’s on the St George’s Roll of Honour.
Samuel Gales 48 Castle St. Driver 36271 RFA. To France 23/7/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 3 Castle St – Edward Gales 47 hewer, married to Ann 41 for 21 years and 6 children, 4 still alive – Samuel 16 driver, Mary Sowerby G 5 and Alfred Unsworth boarder 17 driver. Places of birth Edmondsley, Coxlodge Nd, Perkinsville, Ferryhill and Sunderland.
Thomas Garnham 31 Castle St. 1/8th DLI as 2053 and then L/Cpl 300163. War and Victory medals. To France 20/4/15. So 1915 Star.
6th Dec 1918 FATFIELD WAR PRISONER
Corporal Thomas Garnham, DLI, son of Mr and Mrs Garnham, 37 Castle St, Fatfield, enlisted at Birtley as a Territorial at the beginning of the war and was taken prisoner after a six-day sojourn in France, suffering from a broken leg. Since that time his parents have kept him regularly supplied with parcels containing food. The cards and letters sent by him were all couched in similar terms and it was therefore a great delight for them to receive a letter from him saying that he had arrived in Holland and was on his way home. In this letter he was for the first time able to unburden his mind and inform his anxious parents of the terrible ordeal which he had passed through. He states that he was first put to work on a farm and assisted to make roads, clearing land and canal making. Then he was employed on the erection of a large viaduct containing thirty-eight arches. At this time his leg affected him and the doctor told him that he had a diseased bone but such was not the case. The word “coal-mine” he says has quite a different meaning to that in Germany and he speaks of the horrors which our poor prisoners have endured in these places at the hands of cruel masters. A further letter has been received containing the glad news that Corporal Garnham had arrived in Hull on Monday along with other 1,900 from Germany and that he was staying in a convalescent camp in Ripon. He is expected to arrive in Fatfield any day. The only Thomas Garnham who served in the DLI, according to the Medal rolls was PWL/Cpl Thomas Garnham service numbers 2053 and 300163 who went to France on 20/4/15, was taken prisoner on 26/4/15 and was awarded the 1915 Star and the War and Victory Medals.] On October 7th 1927 Thomas Garnham, aged 31, was hurt in a fall of stone at Harraton Pit and died a month later, aged 31. It was the same man.
Thomas Garnham (according to his Service Record) was born at Sunnybrow, Willington and was 17, a miner working for the Birtley Iron Company when he joined the Territorial Army (8th DLI) in March 1913. He was 5ft 9inches tall with a chest of 36 inches. Private Garnham was promoted to Lance Corporal in August 1914 and went to France on 20/4/15 being almost immediately wounded, his record states “gunshot wound to lower part of right leg.” He was taken prisoner on 26/4/15. On 17/3/20 he acknowledged receipt of the 1914-15 Star and in December 1921 he acknowledged the receipt of his War and Victory Medals. He was awarded a pension of 12 shillings per week for 63 weeks from 21/10/19, his disability being described as “neurotic DAH (Disordered Action of the Heart)?” and attributed to his war service. He was living at 37 Castle Street, Fatfield.
A current relation of Tommy Garnham has provided a photograph of him in a German Prisoner of War Camp, wearing wooden clogs but looking reasonably well fed. In another photograph, possibly taken while he was a POW, he is wearing DLI cap badge and is in puttees and normal uniform. His wife, Mary, worked for the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and her medal/citation is still held by the family. He was awarded a gold watch in 1913, inscribed “D Comp 8th DLI, Kirkup Trophy won by Private T Garnham. 1913.” It was for rifle shooting.
Thomas George 2 Nova Scotia. 5th Reserves DLI. SR - he was born in 1894 and was living at 34, Short Row, Nova Scotia when he enlisted on 24/7/16. He had married Lilian Middleton at Chester-le-Street in December 1915 and they had a son, William George George, born in October 1916. Thomas was called for service in September 1918 and joined the BEF only a fortnight later. He joined his regiment, 5th DLI, and became Private 105248, in early October 1918. He was wounded in the leg after 8 days at the front, returned to England by ship fourteen days after leaving it, spent some 38 days in hospital in Leicester and was demobilised in March 1919. His War and Victory Medals (roll states 13th DLI) arrived in December 1921. He was listed among the Absent Voters and on the St George’s Roll of Honour. Not in Harraton in 1911.
Henry John Ely 5 Short Row. 118947 No 8 Balloon Apron RAF Born 22/5/78 service from 11/1/18. Hannah Rebecca. In 1911 at 7 Harraton Colliery – Henry John Eley colliery cartman 32, married for 1 year to Anna Rebecca (Dent) 24 with son Francis Edward 9m. Places of birth Fatfield, Portobello, Fatfield. In 1939 at 5 Short Row, died 1943.
James Elliott 33 Long Row. 457879 451st Coy. Previously RE(T) 3074 2nd Cpl. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger address Whiteley Royd Farm Eastwood nr Todmorden. No illness or amount. In 1911 at 33 Long Row – Martha Elliott 70 widow (34 years and 3 children) Eliz Ann 32 caretaker at County Council school, James 29 colliery joiner and Peter Thomas E 27 colliery labourer above. Places of birth – Easington lane, hetton le Hole and Murton Colliery 2.
Albert Edward Ellison 12 Biddick Tce. 117884 190th N Training Squadron RAF. In 1911 at Woodside Hotel, Washington Staithes – Albert Edward Ellison 33 licensed victualler, married to Sarah J (Layfield) 33 for 9 years and 3 children – George W 8, Sydney 6 and Laura 5. Also present were Wallace Layfield broinlaw 27 waggonman at Coop killed 24/9/18, married to Isabella for 1 year and Edith, their daughter, 9m. Places of birth Washington, Millfield, Washington 3, Northallerton, Millfield and Washington.
Robert Errington (Army has George) 9 Biddick Tce. 24543 1st Garrison BN NF. War and Victory medals Not in Harraton in 1911.
Cuthbert Finley 44 Castle. St 95009 3rd DLI. Pension ledger, 44 Castle St. No info re cause or amount, pension may have been rejected. In 1911 at 18 Moor St South Moor – James Finley 49 miner married to Isabella 44 for 24 years and 12 children, 8 still alive – John Coates F 19 putter, James 18 putter, William Edward 16 driver, Cuthbert 12, Mary Sarah Eliz 11, Abraham 8, Martha 6 and Mary Isabella 3. Places of birth Scotland and Tow Law 9. In 1939 Cuthbert was married to Dorothy and living in 44 Castle St. He died in 1969.
Henry Forrest 9 The Parade. 251777 13th Camp F Troop RH and RFA. War and Victory medals. Not in Harraton in 1911.
Joseph Forster 3 Long Row. 69751 14th NF then 12/13th NF. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 9 Bell St Washington – John Earl Forster 54 bricklayer, married to Alice 45 for 25 years and 12 children, 8 still alive – May 19 draper’s assistant, John Earl F 17 driver, Violet Smart F 15, Sidney Armour F 13, Joseph 11, William 7 and Editha 3. Places of birth Shotley Bridge, Penshaw 4 and Washington 4.
Joseph William Forster 25 The Parade. 197882 55th remount Squadron RASC
Sydney Armour Forster 3 Long Row. Gunner 208034 2nd Res Bn RGA War and Victory medals. Base Details. In 1911 at 9 Bell St Washington – John Earl Forster 54 bricklayer, married to Alice 45 for 25 years and 12 children, 8 still alive – May 19 draper’s assistant, John Earl F 17 driver, Violet Smart F 15, Sidney Armour F 13, Joseph 11, William 7 and Editha 3. Places of birth Shotley Bridge, Penshaw 4 and Washington 4.
William Snowdon Forster North Biddick Farm. 270684 5th Res Cav. To France with Northumberland Hussars as Trooper 1543, 25/12/15 and discharged 8/4/19. War and Victory medals while in Corps of Hussars as 270684. In 1911 at North Biddick Farm (11 rooms) – George Emmerson Forster 52 farmer, married to Mary 49 for 27 years with 4 children, 3 still alive – William Snowdon 23 farm worker, Mary Olive 14, Edith Orton servant and Nelly Bennett 18 servant. Places of birth Washington, Harraton,North Biddick 2, Byers Green and Hylton. William died in 1937.
Andrew Walton Foster 21 Nova Scotia. Cpl with 7th Bn Yorks Regt to France 13/7/15, 15125 Trench Mortar battery. War, Victory and 1915 Star. Discharged 4/2/19. In 1911 at 21 Nova Scotia – Thomas Foster 63 screener, married to Rebecca (Robinson) 54 for 34 years and 8 children, 6 still alive – William 24 colliery clerk, Andrew Walton F 22 hewer, Isabel 19, Edward Eddy 16 putter killed 16/9/16, Robert Fort widower son in law 31 hewer and James Fort 9. Places of birth Harraton, Birtley, Harraton 4, Sherburn and Harraton. Andrew died in 1973.
James Foster 1 Lane Cottages. 116757 31st Coy MGC and then 79354 Corps of Hussars, War and Victory medal – serving.
William Foster 21 Nova Scotia. 388465 RAMC Acting WO1. War and Victory medals. See Andrew Walton Foster, above, for family details)
William Foster 27 Nova Scotia. 388465 Sgt 61st Gen Hosp RAMC (as above)
Edward Gales 48 Castle St. 306556 ASC. Pension ledger b 1865 discharged 21/11/18 Labour Corps. 45 Castle St, married, rheumatism attributed to service. 20% for 8/- +3/6d for 1 child and then reduced to 14% for total 8/6d for 70 weeks from March 1922.Started as 127234 ASC and then 306556 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals. He was a 45-year old coal miner when he joined the army in August 1915. He’d married Ann McQueen in 1899 and they had a daughter Mary Sowerby in 1906, at Ferryhill. Edward was originally in the Army Service Corps and was transferred to the Labour Corps, presumably because of his age. He served in France from 25/1/16 to 15/11/18 and, discharged as physically unfit, he was then paid a pension of 5/6d per week for the next 26 weeks. However, he was fit enough to go back to coal mining. Edward was entitled to the Silver Badge and received the War Medal in 1921. He’s on the St George’s Roll of Honour.
Samuel Gales 48 Castle St. Driver 36271 RFA. To France 23/7/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 3 Castle St – Edward Gales 47 hewer, married to Ann 41 for 21 years and 6 children, 4 still alive – Samuel 16 driver, Mary Sowerby G 5 and Alfred Unsworth boarder 17 driver. Places of birth Edmondsley, Coxlodge Nd, Perkinsville, Ferryhill and Sunderland.
Thomas Garnham 31 Castle St. 1/8th DLI as 2053 and then L/Cpl 300163. War and Victory medals. To France 20/4/15. So 1915 Star.
6th Dec 1918 FATFIELD WAR PRISONER
Corporal Thomas Garnham, DLI, son of Mr and Mrs Garnham, 37 Castle St, Fatfield, enlisted at Birtley as a Territorial at the beginning of the war and was taken prisoner after a six-day sojourn in France, suffering from a broken leg. Since that time his parents have kept him regularly supplied with parcels containing food. The cards and letters sent by him were all couched in similar terms and it was therefore a great delight for them to receive a letter from him saying that he had arrived in Holland and was on his way home. In this letter he was for the first time able to unburden his mind and inform his anxious parents of the terrible ordeal which he had passed through. He states that he was first put to work on a farm and assisted to make roads, clearing land and canal making. Then he was employed on the erection of a large viaduct containing thirty-eight arches. At this time his leg affected him and the doctor told him that he had a diseased bone but such was not the case. The word “coal-mine” he says has quite a different meaning to that in Germany and he speaks of the horrors which our poor prisoners have endured in these places at the hands of cruel masters. A further letter has been received containing the glad news that Corporal Garnham had arrived in Hull on Monday along with other 1,900 from Germany and that he was staying in a convalescent camp in Ripon. He is expected to arrive in Fatfield any day. The only Thomas Garnham who served in the DLI, according to the Medal rolls was PWL/Cpl Thomas Garnham service numbers 2053 and 300163 who went to France on 20/4/15, was taken prisoner on 26/4/15 and was awarded the 1915 Star and the War and Victory Medals.] On October 7th 1927 Thomas Garnham, aged 31, was hurt in a fall of stone at Harraton Pit and died a month later, aged 31. It was the same man.
Thomas Garnham (according to his Service Record) was born at Sunnybrow, Willington and was 17, a miner working for the Birtley Iron Company when he joined the Territorial Army (8th DLI) in March 1913. He was 5ft 9inches tall with a chest of 36 inches. Private Garnham was promoted to Lance Corporal in August 1914 and went to France on 20/4/15 being almost immediately wounded, his record states “gunshot wound to lower part of right leg.” He was taken prisoner on 26/4/15. On 17/3/20 he acknowledged receipt of the 1914-15 Star and in December 1921 he acknowledged the receipt of his War and Victory Medals. He was awarded a pension of 12 shillings per week for 63 weeks from 21/10/19, his disability being described as “neurotic DAH (Disordered Action of the Heart)?” and attributed to his war service. He was living at 37 Castle Street, Fatfield.
A current relation of Tommy Garnham has provided a photograph of him in a German Prisoner of War Camp, wearing wooden clogs but looking reasonably well fed. In another photograph, possibly taken while he was a POW, he is wearing DLI cap badge and is in puttees and normal uniform. His wife, Mary, worked for the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and her medal/citation is still held by the family. He was awarded a gold watch in 1913, inscribed “D Comp 8th DLI, Kirkup Trophy won by Private T Garnham. 1913.” It was for rifle shooting.
Thomas George 2 Nova Scotia. 5th Reserves DLI. SR - he was born in 1894 and was living at 34, Short Row, Nova Scotia when he enlisted on 24/7/16. He had married Lilian Middleton at Chester-le-Street in December 1915 and they had a son, William George George, born in October 1916. Thomas was called for service in September 1918 and joined the BEF only a fortnight later. He joined his regiment, 5th DLI, and became Private 105248, in early October 1918. He was wounded in the leg after 8 days at the front, returned to England by ship fourteen days after leaving it, spent some 38 days in hospital in Leicester and was demobilised in March 1919. His War and Victory Medals (roll states 13th DLI) arrived in December 1921. He was listed among the Absent Voters and on the St George’s Roll of Honour. Not in Harraton in 1911.
Thomas Girking 20 The Parade. 563 NF then 581117 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals. SR – aged 30, married, mason when he enlisted in NF 23/11/14. He married Isabella Douglas 31/1/06 and Enid 1906, Thomas 1908 and Joseph 1913. Address 17 Ritchie Tce. Transferred to Labour Corps 27/5/18. Pension ledger discharged 24/1/19 born 1884, 20 The Parade 30%, then 40% then 50% for 12/- +8/10d for 3 children, then 16/- +11/10d for 3 children, then 20/- +14/9d ending in July 1923 with ‘For life. In 1911 at 19 Ritchie Tce Washington – Thomas Girking 26 bricklayer at colliery, married for 5 years to Isabella (Douglas) 22 and Enid Mary 4 and Thomas Henry 2. Places of birth - Newcastle and Biddick 3.
Richard Gloyne 9 Biddick Inn Tce. He served as Sergeant 20/193, 20th DLI, the Wearside Battalion. This was formed in Sunderland in July 1915 and arrived in France in May 1916. T Oliver and S Dawson (both on Harraton war memorial) served in the same Battalion. Sgt Gloyne was killed, posted as presumed dead, on Friday 21st September 1917, aged 20, and is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panels 128-131, 162 and 162A. Sergeant Gloyne is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Gloyne R – killed and is on the Harraton Memorial as Gloyne R. He was killed during the Battle of Menin Road, part of the Third Battle of Ypres, or Passchendaele.
In 1901 the Gloyne family were living at 9, Single Row, Usworth, and consisted of Richard (31), a coalminer deputy, his wife, Elizabeth A (31) and children Johanna (7), Richard (3) and Henry (1). Richard Sr. was born in Devonshire but everyone else was born in Usworth.
In 1911 they were living at 75, Edith Avenue, Usworth. Richard Sr was a “coalminer, wasteman shifter”, born in Milton Abbot, Devon. Since 1901 John (7) and William (4), both born in Usworth Colliery, had been added to the family but, if it was Mr Gloyne who completed the Census return he didn’t choose to state any occupation for the older children, whether work or education.
In 1914 the Electoral Roll listed one Richard Gloyne at 2, Slate Houses, Fatfield and another at 9, Biddick Inn Terrace. The 1915 Roll was the same.
28 June 1917 Stanley News noted ‘Sgt Gloyne has been wounded and is suffering shell shock. Nephew of Mr W Nixon of High Hold, Pelton’ (who presumably sent the info in)
The Absent Voters List of 1918 lists Richard Gloyne of 9, Biddick Inn Terrace as being 20/193, A Company, 20th DLI and, apparently, not yet recorded as being dead even though he’d died in September 1917.
Sergeant Gloyne’s family were awarded the Victory Medal and the War Medal. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Richard, Richards’ father received £11.1.1d on 21/9/17 and a further war gratuity of £11.10 on 16/10/18. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that he was A/Sgt DLI missing from 9/11/17 and that his mother Mrs Eliz Ann Gloyne of 9 Biddick Inn Tce was 58. No amount given and across the base of the card is written cancelled.
A second card states that he was Private (written over A/Sgt) 20/193 DLI and that he was missing from 21/9/17. A pension of 11/- a week from 1/6/18 was awarded to his parents Elizabeth Ann (deceased) address 9 Biddick Inn Terrace and then his father Richard of 22 North Crescent. Mrs Gloyne died in 1939 and Mr Gloyne in 1955.
James Walter Goffin 81 Victoria Place 201172 Siege Batty RFA. Died 1938 in Biddick Lane – wife Margaret Jane (Brown). In 1911 at 18 Stanley Tce, Shiney Row (3 rooms) – Walter Goffin 48 miner, married for 28 years to Sarah Ann and 12 children, 10 still alive – Emily 18 field worker, Sarah Ann 17 servant, James Walter 16 driver, Alfred 12, William 10, Libby 8, Edward 5, Violet 11m, Eliza 24 married, Ellen 22 married (no husbands listed). Places of birth - Great Riseborough Norfolk, Sunderland, Pallion 5, Millfield, Newbottle, Sunderland, Hebburn, Millfield.
George Gordon Lambton Park. 1/5th as 7788 then 203700 1/7th W Riding. War and Victory medals. Enlisted 16/11/15 and discharged 4/4/19. SR When discharged address was Town Bottom, Meltham, Huddersfield. Joined 16/11/15 and served in France 1/9/16 to 23/10/17 and 13/2/18 to 11/10/18 as Lewis Gunner. GSW left thumb 11/10/18. In hosp at 22 GH France, Fort Pit Chatham and Cornwall Hall VAD Kent. While in 1/5th West Riding he fell on some rifles with fixed bayonets and one entered his right thigh. He was not to blame. Aged 19 when enlisted 16/11/15. Next of kin – sister Dorothy at Lambton Park. Given £65 for wound to thumb and 3 years of service. In 1901 at Entrance Lodge to Wadhurst Hall (Ticehurst) – Peter Gordon, a forester 35, wife Sarah (Wood) 33 and George Henry 3 and Dorothy 1. Places of birth - Scotland, Tamworth, Ireland (Cavan) and Meltham. In 1911 Dorothy was living with her grandparents, James and Janet, on the Lambton Estate. In 1911 George Henry was with his parents at Ingleby Greenhow, his father working as a forester and a new sister Violet May Ellen b 1902.
Charles William Gray 24 Castle St. 217119 RGA. In 1911 at 24 Castle St – William Gray 49 hewer, married for 26 years to Isabella (Maxwell) with 10 children, 7 still alive – Isabella 21, Charles W 18 putter, Lily 12, Wilfred 9 and Snowdon 8. Places of birth Thornley and Fatfield 6.
Richard (Lumley) Hall 10 Chapel Row. 14109 3rd Border Regt. Medal rolls says 9th then 7th Border. War and Victory medals. To France 7/9/15 so 1915 Star and discharged 10/1/19. Pension ledger b 1885, single (sic) at 10 Chapel Row, malaria. 20% for 8/- +5/11d for 3 children, then under 20% for final gratuity of £5 on 9/3/22. In 1911 at 30 The Square – Richard Hall 25 hewer, married for 3 years and 2 children to Mary (Cooper) 25 – George 2 and Mary 7 months. Places of birth - Fatfield, Felling and Fatfield 2.
Simon Musgrove Hall 39 Castle St. 77580 RAMC. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger discharged 8/2/19. 39 Castle St, myalgia 20% for 8/- + 5/11d for 3 children and then 8/- +4/8d for 2 children – and then October 1923 current award to continue. In 1911 at 61 Douglas Tce Usworth – Simon Hall 35 hewer, married 12 years to Hannah 34 with 6 children, 5 still alive – Robert 11, Margaret Ellen 7, Richard 5, Susannah 3, John Barkis H 3m and Ethel Ilderton 16 sisterinlaw. Places of birth – Washington, Castle Eden, Browney, Felling 2, Usworth 2 and South Hetton. In 1939 at Union Row and died in 1950.
Thomas Hall 25 Hobson Tce. 352 NF. Medals forfeited after desertion on 25/7/18. Also number 370222 Labour Corps. Not sure which is this man in 1911 Census.
Charles William Hartis Oaklands. 385909 836 Coy ASC Charles William Hartis (P.R.) – appears on the St George’s Roll as “Hartis C, North Biddick Colliery”. He attested in December 1915 and was placed into the reserves before being mobilised in December 1917. He was placed in the Army Service Corps as a loader and was then transferred to the Bakery section at North Walsham in January 1918, where he served out his time, never having been abroad. At the time of his attestation he gave his address as “Oaklands, North Biddick”. He was a 23-year old miner, 5 feet 4, CofE with fair hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion. His parents were Robert Lewins Hartis and Mary Hartis, also of Oaklands.
Charles was discharged in December 1918, at which time his conduct was described as “good”. He was blind in one eye and suffered from discharge in the right ear, both from birth and the causes were therefore “accident and constitutional,” so the question of a pension didn’t arise. By the time of his discharge he’d married Mary Forster (29/7/18) and their address was 4, Long Row, Fatfield. One of his brothers, Matthew, was a witness, along with Annie May Forster. His other siblings, according to the 1901 Census were Gerald Mitchenson (19), Thomas Hartis (17) and Elizabeth (15).
There is no Medal roll for CW Hartis. 1939 living at 11 East Bridge St with Mary and son John b 1921. CW was a hewer. He died in 1965.
Matthew Hartis(s) Oaklands. T3/025994 X Coy ASC. War and Victory medals. To Egypt 8/3/15 so 1915 Star. SR - Aged 25 at Oaklands, cartwright, single, 12/11/14. To Egypt 8/3/15 and then Salonica 7/11/16. Discharged 5/12/19 having spent some time in the army of occupation, suffering dysentery and malaria. His record includes letter from Lambton Engine Works saying he had served apprenticeship as joiner and cartwright. In 1911 at 10 Biddick Inn Tce – Robert Lewins Hartis 66 stoneman, married to Mary (Mitchinson) 56 for 30 years and 5 children – Thomas 28 hewer, Matthew 21 wood joiner, Charles 18 screener and Campbell Miller boarder 29 medical practitioner. Places of birth – Lumley, Penshaw, Brandon, Fatfield 2 and Rothesay. Matthew died in 1968.
Albert John W Haswell 32 Wormhill Tce. 251731 RFA. PR - 7 West Bridge St, miner 21, attested 9/12/15, single but when mobilised in December 1917, married to Catherine Wylem at Penshaw Ch 15/9/17 and now living at 32 Wormhill Tce. On 4/7/18 transferred to Class W for mining at N Biddick Colliery. No medal cards. In 1911 at 312 Bircham St, South Moor – Nicolas Haswell 46 stoneman, married 18 years and 2 children to Jane Ann 41 – Albert 16 shaft lad and George 10. Places of birth - Sunderland, Sherburn Hill, Low Lambton 2.
George William Hedley 6 Short Row. 73643 133 Batty RGA. SR - Morton Engine Fencehouses, 20, miner, married 14/1/15. Married Mary Ann Ridley Dec 1913 at Fatfield and Edward born April 1914. Posted to 56 Bde October 1915. Discharged 24/4/19 to 8 Low Chapel Row, suffering malaria, had another child in 1916. 20% and weekly 5/6d from 3/5/19 to 2/9/19 and then 8/- for 61 weeks +4/8d from 3/9/19. To France 29/10/15 to 20/1/16 and then Salonica until 4/2/19. 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Pension ledgers gives Mary Ann as widow but no date of his death, perhaps 1928. 41 Gililand Cres Birtley. Earlier card has 8 Low Chapel Row – suffering malaria 20% then 100% for 8/- + 4/8d for 2 children and then rising to 40/- +23/6d until 18/9/23. In 1911 at Morton Engine – William Hedley 57 hewer, married for 32 years to Margaret Eliz 51 and 8 children, 7 still alive – Isabella 27, John Lancelot 19 putter, George William 17 putter, Edith May 14, Lillian 11, John George 5 and Thomas Conn 29 lodger, hewer. Places of birth - Seghill, Longframlington, Burnmoor, Chilton Moor 5 and Newbottle. He died in 1948.
James Henderson 4 ½ Biddick Inn Tce. 18510 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Pension ledger b 1893. Has Royal Irish Fusiliers and address 7 Hall’s Buildings, Station Rd, Penshaw. 20% for 8/- and then 3/6d added for child. From April 1922 9/6d combined for 70 weeks. 7th R Inniskillings as A/Cpl 25369 then 2nd R Irish Fusiliers as 18510, discharged 6/1/19 War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 14 Mount Pleasant – Thomas Henderson 49 hewer, married for 28 years to Thomason 47 with 11 children, 9 still alive – Thomas 26 hewer, Catherine 20 James 18 putter, Mark 12, Charles 7, Robert 4 and Lizzie 15. Places of birth – Lumley, New Washington, Fencehouses, Rainton 2, Gateshead 3 and Rainton.
George Hills 58 Castle St. 513 DLI. Can’t find Census info about him.
George William Hill 2 River View Tce. SR - 22/1071 8th DLI, attested 11/12/15 aged 27, general dealer, 2 River View, single, mother Jane Ann Bolam at 12 High Row. Married Lucy Button at Fatfield 23/4/16. Landed in France 16/6/16 and 13/1/18 candidate for commission. On 18/7/18 he was severely reprimanded for allowing an accused soldier to escape while he was L/Sgt in command of 3rd Bn Guard. In civilian life a drapery manager. To France 24/9/18 and joined 1/7th DLI. Leave 26/11/18 and then extended. OC Battalion. War and Victory medals.
John George Hills 2 South View. 22nd DLI then attached to 180th Coy RE then 22nd DLI then 1/7th DLI. War and Victory medals. B 1888 father Hugh Garvan Hills, 24 Mount Pleasant or 18 Bridge St E. In 1911 at 24 Mount Pleasant – Hugh Garvin Hills 53 timber drawer, married to Jane Ann 48 for 23 years and 5 children, 4 still alive – John George 22 colliery joiner, Robert Garvin H 21 shifter, Walter 19 putter and Lily 14. Places of birth Ancroft Nd, Staindrop, Easington 4.SR 22/1067
Robert Garvin Hills 2 South View. 286 DLI (See above for family info.)
Stephen Hodgson 16 Low Chapel Row. 251717 Gunner RFA. War and Victory medals. Can’t find Census info.
Alexander Hogg 2 The Hutts. Gunner11548 RFA War and Victory medals. Again, no Census info.
William Hollins 2 Biddick Inn Tce. 74083 4th DLI. Army has 12th DLI and then 1/1st Oxford & Bucks 45443. War and Victory medals. SR 24 years old, miner, 2 Biddick Inn Tce 19/4/18. Mother Sarah. Transferred to Ox and Bucks 10/10/18.
Philip Hope 54 Castle St. 7724 RFA. At the time of his death, on Friday 1st November 1918, he was 27 and serving as Driver L/7724, B Battery, 160 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. This Battery was part of the 34th Division, formed in January 1915, and largely comprised of “Pals” Battalions. It arrived in France in January 1916. The Division has more memorials on the Western front than any other. Philip is buried at Kezelburg Military Cemetery, I.B.26.
The War Diary of the 160th Brigade Royal Field Artillery for the end of October of 1918 shows them to be in the Belleghem area and moving forward to the Hulste-Oyghem area. By this late stage of the war the Germans were in general retreat but had by no means given up the struggle. Thus, during October 1918, the 160th RFA lost 6 other ranks killed and 32 wounded, of whom Driver Philip Hope of Battery B was one, the diary noting that he was wounded in action 31st October. (Unlike many infantry war diaries the 160th RFA clerk listed all casualties by name rather than simply as “other ranks.”) Presumably Driver Hope died at a field ambulance or dressing station. His grave at Kezelburg is about 10km west of Bellerghem. The last entry in the diary for October records letters of praise for the whole 34th Division from the Chief of the General Staff of the Belgian Army, from Lt-General Stephens CinC Xth Corps and from the Divisional Commander, for their work on the 25th October.
In the 1901 Census Philip (10), was living in Middlestone at 13, Durham Street, with his father, Philip (48), a hewer, his mother Sarah (45), brothers Robert (23), a hewer, William (12), Ralphhill (8) and sisters Sarah E (18), Elizabeth (14), Ethel A (6) and Hilda (1).
By 1911 the family were living at 54 Castle Street, Fatfield. Philip (20) was a hewer and those of the family still at home were Jane (24), William (22), Ralph (17), Ethel Annie (16), Edith (13) and Hilda (11). The three lads were putters and Edith and Hilda were attending school. Reginald Hope (1 month), Ralph’s grandson, was also living with them but there is no indication of his parents’ names. Mr and Mrs Hope had been married 37 years and had had 13 children, of whom 12 were still alive.
The St George’s Roll of Honour lists Hope P – killed and Hope R (perhaps Ralph, because on 23/10/14 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle reported that Ralph Hope of Fatfield had joined Kitchener’s Army) and the Harraton Memorial lists Hope P.
Driver Hope’s family were awarded the War and Victory medals. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Sarah, Philip’s mother, received £7.0.6d on 27/2/19 plus 1/4d on 28/4/19 and a further war gratuity of £17 on 11/12/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that Driver Philip Hope 7724 RFA died of wounds on 1/11/18 and that his mother, Mrs Sarah Hope of 54 Castle St (aged 63), was the claimant. No amount stated.
A second card states the amount as 12/6 per week but gives no starting date. Actually Sarah Hope b 1856 died July 1917 at CLS. Philip d July 1927 in Auckland.
Richard Gloyne 9 Biddick Inn Tce. He served as Sergeant 20/193, 20th DLI, the Wearside Battalion. This was formed in Sunderland in July 1915 and arrived in France in May 1916. T Oliver and S Dawson (both on Harraton war memorial) served in the same Battalion. Sgt Gloyne was killed, posted as presumed dead, on Friday 21st September 1917, aged 20, and is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panels 128-131, 162 and 162A. Sergeant Gloyne is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Gloyne R – killed and is on the Harraton Memorial as Gloyne R. He was killed during the Battle of Menin Road, part of the Third Battle of Ypres, or Passchendaele.
In 1901 the Gloyne family were living at 9, Single Row, Usworth, and consisted of Richard (31), a coalminer deputy, his wife, Elizabeth A (31) and children Johanna (7), Richard (3) and Henry (1). Richard Sr. was born in Devonshire but everyone else was born in Usworth.
In 1911 they were living at 75, Edith Avenue, Usworth. Richard Sr was a “coalminer, wasteman shifter”, born in Milton Abbot, Devon. Since 1901 John (7) and William (4), both born in Usworth Colliery, had been added to the family but, if it was Mr Gloyne who completed the Census return he didn’t choose to state any occupation for the older children, whether work or education.
In 1914 the Electoral Roll listed one Richard Gloyne at 2, Slate Houses, Fatfield and another at 9, Biddick Inn Terrace. The 1915 Roll was the same.
28 June 1917 Stanley News noted ‘Sgt Gloyne has been wounded and is suffering shell shock. Nephew of Mr W Nixon of High Hold, Pelton’ (who presumably sent the info in)
The Absent Voters List of 1918 lists Richard Gloyne of 9, Biddick Inn Terrace as being 20/193, A Company, 20th DLI and, apparently, not yet recorded as being dead even though he’d died in September 1917.
Sergeant Gloyne’s family were awarded the Victory Medal and the War Medal. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Richard, Richards’ father received £11.1.1d on 21/9/17 and a further war gratuity of £11.10 on 16/10/18. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that he was A/Sgt DLI missing from 9/11/17 and that his mother Mrs Eliz Ann Gloyne of 9 Biddick Inn Tce was 58. No amount given and across the base of the card is written cancelled.
A second card states that he was Private (written over A/Sgt) 20/193 DLI and that he was missing from 21/9/17. A pension of 11/- a week from 1/6/18 was awarded to his parents Elizabeth Ann (deceased) address 9 Biddick Inn Terrace and then his father Richard of 22 North Crescent. Mrs Gloyne died in 1939 and Mr Gloyne in 1955.
James Walter Goffin 81 Victoria Place 201172 Siege Batty RFA. Died 1938 in Biddick Lane – wife Margaret Jane (Brown). In 1911 at 18 Stanley Tce, Shiney Row (3 rooms) – Walter Goffin 48 miner, married for 28 years to Sarah Ann and 12 children, 10 still alive – Emily 18 field worker, Sarah Ann 17 servant, James Walter 16 driver, Alfred 12, William 10, Libby 8, Edward 5, Violet 11m, Eliza 24 married, Ellen 22 married (no husbands listed). Places of birth - Great Riseborough Norfolk, Sunderland, Pallion 5, Millfield, Newbottle, Sunderland, Hebburn, Millfield.
George Gordon Lambton Park. 1/5th as 7788 then 203700 1/7th W Riding. War and Victory medals. Enlisted 16/11/15 and discharged 4/4/19. SR When discharged address was Town Bottom, Meltham, Huddersfield. Joined 16/11/15 and served in France 1/9/16 to 23/10/17 and 13/2/18 to 11/10/18 as Lewis Gunner. GSW left thumb 11/10/18. In hosp at 22 GH France, Fort Pit Chatham and Cornwall Hall VAD Kent. While in 1/5th West Riding he fell on some rifles with fixed bayonets and one entered his right thigh. He was not to blame. Aged 19 when enlisted 16/11/15. Next of kin – sister Dorothy at Lambton Park. Given £65 for wound to thumb and 3 years of service. In 1901 at Entrance Lodge to Wadhurst Hall (Ticehurst) – Peter Gordon, a forester 35, wife Sarah (Wood) 33 and George Henry 3 and Dorothy 1. Places of birth - Scotland, Tamworth, Ireland (Cavan) and Meltham. In 1911 Dorothy was living with her grandparents, James and Janet, on the Lambton Estate. In 1911 George Henry was with his parents at Ingleby Greenhow, his father working as a forester and a new sister Violet May Ellen b 1902.
Charles William Gray 24 Castle St. 217119 RGA. In 1911 at 24 Castle St – William Gray 49 hewer, married for 26 years to Isabella (Maxwell) with 10 children, 7 still alive – Isabella 21, Charles W 18 putter, Lily 12, Wilfred 9 and Snowdon 8. Places of birth Thornley and Fatfield 6.
Richard (Lumley) Hall 10 Chapel Row. 14109 3rd Border Regt. Medal rolls says 9th then 7th Border. War and Victory medals. To France 7/9/15 so 1915 Star and discharged 10/1/19. Pension ledger b 1885, single (sic) at 10 Chapel Row, malaria. 20% for 8/- +5/11d for 3 children, then under 20% for final gratuity of £5 on 9/3/22. In 1911 at 30 The Square – Richard Hall 25 hewer, married for 3 years and 2 children to Mary (Cooper) 25 – George 2 and Mary 7 months. Places of birth - Fatfield, Felling and Fatfield 2.
Simon Musgrove Hall 39 Castle St. 77580 RAMC. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger discharged 8/2/19. 39 Castle St, myalgia 20% for 8/- + 5/11d for 3 children and then 8/- +4/8d for 2 children – and then October 1923 current award to continue. In 1911 at 61 Douglas Tce Usworth – Simon Hall 35 hewer, married 12 years to Hannah 34 with 6 children, 5 still alive – Robert 11, Margaret Ellen 7, Richard 5, Susannah 3, John Barkis H 3m and Ethel Ilderton 16 sisterinlaw. Places of birth – Washington, Castle Eden, Browney, Felling 2, Usworth 2 and South Hetton. In 1939 at Union Row and died in 1950.
Thomas Hall 25 Hobson Tce. 352 NF. Medals forfeited after desertion on 25/7/18. Also number 370222 Labour Corps. Not sure which is this man in 1911 Census.
Charles William Hartis Oaklands. 385909 836 Coy ASC Charles William Hartis (P.R.) – appears on the St George’s Roll as “Hartis C, North Biddick Colliery”. He attested in December 1915 and was placed into the reserves before being mobilised in December 1917. He was placed in the Army Service Corps as a loader and was then transferred to the Bakery section at North Walsham in January 1918, where he served out his time, never having been abroad. At the time of his attestation he gave his address as “Oaklands, North Biddick”. He was a 23-year old miner, 5 feet 4, CofE with fair hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion. His parents were Robert Lewins Hartis and Mary Hartis, also of Oaklands.
Charles was discharged in December 1918, at which time his conduct was described as “good”. He was blind in one eye and suffered from discharge in the right ear, both from birth and the causes were therefore “accident and constitutional,” so the question of a pension didn’t arise. By the time of his discharge he’d married Mary Forster (29/7/18) and their address was 4, Long Row, Fatfield. One of his brothers, Matthew, was a witness, along with Annie May Forster. His other siblings, according to the 1901 Census were Gerald Mitchenson (19), Thomas Hartis (17) and Elizabeth (15).
There is no Medal roll for CW Hartis. 1939 living at 11 East Bridge St with Mary and son John b 1921. CW was a hewer. He died in 1965.
Matthew Hartis(s) Oaklands. T3/025994 X Coy ASC. War and Victory medals. To Egypt 8/3/15 so 1915 Star. SR - Aged 25 at Oaklands, cartwright, single, 12/11/14. To Egypt 8/3/15 and then Salonica 7/11/16. Discharged 5/12/19 having spent some time in the army of occupation, suffering dysentery and malaria. His record includes letter from Lambton Engine Works saying he had served apprenticeship as joiner and cartwright. In 1911 at 10 Biddick Inn Tce – Robert Lewins Hartis 66 stoneman, married to Mary (Mitchinson) 56 for 30 years and 5 children – Thomas 28 hewer, Matthew 21 wood joiner, Charles 18 screener and Campbell Miller boarder 29 medical practitioner. Places of birth – Lumley, Penshaw, Brandon, Fatfield 2 and Rothesay. Matthew died in 1968.
Albert John W Haswell 32 Wormhill Tce. 251731 RFA. PR - 7 West Bridge St, miner 21, attested 9/12/15, single but when mobilised in December 1917, married to Catherine Wylem at Penshaw Ch 15/9/17 and now living at 32 Wormhill Tce. On 4/7/18 transferred to Class W for mining at N Biddick Colliery. No medal cards. In 1911 at 312 Bircham St, South Moor – Nicolas Haswell 46 stoneman, married 18 years and 2 children to Jane Ann 41 – Albert 16 shaft lad and George 10. Places of birth - Sunderland, Sherburn Hill, Low Lambton 2.
George William Hedley 6 Short Row. 73643 133 Batty RGA. SR - Morton Engine Fencehouses, 20, miner, married 14/1/15. Married Mary Ann Ridley Dec 1913 at Fatfield and Edward born April 1914. Posted to 56 Bde October 1915. Discharged 24/4/19 to 8 Low Chapel Row, suffering malaria, had another child in 1916. 20% and weekly 5/6d from 3/5/19 to 2/9/19 and then 8/- for 61 weeks +4/8d from 3/9/19. To France 29/10/15 to 20/1/16 and then Salonica until 4/2/19. 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Pension ledgers gives Mary Ann as widow but no date of his death, perhaps 1928. 41 Gililand Cres Birtley. Earlier card has 8 Low Chapel Row – suffering malaria 20% then 100% for 8/- + 4/8d for 2 children and then rising to 40/- +23/6d until 18/9/23. In 1911 at Morton Engine – William Hedley 57 hewer, married for 32 years to Margaret Eliz 51 and 8 children, 7 still alive – Isabella 27, John Lancelot 19 putter, George William 17 putter, Edith May 14, Lillian 11, John George 5 and Thomas Conn 29 lodger, hewer. Places of birth - Seghill, Longframlington, Burnmoor, Chilton Moor 5 and Newbottle. He died in 1948.
James Henderson 4 ½ Biddick Inn Tce. 18510 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Pension ledger b 1893. Has Royal Irish Fusiliers and address 7 Hall’s Buildings, Station Rd, Penshaw. 20% for 8/- and then 3/6d added for child. From April 1922 9/6d combined for 70 weeks. 7th R Inniskillings as A/Cpl 25369 then 2nd R Irish Fusiliers as 18510, discharged 6/1/19 War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 14 Mount Pleasant – Thomas Henderson 49 hewer, married for 28 years to Thomason 47 with 11 children, 9 still alive – Thomas 26 hewer, Catherine 20 James 18 putter, Mark 12, Charles 7, Robert 4 and Lizzie 15. Places of birth – Lumley, New Washington, Fencehouses, Rainton 2, Gateshead 3 and Rainton.
George Hills 58 Castle St. 513 DLI. Can’t find Census info about him.
George William Hill 2 River View Tce. SR - 22/1071 8th DLI, attested 11/12/15 aged 27, general dealer, 2 River View, single, mother Jane Ann Bolam at 12 High Row. Married Lucy Button at Fatfield 23/4/16. Landed in France 16/6/16 and 13/1/18 candidate for commission. On 18/7/18 he was severely reprimanded for allowing an accused soldier to escape while he was L/Sgt in command of 3rd Bn Guard. In civilian life a drapery manager. To France 24/9/18 and joined 1/7th DLI. Leave 26/11/18 and then extended. OC Battalion. War and Victory medals.
John George Hills 2 South View. 22nd DLI then attached to 180th Coy RE then 22nd DLI then 1/7th DLI. War and Victory medals. B 1888 father Hugh Garvan Hills, 24 Mount Pleasant or 18 Bridge St E. In 1911 at 24 Mount Pleasant – Hugh Garvin Hills 53 timber drawer, married to Jane Ann 48 for 23 years and 5 children, 4 still alive – John George 22 colliery joiner, Robert Garvin H 21 shifter, Walter 19 putter and Lily 14. Places of birth Ancroft Nd, Staindrop, Easington 4.SR 22/1067
Robert Garvin Hills 2 South View. 286 DLI (See above for family info.)
Stephen Hodgson 16 Low Chapel Row. 251717 Gunner RFA. War and Victory medals. Can’t find Census info.
Alexander Hogg 2 The Hutts. Gunner11548 RFA War and Victory medals. Again, no Census info.
William Hollins 2 Biddick Inn Tce. 74083 4th DLI. Army has 12th DLI and then 1/1st Oxford & Bucks 45443. War and Victory medals. SR 24 years old, miner, 2 Biddick Inn Tce 19/4/18. Mother Sarah. Transferred to Ox and Bucks 10/10/18.
Philip Hope 54 Castle St. 7724 RFA. At the time of his death, on Friday 1st November 1918, he was 27 and serving as Driver L/7724, B Battery, 160 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. This Battery was part of the 34th Division, formed in January 1915, and largely comprised of “Pals” Battalions. It arrived in France in January 1916. The Division has more memorials on the Western front than any other. Philip is buried at Kezelburg Military Cemetery, I.B.26.
The War Diary of the 160th Brigade Royal Field Artillery for the end of October of 1918 shows them to be in the Belleghem area and moving forward to the Hulste-Oyghem area. By this late stage of the war the Germans were in general retreat but had by no means given up the struggle. Thus, during October 1918, the 160th RFA lost 6 other ranks killed and 32 wounded, of whom Driver Philip Hope of Battery B was one, the diary noting that he was wounded in action 31st October. (Unlike many infantry war diaries the 160th RFA clerk listed all casualties by name rather than simply as “other ranks.”) Presumably Driver Hope died at a field ambulance or dressing station. His grave at Kezelburg is about 10km west of Bellerghem. The last entry in the diary for October records letters of praise for the whole 34th Division from the Chief of the General Staff of the Belgian Army, from Lt-General Stephens CinC Xth Corps and from the Divisional Commander, for their work on the 25th October.
In the 1901 Census Philip (10), was living in Middlestone at 13, Durham Street, with his father, Philip (48), a hewer, his mother Sarah (45), brothers Robert (23), a hewer, William (12), Ralphhill (8) and sisters Sarah E (18), Elizabeth (14), Ethel A (6) and Hilda (1).
By 1911 the family were living at 54 Castle Street, Fatfield. Philip (20) was a hewer and those of the family still at home were Jane (24), William (22), Ralph (17), Ethel Annie (16), Edith (13) and Hilda (11). The three lads were putters and Edith and Hilda were attending school. Reginald Hope (1 month), Ralph’s grandson, was also living with them but there is no indication of his parents’ names. Mr and Mrs Hope had been married 37 years and had had 13 children, of whom 12 were still alive.
The St George’s Roll of Honour lists Hope P – killed and Hope R (perhaps Ralph, because on 23/10/14 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle reported that Ralph Hope of Fatfield had joined Kitchener’s Army) and the Harraton Memorial lists Hope P.
Driver Hope’s family were awarded the War and Victory medals. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Sarah, Philip’s mother, received £7.0.6d on 27/2/19 plus 1/4d on 28/4/19 and a further war gratuity of £17 on 11/12/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that Driver Philip Hope 7724 RFA died of wounds on 1/11/18 and that his mother, Mrs Sarah Hope of 54 Castle St (aged 63), was the claimant. No amount stated.
A second card states the amount as 12/6 per week but gives no starting date. Actually Sarah Hope b 1856 died July 1917 at CLS. Philip d July 1927 in Auckland.
William Hope 3 Trafalgar Row. 1398 TRB. Army lists Sgt William Hope 22/1398 as 25th NF and then 22nd. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 54 Castle St – Philip Hope 58 hewer, married to Sarah (Parker) for 37 years and 13 children, 12 still alive – Jane 24, William 22 putter, Philip 20 putter, Ralph 18 putter, Ethel Annie 16, Edith 13, Hilda 11 and Reginald grandson 1m. Places of birth – West Auckland, St Helen’s Auckland, Shildon 2, Middlestone 5 and CLS 1. He married Lily Jefferson in 1916 and died in 1967.
William Hope Harraton Hall Morris Farm. 22/1398 Sgt 85th TRB. See above. Same man as above.
George Humble 2 Long Row. 457417 RE. Started as RE(T) 1796 before becoming 457417. War and Victory medals. Next number to John Normile. Pension ledger. C/O Fatfield PO. No further details and nil on the back so perhaps no pension awarded. In 1911 at 2 Long Row – Jane Humble 50 single, caretaker at temporary schools and her children - George 21 putter and Margaret 12. Places of birth Fatfield 3.
Samuel Hughes 22 Long Row. Driver 34087 RFA. War, Victory and 1915 Star. To Balkans 27/6/15. In 1911 at 40 Ewe Hill Pelton (Harraton Parish) Francis Hughes 58 onsetter, married for 37 years to Sarah 58 with 10 children, 7 still alive – Samuel 26 hewer, Frederick 21 putter and Albert Layfield boarder 24 onsetter (possibly brother of Wallace, also b Yorks). Places of birth Newcastle, King’s Lynn, Ewe Hill 2 and Beedle (Bedale?) Yorks.
Arthur Hunter 15 Low Chapel Row. 20/1468 NF and then 22nd NF. War and Victory medals. PR - was Private 20/1468 in the 3rd Northumberland Fusiliers. He lived at Low Chapel Row and was 41 when he enlisted on 13/1/15 at Shiney Row. He was 5 feet 4, weighed 152lbs, had a 38-inch chest and went into the 1st Battalion of the Tyneside Scottish.
Arthur went to France on 9/1/16, reported sick suffering from heel abrasions in May 1916, received gunshot wounds to the fingers in June 1916, rejoined his Battalion in July 1916 and, in March 1917, was granted P.Pay Class 2. He was home on leave from 29/12/17 to 12/1/18 and then, on return to France, moved into the 22nd Battalion N.F. On 21/3/18, the first day of the huge German spring offensive, Operation Michael, he was reported missing and it was noted that he was a prisoner of war – though whether it was known at the time or only after he was freed isn’t clear. On 17/11/18 he was repatriated to England.
He was transferred to reserve on 16/3/19. For some reason Arthur himself, rather than an army clerk, was allowed to write on his record that he had served in France for 26 months and was a Prisoner of War for 9 months. He was suffering from gas poisoning when he left the army and was with Dr
Lloyd at Prudential.
Arthur married on 11/1/96 (though his wife’s name isn’t noted) and, according to his army record, his children were Richard Hall Hunter born in August 1903 and Constance Mary (soon to be the second best under-10 skipper in the Fatfield Sports) born in September 1910. He was allowed no pension because there was no disability. In fact, the 1911 Census suggests that this is only partial information because he and Annie were also parents to Alice (9), Mary Agnes (7), Jane (4) and Violet Annie (3). They were living at 60, Croxdale Colliery with Annie’s family. Her father was the widower Richard Hall (66) and her brother was Francis (37).
His Medal Roll indicates that he received the War and Victory Medals and he was included on the St George’s Roll. The International Red Cross list of returned PoWs on Nov 25th 1918 included Pte A Hunter 20/1468.
Died 1951. In 1939 he was living at 14 Hazlewood Gdns Fatfield with Violet Alexander b 1919. He was retired miner.
Rupert James Ingram 11 Biddick Tce. 155672 Sapper RE. Pension ledger b 1890. REs then 19th Lancs Fusiliers as Private 46193 and then REs as 155672. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge enlisted 10/12/15 and discharged 22/5/19 sickness.
SR.- wasn’t included on the St George’s Roll, perhaps because 11, Biddick Terrace was too far away from the centre of the village, although others from the same terrace were included. He was 24 and a bricklayer when he joined the Royal Engineers as Sapper 155672 on 10/12/15. He had married Annie on 3/5/15 and Irene and Rupert Henry seem to have been born as twins, October 1915 being the only date mentioned. Having attested in 1915 he actually became a soldier or “was embodied,” as the army phrased it, in April 1916, was transferred to munitions work in June 1916 and was then transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers for a couple of months before returning to the Royal Engineers. He served at home until 18/3/18, at which time he went to France just 3 days before the massive German spring attack. Unlike many, he survived that and had some leave to the UK in October 1918 before being admitted to General Hospital No5 in January 1919, no cause given. A later document suggests he was suffering from “sclerosis due to gas” and at Warlingham Hospital he was tested for Wassermann Reaction (it was negative). Another note stated that he was suffering from Diplopin (N.Y.D.). There is, however, no record of his pension, if he received one.
He was awarded the War and Victory Medals and was listed on the Absent Voters List for 1918 at 11, Biddick Terrace.
Alfred Jones 4 Victoria Place. 304716 563 Coy RE. Silver War Badge says 166 Coy RE enlisted 18/5/17 and discharged 6/12/18 sickness. Pension cards. Widow Bessie at Lion’s Hill, Pegg’s Green. Also 56 Solway Rd, Winnington, Northwich. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis, 20%, then 30%, then 20% for 8/-, 12/- and 8/- until 1923. Can’t pin him down in 1911 Census.
Thomas Jopling (Army has Jobling) 8 Short Row. 26048 Coldstream Guards SR 8 Short Row, putter at Harraton Colliery, aged 19, on 26/2/16 at Houghton le Spring. Father Ralph. Mobilised 24/4/18 and discharged 4/12/18. Did not go abroad. In 1911 at 39 Castle St – Ralph Jopling 35 married 15 years and 6 children to Esther 36 – Thomas 14 driver, Joseph 10, Mary Eliz 7 Ralph 6, Nelly 4 and John Robert 1 killed in WW2 in 1944. All born in County Durham/
Joseph Edward Kennedy 40 Castle St. 74086 B Coy 4th DLI. War and Victory medals in 12th DLI. In 1911 at 10 Gill St, Benwell – Watson Selby hewer 45, married ? years and 8 children, 7 still alive – John Kennedy stepson 25 putter, Simon Kennedy 21 putter, Jane Annie K 19 in service, Joseph Edward K 17 driver, Thomas 13, Willie 11, Georgina Selby 4 and May Selby 2. Places of birth Bedlington, Walbottle, Benwell 8.
Thomas Kennedy 40 Castle St. 73934 A Coy 4th DLI. War and Victory medals says 12th DLI. (See above for family info.)
Henry James Kirton 62 Castle St. 94998 4th Coy 3rd DLI. Enlisted 7/6/16 and discharged 9/9/19, Silver War Badge and War and Victory medals says 13th DLI then 2nd DLI. Pension ledger. Widow Ann. 62 Castle St. GSW head and right shoulder. Single. 100%, then 90% for 40/- to 13/12/21 and then to 11/12/23. In 1911 at 20 West Terrace Burnhope – Thomas Kirton 53 hewer, married to Dorothy (Pentland) 49 for 26 years and 8 children – Sarah Ethel 21, Arthur Ernest 20 putter killed 19/12/16, Joseph A 18 driver, John W 16 driver killed 14/7/16, Henry 14, Hannah 11, Norman 8, Joseph Stobbs grandson 6 and Dorothy Stobbs grdau 1. Places of birth – Tow Law, Willington, Brandon, Burnhope, Walsall Pennsylvania America, Craghead, Ouston 4 and Leeds. Henry married Ann Watson in 1924 and in 1939 they were in West Ave, Harraton, next door to Pentlands family.
Cecil Lawson Havelock Inn. 209320 89th MT Coy ASC SR He was 18, apprentice fitter on 26/5/16 and mobilised in September 1916. Father Robert. Born Thorpe Thewlis. Discharged 10/10/19. To Kantara in March 1919, spell in hospital with dysentery and then home Sept 1919. To Alexandria 16/3/17. Caterpillar driver. Court of inquiry as to burns to right hand and arm 28/7/17. Seems like his hands were already damaged, then washed in petrol and then re-bandaged the petrol ignited when he picked up tools from near the forge. Conclusion was
accident. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Havelock Inn – Robert Lawson 40 innkeeper, married 17 years to Ellen (Trotter) with 4 children – Mabel 16 assisting in business, Agnes 15 assisting in business, Cecil 13 and Albert 11. Places of birth Whickham, Bishopton, Stockton on tees, Thorpe Thewlis 3. He married Irene Vesta Ophelia Davison in 1924 and died in 1957.
William Lawson 12 The Parade. 122838 2nd AM RAF RAF muster roll has J Lawson born 1886, enlisted 30/1/18 as rigger. RAF record has Joseph Lawson, married Sunderland, colliery joiner, married 2/12/16 to Ada Robinson and address 12 The Parade. Discharged 30/4/20.
Wallace Layfield 12 Biddick Tce. 205080 2nd DLI. He was born in Fencat, (Fencote?), Yorkshire, enlisted at Washington and was resident at 12, Biddick Terrace, Washington Station. He served as 205080, 2nd DLI and was killed on Tuesday 24th September 1918. His grave is at Trefcon Cemetery, D.3. He appears on both Harraton and Washington Memorials as Layfield W (his name being one of those added to the Harraton Memorial after the unveiling). His widow was Mrs I.R. Layfield of 12, Biddick Terrace.
The 1911 Census has Wallace Layfield (27), a waggoner at the Co-op Store, with his wife of 1 year, Isabella (27) and their daughter Edith (9 months), living with Albert and Sarah J Ellison at the Woodside Hotel, Washington Staithes. Wallace, born in Northallerton, was Albert’s brother-in-law. Isabella was born in Millfield and Edith in Washington. In April 1916 John Layfield, son of Wallace and Isabella Robinson Layfield , was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Washington, their address given as 12, Biddick Terrace and Wallace described as a cartman.
In February 1916 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle reported that Chester-le-Street Co-operative had appealed (to the tribunal) on behalf of Wallace Layfield. He was offered a three-month exemption but was presumably required to join in the summer of 1917. His medal roll gives no indication of when he went to France. All that we can be sure of is the date of his death coincides with the battles for the Hindenburg Line, near Epehy and the St Quentin Canal, during September 1918. Eight Divisions of the 4th Army had been committed to a battle intended to finish the war before winter set in. 9,000 German prisoners were taken on the first day, 18th September, but the attackers had little sense that Germany was ready to capitulate and resistance was determined.
Wallace was awarded the War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The War Diary of the 2nd DLI for the last week of September 1918 shows the Battalion to have been located close to Holnon, just to the west of St Quentin. An attack was planned for the 24th, the objective being DOUAI Trench, east of Holnon. Zero Hour was 5am and the night was lit brightly by the moon. Despite a barrage the Germans offered “heavy resistance” and there was “very stiff fighting” after which the 2nd DLI were pushed back to their jump-off line. A night attack was launched but suffered “very heavy casualties.” According to the diary those losses amounted to 7 officers and 216 other ranks but there is no breakdown of those wounded and those killed. Suffice to say it seems that Wallace Layfield was one of the 216. His grave, at Trefcon, is about 7km west of Holnon. Trefcon village had been captured by the British at the end of September 1918 and a cemetery was created there.
The Roll of Honour drawn up for Washington and Barmston Parishes included W Layfield but gave no address. It seems to be the list from which the names on the Washington War Memorial were carved. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Isabella, Wallace’s widow received £16.8.1d, which included a war gratuity of £8. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
George William Leighton 41 Castle St. Royal Irish Regt 2083, then Labour Corps, 90th Lab Coy 568746. War and Victory medals. PR Discharged 22/11/18 to 41 Castle St, no longer physically fit. Home 7/9/16 to 13/5/18, France 14/5/18 to 15/11/18, miner, age 39 on enlistment. Attested for Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 21/7/15, 3rd Bn and then 31/1/16
transferred to R Irish Rifles 1st Garrison Bn. Absent from embarkation 20/2/16 and apprehended 18/8/16 and tried and convicted by CM. 84 days detention and all service forfeited. Transferred to Lab Corps 2/7/18. Bronchitis at Etaples June 1918. 20% disability for a year. 5/6d per week for 42 weeks. In 1911 at 25 Castle St – George Willie Leighton 42, married 19 years with 4 children to Eliz Jane 36 – John 18 run rider, Frances 14 and Violet 7. Places of birth Fatfield, Pittington, Fatfield 2 and Coxhoe.
Thomas William Leighton 41 Castle St. Driver 45133 RFA. War and Victory medals. To Egypt 5/7/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at Station Rd Penshaw – Thomas was 18 and living as a boarder, a putter with Mary Ann Steel and her stepchildren James, William, Margaret, Hugh and David Daley.
Benjamin Little 3 South View. 14208 3rd Border. To France 3/9/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. 9th Border, discharged 21/2/19. Pension ledger. 3 South View. Suffering malaria, 20% for 8/- per week then 1-5% for 7/6d for 35 weeks from 7/9/21. In 1911 at 3 South View – George Little 39 back overman, married to Susan for 19 years and 9 children, 6 still alive – Benjamin 16 putter, Charlotte 14, George 10, Mary 8, Annie 4 and Eliz 6m. Places of birth – Tyne Dock, Brandon, Motherwell, Old Pelton, Penshaw 3 and Fatfield 1.
Joseph Lonsdale 8 Wormhill Tce. 76997 Driver 114 Bde RFA. Pension ledger discharged 18/4/20. 8 Wormhill Tce. Malaria 20% for 8/- + 5/11d for 3 children and then 7/7/21 1-5% for final gratuity of £10.7.0d. To France 17/1/15 – War, Victory and 1915 Star. In 1911 at 12 Ouston Colliery – James Lonsdale 65 timekeeper at colliery with James Henry son 34 joiner at colliery, married to Lucy (Hutchinson died 1926) 30 for 3 years and 2 children Norah Evelyn 2 and Florence may 10m. Places of birth Gelling Yorks, Ouston, Tow Law and Ouston 2.
Taylor Mallabar 8 Lambton St. 135539 NF. Medal rolls state 1477 NF and then 135389 RAMC, War medal. In 1911 at 8 Lambton St – Taylor Mallabar 39 deputy overman, married 20 years to Hannah (Shields) 39 with 2 children – Isabel 17 corn filler and Mary Ann 13. Places of birth Birtley, High Moorsley, Silksworth and Birtley. In 1939 Taylor and Hannah were at West Ave, Fatfield. He died in 1949.
William Hope Harraton Hall Morris Farm. 22/1398 Sgt 85th TRB. See above. Same man as above.
George Humble 2 Long Row. 457417 RE. Started as RE(T) 1796 before becoming 457417. War and Victory medals. Next number to John Normile. Pension ledger. C/O Fatfield PO. No further details and nil on the back so perhaps no pension awarded. In 1911 at 2 Long Row – Jane Humble 50 single, caretaker at temporary schools and her children - George 21 putter and Margaret 12. Places of birth Fatfield 3.
Samuel Hughes 22 Long Row. Driver 34087 RFA. War, Victory and 1915 Star. To Balkans 27/6/15. In 1911 at 40 Ewe Hill Pelton (Harraton Parish) Francis Hughes 58 onsetter, married for 37 years to Sarah 58 with 10 children, 7 still alive – Samuel 26 hewer, Frederick 21 putter and Albert Layfield boarder 24 onsetter (possibly brother of Wallace, also b Yorks). Places of birth Newcastle, King’s Lynn, Ewe Hill 2 and Beedle (Bedale?) Yorks.
Arthur Hunter 15 Low Chapel Row. 20/1468 NF and then 22nd NF. War and Victory medals. PR - was Private 20/1468 in the 3rd Northumberland Fusiliers. He lived at Low Chapel Row and was 41 when he enlisted on 13/1/15 at Shiney Row. He was 5 feet 4, weighed 152lbs, had a 38-inch chest and went into the 1st Battalion of the Tyneside Scottish.
Arthur went to France on 9/1/16, reported sick suffering from heel abrasions in May 1916, received gunshot wounds to the fingers in June 1916, rejoined his Battalion in July 1916 and, in March 1917, was granted P.Pay Class 2. He was home on leave from 29/12/17 to 12/1/18 and then, on return to France, moved into the 22nd Battalion N.F. On 21/3/18, the first day of the huge German spring offensive, Operation Michael, he was reported missing and it was noted that he was a prisoner of war – though whether it was known at the time or only after he was freed isn’t clear. On 17/11/18 he was repatriated to England.
He was transferred to reserve on 16/3/19. For some reason Arthur himself, rather than an army clerk, was allowed to write on his record that he had served in France for 26 months and was a Prisoner of War for 9 months. He was suffering from gas poisoning when he left the army and was with Dr
Lloyd at Prudential.
Arthur married on 11/1/96 (though his wife’s name isn’t noted) and, according to his army record, his children were Richard Hall Hunter born in August 1903 and Constance Mary (soon to be the second best under-10 skipper in the Fatfield Sports) born in September 1910. He was allowed no pension because there was no disability. In fact, the 1911 Census suggests that this is only partial information because he and Annie were also parents to Alice (9), Mary Agnes (7), Jane (4) and Violet Annie (3). They were living at 60, Croxdale Colliery with Annie’s family. Her father was the widower Richard Hall (66) and her brother was Francis (37).
His Medal Roll indicates that he received the War and Victory Medals and he was included on the St George’s Roll. The International Red Cross list of returned PoWs on Nov 25th 1918 included Pte A Hunter 20/1468.
Died 1951. In 1939 he was living at 14 Hazlewood Gdns Fatfield with Violet Alexander b 1919. He was retired miner.
Rupert James Ingram 11 Biddick Tce. 155672 Sapper RE. Pension ledger b 1890. REs then 19th Lancs Fusiliers as Private 46193 and then REs as 155672. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge enlisted 10/12/15 and discharged 22/5/19 sickness.
SR.- wasn’t included on the St George’s Roll, perhaps because 11, Biddick Terrace was too far away from the centre of the village, although others from the same terrace were included. He was 24 and a bricklayer when he joined the Royal Engineers as Sapper 155672 on 10/12/15. He had married Annie on 3/5/15 and Irene and Rupert Henry seem to have been born as twins, October 1915 being the only date mentioned. Having attested in 1915 he actually became a soldier or “was embodied,” as the army phrased it, in April 1916, was transferred to munitions work in June 1916 and was then transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers for a couple of months before returning to the Royal Engineers. He served at home until 18/3/18, at which time he went to France just 3 days before the massive German spring attack. Unlike many, he survived that and had some leave to the UK in October 1918 before being admitted to General Hospital No5 in January 1919, no cause given. A later document suggests he was suffering from “sclerosis due to gas” and at Warlingham Hospital he was tested for Wassermann Reaction (it was negative). Another note stated that he was suffering from Diplopin (N.Y.D.). There is, however, no record of his pension, if he received one.
He was awarded the War and Victory Medals and was listed on the Absent Voters List for 1918 at 11, Biddick Terrace.
Alfred Jones 4 Victoria Place. 304716 563 Coy RE. Silver War Badge says 166 Coy RE enlisted 18/5/17 and discharged 6/12/18 sickness. Pension cards. Widow Bessie at Lion’s Hill, Pegg’s Green. Also 56 Solway Rd, Winnington, Northwich. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis, 20%, then 30%, then 20% for 8/-, 12/- and 8/- until 1923. Can’t pin him down in 1911 Census.
Thomas Jopling (Army has Jobling) 8 Short Row. 26048 Coldstream Guards SR 8 Short Row, putter at Harraton Colliery, aged 19, on 26/2/16 at Houghton le Spring. Father Ralph. Mobilised 24/4/18 and discharged 4/12/18. Did not go abroad. In 1911 at 39 Castle St – Ralph Jopling 35 married 15 years and 6 children to Esther 36 – Thomas 14 driver, Joseph 10, Mary Eliz 7 Ralph 6, Nelly 4 and John Robert 1 killed in WW2 in 1944. All born in County Durham/
Joseph Edward Kennedy 40 Castle St. 74086 B Coy 4th DLI. War and Victory medals in 12th DLI. In 1911 at 10 Gill St, Benwell – Watson Selby hewer 45, married ? years and 8 children, 7 still alive – John Kennedy stepson 25 putter, Simon Kennedy 21 putter, Jane Annie K 19 in service, Joseph Edward K 17 driver, Thomas 13, Willie 11, Georgina Selby 4 and May Selby 2. Places of birth Bedlington, Walbottle, Benwell 8.
Thomas Kennedy 40 Castle St. 73934 A Coy 4th DLI. War and Victory medals says 12th DLI. (See above for family info.)
Henry James Kirton 62 Castle St. 94998 4th Coy 3rd DLI. Enlisted 7/6/16 and discharged 9/9/19, Silver War Badge and War and Victory medals says 13th DLI then 2nd DLI. Pension ledger. Widow Ann. 62 Castle St. GSW head and right shoulder. Single. 100%, then 90% for 40/- to 13/12/21 and then to 11/12/23. In 1911 at 20 West Terrace Burnhope – Thomas Kirton 53 hewer, married to Dorothy (Pentland) 49 for 26 years and 8 children – Sarah Ethel 21, Arthur Ernest 20 putter killed 19/12/16, Joseph A 18 driver, John W 16 driver killed 14/7/16, Henry 14, Hannah 11, Norman 8, Joseph Stobbs grandson 6 and Dorothy Stobbs grdau 1. Places of birth – Tow Law, Willington, Brandon, Burnhope, Walsall Pennsylvania America, Craghead, Ouston 4 and Leeds. Henry married Ann Watson in 1924 and in 1939 they were in West Ave, Harraton, next door to Pentlands family.
Cecil Lawson Havelock Inn. 209320 89th MT Coy ASC SR He was 18, apprentice fitter on 26/5/16 and mobilised in September 1916. Father Robert. Born Thorpe Thewlis. Discharged 10/10/19. To Kantara in March 1919, spell in hospital with dysentery and then home Sept 1919. To Alexandria 16/3/17. Caterpillar driver. Court of inquiry as to burns to right hand and arm 28/7/17. Seems like his hands were already damaged, then washed in petrol and then re-bandaged the petrol ignited when he picked up tools from near the forge. Conclusion was
accident. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Havelock Inn – Robert Lawson 40 innkeeper, married 17 years to Ellen (Trotter) with 4 children – Mabel 16 assisting in business, Agnes 15 assisting in business, Cecil 13 and Albert 11. Places of birth Whickham, Bishopton, Stockton on tees, Thorpe Thewlis 3. He married Irene Vesta Ophelia Davison in 1924 and died in 1957.
William Lawson 12 The Parade. 122838 2nd AM RAF RAF muster roll has J Lawson born 1886, enlisted 30/1/18 as rigger. RAF record has Joseph Lawson, married Sunderland, colliery joiner, married 2/12/16 to Ada Robinson and address 12 The Parade. Discharged 30/4/20.
Wallace Layfield 12 Biddick Tce. 205080 2nd DLI. He was born in Fencat, (Fencote?), Yorkshire, enlisted at Washington and was resident at 12, Biddick Terrace, Washington Station. He served as 205080, 2nd DLI and was killed on Tuesday 24th September 1918. His grave is at Trefcon Cemetery, D.3. He appears on both Harraton and Washington Memorials as Layfield W (his name being one of those added to the Harraton Memorial after the unveiling). His widow was Mrs I.R. Layfield of 12, Biddick Terrace.
The 1911 Census has Wallace Layfield (27), a waggoner at the Co-op Store, with his wife of 1 year, Isabella (27) and their daughter Edith (9 months), living with Albert and Sarah J Ellison at the Woodside Hotel, Washington Staithes. Wallace, born in Northallerton, was Albert’s brother-in-law. Isabella was born in Millfield and Edith in Washington. In April 1916 John Layfield, son of Wallace and Isabella Robinson Layfield , was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Washington, their address given as 12, Biddick Terrace and Wallace described as a cartman.
In February 1916 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle reported that Chester-le-Street Co-operative had appealed (to the tribunal) on behalf of Wallace Layfield. He was offered a three-month exemption but was presumably required to join in the summer of 1917. His medal roll gives no indication of when he went to France. All that we can be sure of is the date of his death coincides with the battles for the Hindenburg Line, near Epehy and the St Quentin Canal, during September 1918. Eight Divisions of the 4th Army had been committed to a battle intended to finish the war before winter set in. 9,000 German prisoners were taken on the first day, 18th September, but the attackers had little sense that Germany was ready to capitulate and resistance was determined.
Wallace was awarded the War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The War Diary of the 2nd DLI for the last week of September 1918 shows the Battalion to have been located close to Holnon, just to the west of St Quentin. An attack was planned for the 24th, the objective being DOUAI Trench, east of Holnon. Zero Hour was 5am and the night was lit brightly by the moon. Despite a barrage the Germans offered “heavy resistance” and there was “very stiff fighting” after which the 2nd DLI were pushed back to their jump-off line. A night attack was launched but suffered “very heavy casualties.” According to the diary those losses amounted to 7 officers and 216 other ranks but there is no breakdown of those wounded and those killed. Suffice to say it seems that Wallace Layfield was one of the 216. His grave, at Trefcon, is about 7km west of Holnon. Trefcon village had been captured by the British at the end of September 1918 and a cemetery was created there.
The Roll of Honour drawn up for Washington and Barmston Parishes included W Layfield but gave no address. It seems to be the list from which the names on the Washington War Memorial were carved. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Isabella, Wallace’s widow received £16.8.1d, which included a war gratuity of £8. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
George William Leighton 41 Castle St. Royal Irish Regt 2083, then Labour Corps, 90th Lab Coy 568746. War and Victory medals. PR Discharged 22/11/18 to 41 Castle St, no longer physically fit. Home 7/9/16 to 13/5/18, France 14/5/18 to 15/11/18, miner, age 39 on enlistment. Attested for Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 21/7/15, 3rd Bn and then 31/1/16
transferred to R Irish Rifles 1st Garrison Bn. Absent from embarkation 20/2/16 and apprehended 18/8/16 and tried and convicted by CM. 84 days detention and all service forfeited. Transferred to Lab Corps 2/7/18. Bronchitis at Etaples June 1918. 20% disability for a year. 5/6d per week for 42 weeks. In 1911 at 25 Castle St – George Willie Leighton 42, married 19 years with 4 children to Eliz Jane 36 – John 18 run rider, Frances 14 and Violet 7. Places of birth Fatfield, Pittington, Fatfield 2 and Coxhoe.
Thomas William Leighton 41 Castle St. Driver 45133 RFA. War and Victory medals. To Egypt 5/7/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at Station Rd Penshaw – Thomas was 18 and living as a boarder, a putter with Mary Ann Steel and her stepchildren James, William, Margaret, Hugh and David Daley.
Benjamin Little 3 South View. 14208 3rd Border. To France 3/9/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. 9th Border, discharged 21/2/19. Pension ledger. 3 South View. Suffering malaria, 20% for 8/- per week then 1-5% for 7/6d for 35 weeks from 7/9/21. In 1911 at 3 South View – George Little 39 back overman, married to Susan for 19 years and 9 children, 6 still alive – Benjamin 16 putter, Charlotte 14, George 10, Mary 8, Annie 4 and Eliz 6m. Places of birth – Tyne Dock, Brandon, Motherwell, Old Pelton, Penshaw 3 and Fatfield 1.
Joseph Lonsdale 8 Wormhill Tce. 76997 Driver 114 Bde RFA. Pension ledger discharged 18/4/20. 8 Wormhill Tce. Malaria 20% for 8/- + 5/11d for 3 children and then 7/7/21 1-5% for final gratuity of £10.7.0d. To France 17/1/15 – War, Victory and 1915 Star. In 1911 at 12 Ouston Colliery – James Lonsdale 65 timekeeper at colliery with James Henry son 34 joiner at colliery, married to Lucy (Hutchinson died 1926) 30 for 3 years and 2 children Norah Evelyn 2 and Florence may 10m. Places of birth Gelling Yorks, Ouston, Tow Law and Ouston 2.
Taylor Mallabar 8 Lambton St. 135539 NF. Medal rolls state 1477 NF and then 135389 RAMC, War medal. In 1911 at 8 Lambton St – Taylor Mallabar 39 deputy overman, married 20 years to Hannah (Shields) 39 with 2 children – Isabel 17 corn filler and Mary Ann 13. Places of birth Birtley, High Moorsley, Silksworth and Birtley. In 1939 Taylor and Hannah were at West Ave, Fatfield. He died in 1949.
Edward Marsden 8 Nova Scotia. 98333 MGC. War and Victory medals, discharged 7/6/18 aged 26, served overseas. Silver War Badge enlisted 21/1/17. Pension ledger b 1891 discharged 7/6/18 to Hall’s Cottages Nova Scotia, shrapnel wound face, compound fracture lower jaw. 50% reducing to 40% for 20/- +11/9d for 2 children and then 16/- +9/5d until 5/6/23. 30/5/23 for life. In 1911 at 24 Nova Scotia – Edward Marsden widower 69 official mason colliery (married 47 and 6 children 6 children, 3 still alive – William Marshall soninlaw 37 hewer, married to Mary Ann wife/dau 36 for 18 years and 8 children – Edward Marsden son 19 fireman colliery, Jennie Marshall dau 127, Thomas Marshall 15 colliery mason, Mary Annie Marshall 14, Robert Marshall 11, Louisa Alice Marshall 10, Florence Marshall 7 and William Marshall 2. Places of birth Shincliffe, Seaham, Nova Scotia 6, Portobello and Nova Scotia 2.
Edward Marsden 7 Short Row. Sgt 50939 MGC. Discharged 5/3/19. Pension ledger. Discharged 5/3/19 at 7 Short Row. GSW right shoulder and defective vision. Interim 14/- +3/- for wife from 20/8/20 to 5/10/20 and then no grounds for further award. WO Class II. War and Victory medals and MM. In 1911 at 9 High Chapel Row – Edward Marsden 30 hewer, married to Margaret 29 for 10 years with 6 children, 4 still alive – Edward 4, Margaret Annie 7, Eliz Ann 6 and Violet 2. Places of birth Fatfield, Penshaw, Low Fell and Fatfield 3.
George Marsden 1 Lambton St. 386415 732 Lab Coy Pension ledger b 1874 discharged 17/1/19. 1 Lambton St Jan 1929, widow Ellen. A different earlier card – shellshock rheumatism and bronchitis, discharged 17/1/19, 40% reducing to 30% for 16/- +4/- for wife and then 12/- + 3/- until Nov 1923. War and Victory medals. Had been 1305 NF. SR 1 Lambton St, aged 39, married miner on 8/1/15 in HLS for 22 NF. Married to Ellen Murray 18/2/95 and Georgina and Alfred born 1900 and 1901. Posted 2/7/16. Released for coal mining at Harraton Colliery where he had worked for 20 years on 7/10/18. However, he was suffering from flu and bronchitis. He was awarded a pension of 5/6d from 18/1/19 for 52 weeks. Shell shock so 4th Gen Hospital at Camiers. To France 10/1/16. In 1911 at 1 Lambton St – George Marsden 36,deputy overman, married 16 years to Ellen 34 with 3 children – Eliz Ann 15, Georgina 11 and Alfred 9. Places of birth Bishop Auckland, Shiney Row 4.
William Marsden 1 Low Chapel Row. 21674 B Batty RFA. PR He enlisted on 6/9/14 at Shiney Row and became Bombardier 21674, RFA. He embarked from Southampton on 9/4/15 for service in France and arrived in Le Havre. In February 1916 he was confirmed as Corporal and in August of that year he sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg, and was admitted to 44 Field Ambulance and then to 20th General Hospital, finally being returned to England on August 18th aboard the SS Brighton.
William had returned to duty sometime before October 1916 because he was admitted to No 111 Field Ambulance suffering from pneumonia; he was discharged to duty only 3 days after admittance but appears to have returned to England shortly after that. He was promoted Sergeant by O.C. 177 Brigade, later in October, and then returned to England on leave in February 1917. Sergeant Marsden was awarded the Military Medal in September 1917, his award appearing in the London Gazette 18/10/17. He appeared before a medical board in February 1918, their notes mentioning his pneumonia and his gunshot wound but adding that his chest was clear and the gunshot was causing him no trouble. In March 1918 he was appointed Battery Rough Rider, a position that he occupied for 3 months before relinquishing it. In August 1918 he was transferred to the UK for a tour of Home Duty. He was transferred to Class P of the Army Reserve in December 1918 and awarded a pension of 6/6d for 13 weeks.
William had married on 26/05/09 (Ancestry says William Marsden married Hannah Charlton in July-Sep quarter 1908) though there is no mention of his wife’s name, some pages of the normal record being missing. In August 1919, according to the Chester-le-Street Chronicle, “Isabella Marsden, wife of William Marsden, 33, and mother of 2 children, cut her throat with a razor.” This could have been William’s wife. However, written down one side of a page in his file is the information that his next of kin was Mrs E Charlton of 19, The Square, Fatfield. This was the home, according to the 1911 Census of JG Charlton and his widowed mother, Esther. William’s home address was given as 33, Seymour Street, Wingate Colliery, but when he was released to Reserve it was stated that he’d be working for Harraton Colliery.
William’s Medal Roll indicates that he was awarded the 1914/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals
On 16th June 1916 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle printed the following letter from Sgt J Marsden of Fatfield who had 3 brothers serving. He had been invalided home from Salonika.
“FATFIELD SERGT’S GREETINGS
Sergt J Marsden of Fatfield who served in the South African War, when he was mentioned in dispatches, and specially promoted by Lord Kitchener for gallant services on the field, has just been invalided home from Salonika, writes from a Manchester hospital as follows:
During my 12 months’ absence in the Mediterranean, during which time I have been all round the Balkans, I have come in touch with a number of boys from my own district. They were all hale and hearty, and all looking forward for the great movements which is bound to come one of these days. I gave them a promise that I should try to let it be known that they are all gay, and wishing to be ‘stuck in it’, and get it over, and be nicely back to Toddy’s (Ferry Boat Inn). I think the Fatfield boys have played a great part right throughout the whole of the campaign. I am glad to say my trouble is only slight and my only desire is to get right and be fit for France and then the finish. So far as I know I have 3 brothers in France but I have not been in touch with them. I am proud of them and hope they are quite all right.”
It seems likely that William Marsden was one of these brothers.
Robert Marshall 24 Nova Scotia. 65594 14th NF. He enlisted in Newcastle and died, aged 19, on Thursday 11th April 1918. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panels 19-23 and 162.
His name is on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Marshall R – killed and on the Harraton Memorial as Marshall R. The Fatfield Council School includes the name of Robert Marshall.
At Portobello, in 1901, the family of William Marshall (27), a hewer born at Seaham Harbour and Mary Ann (25), born at Harraton, includes Elizabeth J (7), Thomas (5), Mary Ann (4), Robert (2) and Louisa (3 months). Wife and children were all born at Harraton except for Louisa, born at Portobello. In 1911 Robert Marshall was living at 24, Nova Scotia. He was 11 and a scholar. The head of the household was Edward Marsden, 69, a widower and “official mason colliery.” Also living there were his son-in-law, William Marshall, and William’s wife of 18 years, Mary Ann, aged 36. They had 7 children; Jennie and Mary were 17 and 14 and carried out domestic duties at home; Robert (11), Louisa Alice (10) and Florence (7) were all scholars, William was 2 and 15-year old Thomas was a colliery mason. Edward Marsden, (19), a colliery fireman, was the son of Edward, the Head of the household.
The 1918 List of Absent Voters includes Robert Marshall of 24, Nova Scotia, Private 65594, 14th Northumberland Fusiliers and Thomas Marshall, 8270, Machine Gun Corps, at the same address, the brothers referred to in the paragraphs above.
The 14th Northumberland Fusiliers were a pioneer battalion serving with the 21st Division. Robert was awarded the Victory Medal and War Medal. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that William, Robert’s father, received £3.13.3d on 14/8/18 and a further war gratuity of £3 on 25/11/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
A dependant’s card states that Pte 65594 Robert Marshall 14th NF was kina 11/4/18 and that his mother Mary Ann Marshall (d July 1949) of 24 Long Row, deleted and father (no name) of 8 Picktree Cottages (inserted). Under pension gratuity it states art 21. 1d and then 21.1c.
On the 11th, the day Robert Marshall died, “A Coy patrolled and repaired forward roads as instructed by XXII Corps. D Coy patrolled and repaired forward tracks and 1 platoon wired on left of Corps Line. C Coy wired between posts in Corps Line. Casualties 2 other ranks killed and 1 wounded.” We can assume that Robert Marshall was one of those killed. The other man seems to have been Frank Jarvis of Sheffield, also 14th NF, also killed on 11th April; at least his name is also, like that of Private Marshall, on the Tyne Cot Memorial. There were another 230 other Northumberland Fusiliers killed on that day and most are listed on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
Thomas Marshall 24 Nova Scotia. 8270 MGC previously 27048 DLI. Discharged 20/6/19. Convicted of desertion 18/7/18 War and Victory medals forfeited (that crossed out) and ‘medals restored under order from 1921’. In 1911 at 24 Nova Scotia – Edward Marsden widower 69 official mason colliery (married 47 and 6 children 6 children, 3 still alive) – William Marshall soninlaw 37 hewer, married to Mary Ann wife/dau 36 for 18 years and 8 children – Edward Marsden son 19 fireman colliery, Jennie Marshall dau 17, Thomas Marshall 15 colliery mason, Mary Annie Marshall 14, Robert Marshall 11, Louisa Alice Marshall 10, Florence Marshall 7 and William Marshall 2. Places of birth Shincliffe, Seaham, Nova Scotia 6, Portobello and Nova Scotia 2.
John McCullock 5 Harraton Tce. T4/127198 ASC. SR - born in Fatfield and living at 5, Harraton Terrace, a row of house on Lord Lambton’s estates and sometimes, apparently, known as Lambton Gardens, was a married gardener who enlisted at Sunderland on 16/8/15. He was 5 feet 6 and 140lbs. He became Private127198, Army Service Corps, his job being a loader in the Motor Transport Company, and ended the war as a Lance Corporal. He had married Hannah Simpson in November 1890 and they had 2 children - Lily, born 1902, and Charles, born 1904.
He was in France from 27/9/15 to 2/7/18, travelling from Southampton to Rouen aboard the “King Edward”, home on leave from 2/2/17 – 12/2/17 and 3/7/18 – 19/7/18 and back in France until 1/3/19. He was awarded the 1915 Star, the War and Victory Medals.
The St George’s Roll lists McCulloch J and McCulluck J Jr – which suggests, despite the spelling, a father and son but John’s record makes no mention of a son, John. Another small mystery. John left the army at the age of 50, stating no disability. In 1911 at 5 Harraton Tce – John McCulloch 42 gardener, married 20 years to Hannah (Simpson) 39 and 5 children – John 19 carpenter, William 14 killed 12/5/16, Lily 8, Charles 7. Places of birth Fatfield, Kibblesworth, Fatfield 3.
John McCulloch (Jr) 5 Harraton Tce. 174874 ASC. Can’t find any medal records for John Jr. Pension ledger discharged 18/2/19. Born 1891. 23 Garden Place Old Penshaw, fracture right radius and ulna due to service, married. 40% reducing to 30% and 20% for 16/- + 4/- for wife and child, then 12/- +5/3d, then 8/- +3/6d until 16/2/21. In 1911 at 5 Harraton Tce – John McCulloch (see his record above) 42 gardener, married 20 years to Hannah (Simpson) 39 and 5 children – John 19 carpenter, William 14 killed 12/5/16, Lily 8, Charles 7. Places of birth Fatfield, Kibblesworth, Fatfield 3.
Edward McDonald 54 Castle St. 306772 730th Lab Coy. SR – he was living at 54, Castle Street, Fatfield when he enlisted in the Army Service Corps in Sunderland in October 1915. He had two service numbers - 141418 and 306672. Edward was a single, Roman Catholic, miner. He was 5 feet 3. His next of kin was a brother, William McDonald, living at 83 Trumpet Terrace, Cleator.
Edward was sent to France on 24/1/16 and posted to Calais. He was given two periods of leave, 16-30th January 1918 and 22/12/16 - 5/1/17. Edward was discharged from the army on 11/3/19 and gave his address as 54 Castle Street but, on 9/1/18, he had married Matilda Wright, a widow living in Didsbury, at Prestwich. She was, according to his record, still living in Manchester when he was discharged and it may be that Edward went to live there, perhaps explaining why St George’s Roll didn’t include his name. The Roll did include G and R McDonald, both of Harraton and Fatfield.
Edward left the army with V.D.U. and Varicose veins (not permanent but apparently attributable to his war service) for which he was given 8/3d per week for 26 weeks starting from 21/1/18.
He acknowledged the receipt of his War Medal on 26/1/25 - much the latest that I’ve seen in the records. Perhaps he wasn’t bothered or perhaps his change of address had complicated matters.
Robert McDonald 6 Ferry Boat Cottages. 15484 9th previously 8th and 2nd Duke of Wellington (W Riding). Pension ledger. Discharged 8/4/19, aged 38. To Balkans 7/9/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge, enlisted 20/2/15. In 1911 at 7 Ferry Boat Cottages – Robert McDonald 30 hewer, married for 6 years to Mary Jane 24 with son Arthur 4. Places of birth - Fatfield and Penshaw 2
Ernest Minto Harraton. 22nd DLI – gave his address as “Harraton” when he attested at the Sunderland Recruiting Office on 15th January 1915. He joined the 18th (Service Battalion) of the DLI. He gave his age as 23 years and 8 months, stated his occupation was coal miner and was measured
as 5 feet 7. He was single. A later document states that he was a mining engineer, born in Heworth and that he was CofE.
On 15th October 1918 a report by a Medical Board on a Disabled Officer stated that he had suffered a septic wound to the left thigh on 27th April 1918 at Villers Bretonneux. The scar and ulcer had been excised and sutured on 9th September 1918. “The wound is soundly healed and there is no disability.” He was given three weeks leave and ordered to report to 3 Reserve Battalion at South Shields. There was no disability and he was fit for service.
On 6th October 1918 Ernest wrote to the War Office as follows:
Sir, I have the honour to request that you register this, my application for gratuity for wound, received in action on April 27th 1918, while serving with 22nd DLI in France.
I was admitted to the 20th General Hospital, France and afterwards to Worsley Hall Manchester suffering from septic shell wound in left thigh.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Ernest Minto, 2nd Lt, 22nd DLI.”
The address given was East Lancs Red Cross Hospital, Worsley Hall. There is no record of whether the letter was successful.
George Richard Minto 2 Lane Cottages. Sgt 328th NF, 18th NF. Then 7th Royal Fusiliers GS/100099 War and Victory medals. Pension ledger b 1890 address in Pelaw, 14 Salisbury St Discharged 11/3/19. Myalgia 20% then 14% for 9/4d then 8/6d then 8/6d for 70 weeks from 8/12/21. In 1911 he was living as a boarder, aged 20, a farm labourer at 5 Rowlandson Tce Heworth with Walter and Margaret Bell and their 10 children. He was son of William Minto and Fanny Rebecca Dean, born in Usworth He died in Heworth in 1974.
Oswald Minto Mt Harraton. 130th CFA. Oswald Minto (Service Record) was born in 1894, the son of George William Minto of “Harraton” – the fact that no street name was given suggesting this may have been part of Harraton Hall. He was an apprentice mining engineer and served as Private 28557 in the Army Service Corps, Motor Transport Section, although his enlistment form stated that he had been a Lieutenant in the 16th Manchester Regiment at some time previously – whether in the war or not isn’t clear from the form. His stated preference was for the Royal
Engineers. Oswald was 23 years old, 5 feet 8 and had a chest of 35 inches.
He served at home from 25/1/17 to 8/3/17 and was then in Mesopotamia, including time in both Baghdad and Basrah, from 9/3/17 – 28/12/17. Details of his service after that are illegible but he was discharged, still a Private, on 22/2/19. He left the army with no incapacity and had qualified as a “good Ford driver, sober, reliable and intelligent,” though he had been guilty of being “off guard mounting parade” – for which he was reprimanded.
The St George’s Roll of Honour lists him as Minto O, Lt. perhaps in deference to his address and previous rank. His brother Ernest, who ended the war as a Captain in the DLI, is also on the St George’s Roll
His Medal Roll for the Army Service Corps lists the War and Victory Medals but there is also a Medal Roll for him in the 16th Manchesters, a 2nd Lt who seems to have fought in the BEF campaign of 1914 but for whom there is no disembarkation date and no medal listed.
A trawl of the officers’ records in the National Archives turned up a record for Oswald and explains the uncertainties of the first record. He was court martialled for drunkenness on 28th November 1916 and was dismissed. He had stated on his attestation form that he was born 18th November 1893 and that his parents were George William and Jane Eleanor (nee Blythman) of Chapel Street, Ouston. His references for the commission awarded in the 16th (Service) Battalion of the Manchester Regiment came from the Military Education Committee of the University of Durham and were dated 3rd September 1915. The Court Martial stated that he had been dismissed but there is a letter from him in which he states that he had resigned. He had been sent home from Boulogne on 18th November 1916.
In 1911 at Harraton – George W Minto 51 colliery manager, married for 29 years with 5 children, 4 still alive to Jane C and Mary 26 certificate teacher for county council, John G 21 colliery electrician and Oswald 18 colliery surveyor. Places of birth Coxhoe, Newcastle, Windy Nook, Heworth and Windy Nook.
Thomas Millar (Army has Miller) 7 Short Row. 56241 2nd NF Previously A/Sgt ASC 062918 then 23rd NF then 2nd NF. War and Victory medals. To France 23/4/15 so 1915 Star.
Arthur Mitchell 8 Wormhill Tce. Driver 99051 D Howitzer Batty RFA. To France 9/9/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Not in Fatfield in 1911.
John Moore 6 Union Row. Driver 33146 RHA, previously Driver RFA. War and Victory medals. To France 17/7/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 6 Union Row – John Moore 24 hewer, married to Mary Alice 23 for 3 years and George Wilfred 2 and Edward 1. Places of birth Fatfield, New Herrington and Fatfield 2.
William Moore 22 Hobson Tce. RMS Norman In 1911 at 19 Long Row – Joseph Moore 33 hewer, married for 13 years to Mary Jane (Polly Spoors) 32 with 5 children, 3 still alive – William 12, George Oliver M 10, Norman M 11m died, Ida 4m died and Joseph 6. Places of birth – all Fatfield. Photo of him as sailor on Ancestry. He married Beatrice Spoors in 1920 and died in 1976
William Moore 16 Long Row. 74101 4th DLI Pension ledger 29/11/19 discharged. War and Victory medals. Number v close to those of Ralph Daglish and George Usher (killed 27/10/18.) In 1911 at 16 Long Row – Esther Moore 57, widow (34 years and 9 children, 7 still alive) – Edward 22 putter, Esther 19 and William 18 putter. Places of birth ClS and Fatfield 3.
William Moore 16 Long Row. 74101 4th DLI – as above.
George Edgar Mossman 59 Castle St. 52238 33 Siege Battery RGA. To France 8/8/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Discharged 9/9/18. Military Medal 2/3/17. SR born Benwell, aged 19, miner, single, at Shiney Row 9/11/14. Min of Pensions form stating that Gunner Mossman late 33 Siege Battery was awarded 27/6d for 4 weeks from 10/9/18 and then 19/3d to be reviewed in 4 weeks. To France 8/8/15 – 12/8/17. Pension ledger b 1895. 59 Castle St crossed out and 47 Gililand Cres, Birtley. GSW right thigh 40%, then 20% for 16/- and then 8/- from 18/10/22 for life. Silver War Badge enlisted 9/11/14. In 1911 at 59 Castle St – Thomas Rattray 51 stoneman, married for 7 years, 3 children and 2 still alive to Maria (Bonner) 41 and also Robert Mossman son 18 putter, George Mossman 16 putter, Ann Mossman dau 14, David Mossman son 11, Thomas Rattray son 5, Margaret Rattray 4, Thomas Mossman 17 boarder shifter, William Mossman visitor 20 shifter married, Janet Ray Mossman visitor 20 married and Margorie (sic) Mossman visitor 6m. Places of birth Hylton, Bentinck Nd 2, Benwell 7, Low Fell and Benwell.
Edward Marsden 7 Short Row. Sgt 50939 MGC. Discharged 5/3/19. Pension ledger. Discharged 5/3/19 at 7 Short Row. GSW right shoulder and defective vision. Interim 14/- +3/- for wife from 20/8/20 to 5/10/20 and then no grounds for further award. WO Class II. War and Victory medals and MM. In 1911 at 9 High Chapel Row – Edward Marsden 30 hewer, married to Margaret 29 for 10 years with 6 children, 4 still alive – Edward 4, Margaret Annie 7, Eliz Ann 6 and Violet 2. Places of birth Fatfield, Penshaw, Low Fell and Fatfield 3.
George Marsden 1 Lambton St. 386415 732 Lab Coy Pension ledger b 1874 discharged 17/1/19. 1 Lambton St Jan 1929, widow Ellen. A different earlier card – shellshock rheumatism and bronchitis, discharged 17/1/19, 40% reducing to 30% for 16/- +4/- for wife and then 12/- + 3/- until Nov 1923. War and Victory medals. Had been 1305 NF. SR 1 Lambton St, aged 39, married miner on 8/1/15 in HLS for 22 NF. Married to Ellen Murray 18/2/95 and Georgina and Alfred born 1900 and 1901. Posted 2/7/16. Released for coal mining at Harraton Colliery where he had worked for 20 years on 7/10/18. However, he was suffering from flu and bronchitis. He was awarded a pension of 5/6d from 18/1/19 for 52 weeks. Shell shock so 4th Gen Hospital at Camiers. To France 10/1/16. In 1911 at 1 Lambton St – George Marsden 36,deputy overman, married 16 years to Ellen 34 with 3 children – Eliz Ann 15, Georgina 11 and Alfred 9. Places of birth Bishop Auckland, Shiney Row 4.
William Marsden 1 Low Chapel Row. 21674 B Batty RFA. PR He enlisted on 6/9/14 at Shiney Row and became Bombardier 21674, RFA. He embarked from Southampton on 9/4/15 for service in France and arrived in Le Havre. In February 1916 he was confirmed as Corporal and in August of that year he sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg, and was admitted to 44 Field Ambulance and then to 20th General Hospital, finally being returned to England on August 18th aboard the SS Brighton.
William had returned to duty sometime before October 1916 because he was admitted to No 111 Field Ambulance suffering from pneumonia; he was discharged to duty only 3 days after admittance but appears to have returned to England shortly after that. He was promoted Sergeant by O.C. 177 Brigade, later in October, and then returned to England on leave in February 1917. Sergeant Marsden was awarded the Military Medal in September 1917, his award appearing in the London Gazette 18/10/17. He appeared before a medical board in February 1918, their notes mentioning his pneumonia and his gunshot wound but adding that his chest was clear and the gunshot was causing him no trouble. In March 1918 he was appointed Battery Rough Rider, a position that he occupied for 3 months before relinquishing it. In August 1918 he was transferred to the UK for a tour of Home Duty. He was transferred to Class P of the Army Reserve in December 1918 and awarded a pension of 6/6d for 13 weeks.
William had married on 26/05/09 (Ancestry says William Marsden married Hannah Charlton in July-Sep quarter 1908) though there is no mention of his wife’s name, some pages of the normal record being missing. In August 1919, according to the Chester-le-Street Chronicle, “Isabella Marsden, wife of William Marsden, 33, and mother of 2 children, cut her throat with a razor.” This could have been William’s wife. However, written down one side of a page in his file is the information that his next of kin was Mrs E Charlton of 19, The Square, Fatfield. This was the home, according to the 1911 Census of JG Charlton and his widowed mother, Esther. William’s home address was given as 33, Seymour Street, Wingate Colliery, but when he was released to Reserve it was stated that he’d be working for Harraton Colliery.
William’s Medal Roll indicates that he was awarded the 1914/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals
On 16th June 1916 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle printed the following letter from Sgt J Marsden of Fatfield who had 3 brothers serving. He had been invalided home from Salonika.
“FATFIELD SERGT’S GREETINGS
Sergt J Marsden of Fatfield who served in the South African War, when he was mentioned in dispatches, and specially promoted by Lord Kitchener for gallant services on the field, has just been invalided home from Salonika, writes from a Manchester hospital as follows:
During my 12 months’ absence in the Mediterranean, during which time I have been all round the Balkans, I have come in touch with a number of boys from my own district. They were all hale and hearty, and all looking forward for the great movements which is bound to come one of these days. I gave them a promise that I should try to let it be known that they are all gay, and wishing to be ‘stuck in it’, and get it over, and be nicely back to Toddy’s (Ferry Boat Inn). I think the Fatfield boys have played a great part right throughout the whole of the campaign. I am glad to say my trouble is only slight and my only desire is to get right and be fit for France and then the finish. So far as I know I have 3 brothers in France but I have not been in touch with them. I am proud of them and hope they are quite all right.”
It seems likely that William Marsden was one of these brothers.
Robert Marshall 24 Nova Scotia. 65594 14th NF. He enlisted in Newcastle and died, aged 19, on Thursday 11th April 1918. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panels 19-23 and 162.
His name is on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Marshall R – killed and on the Harraton Memorial as Marshall R. The Fatfield Council School includes the name of Robert Marshall.
At Portobello, in 1901, the family of William Marshall (27), a hewer born at Seaham Harbour and Mary Ann (25), born at Harraton, includes Elizabeth J (7), Thomas (5), Mary Ann (4), Robert (2) and Louisa (3 months). Wife and children were all born at Harraton except for Louisa, born at Portobello. In 1911 Robert Marshall was living at 24, Nova Scotia. He was 11 and a scholar. The head of the household was Edward Marsden, 69, a widower and “official mason colliery.” Also living there were his son-in-law, William Marshall, and William’s wife of 18 years, Mary Ann, aged 36. They had 7 children; Jennie and Mary were 17 and 14 and carried out domestic duties at home; Robert (11), Louisa Alice (10) and Florence (7) were all scholars, William was 2 and 15-year old Thomas was a colliery mason. Edward Marsden, (19), a colliery fireman, was the son of Edward, the Head of the household.
The 1918 List of Absent Voters includes Robert Marshall of 24, Nova Scotia, Private 65594, 14th Northumberland Fusiliers and Thomas Marshall, 8270, Machine Gun Corps, at the same address, the brothers referred to in the paragraphs above.
The 14th Northumberland Fusiliers were a pioneer battalion serving with the 21st Division. Robert was awarded the Victory Medal and War Medal. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that William, Robert’s father, received £3.13.3d on 14/8/18 and a further war gratuity of £3 on 25/11/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
A dependant’s card states that Pte 65594 Robert Marshall 14th NF was kina 11/4/18 and that his mother Mary Ann Marshall (d July 1949) of 24 Long Row, deleted and father (no name) of 8 Picktree Cottages (inserted). Under pension gratuity it states art 21. 1d and then 21.1c.
On the 11th, the day Robert Marshall died, “A Coy patrolled and repaired forward roads as instructed by XXII Corps. D Coy patrolled and repaired forward tracks and 1 platoon wired on left of Corps Line. C Coy wired between posts in Corps Line. Casualties 2 other ranks killed and 1 wounded.” We can assume that Robert Marshall was one of those killed. The other man seems to have been Frank Jarvis of Sheffield, also 14th NF, also killed on 11th April; at least his name is also, like that of Private Marshall, on the Tyne Cot Memorial. There were another 230 other Northumberland Fusiliers killed on that day and most are listed on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
Thomas Marshall 24 Nova Scotia. 8270 MGC previously 27048 DLI. Discharged 20/6/19. Convicted of desertion 18/7/18 War and Victory medals forfeited (that crossed out) and ‘medals restored under order from 1921’. In 1911 at 24 Nova Scotia – Edward Marsden widower 69 official mason colliery (married 47 and 6 children 6 children, 3 still alive) – William Marshall soninlaw 37 hewer, married to Mary Ann wife/dau 36 for 18 years and 8 children – Edward Marsden son 19 fireman colliery, Jennie Marshall dau 17, Thomas Marshall 15 colliery mason, Mary Annie Marshall 14, Robert Marshall 11, Louisa Alice Marshall 10, Florence Marshall 7 and William Marshall 2. Places of birth Shincliffe, Seaham, Nova Scotia 6, Portobello and Nova Scotia 2.
John McCullock 5 Harraton Tce. T4/127198 ASC. SR - born in Fatfield and living at 5, Harraton Terrace, a row of house on Lord Lambton’s estates and sometimes, apparently, known as Lambton Gardens, was a married gardener who enlisted at Sunderland on 16/8/15. He was 5 feet 6 and 140lbs. He became Private127198, Army Service Corps, his job being a loader in the Motor Transport Company, and ended the war as a Lance Corporal. He had married Hannah Simpson in November 1890 and they had 2 children - Lily, born 1902, and Charles, born 1904.
He was in France from 27/9/15 to 2/7/18, travelling from Southampton to Rouen aboard the “King Edward”, home on leave from 2/2/17 – 12/2/17 and 3/7/18 – 19/7/18 and back in France until 1/3/19. He was awarded the 1915 Star, the War and Victory Medals.
The St George’s Roll lists McCulloch J and McCulluck J Jr – which suggests, despite the spelling, a father and son but John’s record makes no mention of a son, John. Another small mystery. John left the army at the age of 50, stating no disability. In 1911 at 5 Harraton Tce – John McCulloch 42 gardener, married 20 years to Hannah (Simpson) 39 and 5 children – John 19 carpenter, William 14 killed 12/5/16, Lily 8, Charles 7. Places of birth Fatfield, Kibblesworth, Fatfield 3.
John McCulloch (Jr) 5 Harraton Tce. 174874 ASC. Can’t find any medal records for John Jr. Pension ledger discharged 18/2/19. Born 1891. 23 Garden Place Old Penshaw, fracture right radius and ulna due to service, married. 40% reducing to 30% and 20% for 16/- + 4/- for wife and child, then 12/- +5/3d, then 8/- +3/6d until 16/2/21. In 1911 at 5 Harraton Tce – John McCulloch (see his record above) 42 gardener, married 20 years to Hannah (Simpson) 39 and 5 children – John 19 carpenter, William 14 killed 12/5/16, Lily 8, Charles 7. Places of birth Fatfield, Kibblesworth, Fatfield 3.
Edward McDonald 54 Castle St. 306772 730th Lab Coy. SR – he was living at 54, Castle Street, Fatfield when he enlisted in the Army Service Corps in Sunderland in October 1915. He had two service numbers - 141418 and 306672. Edward was a single, Roman Catholic, miner. He was 5 feet 3. His next of kin was a brother, William McDonald, living at 83 Trumpet Terrace, Cleator.
Edward was sent to France on 24/1/16 and posted to Calais. He was given two periods of leave, 16-30th January 1918 and 22/12/16 - 5/1/17. Edward was discharged from the army on 11/3/19 and gave his address as 54 Castle Street but, on 9/1/18, he had married Matilda Wright, a widow living in Didsbury, at Prestwich. She was, according to his record, still living in Manchester when he was discharged and it may be that Edward went to live there, perhaps explaining why St George’s Roll didn’t include his name. The Roll did include G and R McDonald, both of Harraton and Fatfield.
Edward left the army with V.D.U. and Varicose veins (not permanent but apparently attributable to his war service) for which he was given 8/3d per week for 26 weeks starting from 21/1/18.
He acknowledged the receipt of his War Medal on 26/1/25 - much the latest that I’ve seen in the records. Perhaps he wasn’t bothered or perhaps his change of address had complicated matters.
Robert McDonald 6 Ferry Boat Cottages. 15484 9th previously 8th and 2nd Duke of Wellington (W Riding). Pension ledger. Discharged 8/4/19, aged 38. To Balkans 7/9/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge, enlisted 20/2/15. In 1911 at 7 Ferry Boat Cottages – Robert McDonald 30 hewer, married for 6 years to Mary Jane 24 with son Arthur 4. Places of birth - Fatfield and Penshaw 2
Ernest Minto Harraton. 22nd DLI – gave his address as “Harraton” when he attested at the Sunderland Recruiting Office on 15th January 1915. He joined the 18th (Service Battalion) of the DLI. He gave his age as 23 years and 8 months, stated his occupation was coal miner and was measured
as 5 feet 7. He was single. A later document states that he was a mining engineer, born in Heworth and that he was CofE.
On 15th October 1918 a report by a Medical Board on a Disabled Officer stated that he had suffered a septic wound to the left thigh on 27th April 1918 at Villers Bretonneux. The scar and ulcer had been excised and sutured on 9th September 1918. “The wound is soundly healed and there is no disability.” He was given three weeks leave and ordered to report to 3 Reserve Battalion at South Shields. There was no disability and he was fit for service.
On 6th October 1918 Ernest wrote to the War Office as follows:
Sir, I have the honour to request that you register this, my application for gratuity for wound, received in action on April 27th 1918, while serving with 22nd DLI in France.
I was admitted to the 20th General Hospital, France and afterwards to Worsley Hall Manchester suffering from septic shell wound in left thigh.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Ernest Minto, 2nd Lt, 22nd DLI.”
The address given was East Lancs Red Cross Hospital, Worsley Hall. There is no record of whether the letter was successful.
George Richard Minto 2 Lane Cottages. Sgt 328th NF, 18th NF. Then 7th Royal Fusiliers GS/100099 War and Victory medals. Pension ledger b 1890 address in Pelaw, 14 Salisbury St Discharged 11/3/19. Myalgia 20% then 14% for 9/4d then 8/6d then 8/6d for 70 weeks from 8/12/21. In 1911 he was living as a boarder, aged 20, a farm labourer at 5 Rowlandson Tce Heworth with Walter and Margaret Bell and their 10 children. He was son of William Minto and Fanny Rebecca Dean, born in Usworth He died in Heworth in 1974.
Oswald Minto Mt Harraton. 130th CFA. Oswald Minto (Service Record) was born in 1894, the son of George William Minto of “Harraton” – the fact that no street name was given suggesting this may have been part of Harraton Hall. He was an apprentice mining engineer and served as Private 28557 in the Army Service Corps, Motor Transport Section, although his enlistment form stated that he had been a Lieutenant in the 16th Manchester Regiment at some time previously – whether in the war or not isn’t clear from the form. His stated preference was for the Royal
Engineers. Oswald was 23 years old, 5 feet 8 and had a chest of 35 inches.
He served at home from 25/1/17 to 8/3/17 and was then in Mesopotamia, including time in both Baghdad and Basrah, from 9/3/17 – 28/12/17. Details of his service after that are illegible but he was discharged, still a Private, on 22/2/19. He left the army with no incapacity and had qualified as a “good Ford driver, sober, reliable and intelligent,” though he had been guilty of being “off guard mounting parade” – for which he was reprimanded.
The St George’s Roll of Honour lists him as Minto O, Lt. perhaps in deference to his address and previous rank. His brother Ernest, who ended the war as a Captain in the DLI, is also on the St George’s Roll
His Medal Roll for the Army Service Corps lists the War and Victory Medals but there is also a Medal Roll for him in the 16th Manchesters, a 2nd Lt who seems to have fought in the BEF campaign of 1914 but for whom there is no disembarkation date and no medal listed.
A trawl of the officers’ records in the National Archives turned up a record for Oswald and explains the uncertainties of the first record. He was court martialled for drunkenness on 28th November 1916 and was dismissed. He had stated on his attestation form that he was born 18th November 1893 and that his parents were George William and Jane Eleanor (nee Blythman) of Chapel Street, Ouston. His references for the commission awarded in the 16th (Service) Battalion of the Manchester Regiment came from the Military Education Committee of the University of Durham and were dated 3rd September 1915. The Court Martial stated that he had been dismissed but there is a letter from him in which he states that he had resigned. He had been sent home from Boulogne on 18th November 1916.
In 1911 at Harraton – George W Minto 51 colliery manager, married for 29 years with 5 children, 4 still alive to Jane C and Mary 26 certificate teacher for county council, John G 21 colliery electrician and Oswald 18 colliery surveyor. Places of birth Coxhoe, Newcastle, Windy Nook, Heworth and Windy Nook.
Thomas Millar (Army has Miller) 7 Short Row. 56241 2nd NF Previously A/Sgt ASC 062918 then 23rd NF then 2nd NF. War and Victory medals. To France 23/4/15 so 1915 Star.
Arthur Mitchell 8 Wormhill Tce. Driver 99051 D Howitzer Batty RFA. To France 9/9/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Not in Fatfield in 1911.
John Moore 6 Union Row. Driver 33146 RHA, previously Driver RFA. War and Victory medals. To France 17/7/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 6 Union Row – John Moore 24 hewer, married to Mary Alice 23 for 3 years and George Wilfred 2 and Edward 1. Places of birth Fatfield, New Herrington and Fatfield 2.
William Moore 22 Hobson Tce. RMS Norman In 1911 at 19 Long Row – Joseph Moore 33 hewer, married for 13 years to Mary Jane (Polly Spoors) 32 with 5 children, 3 still alive – William 12, George Oliver M 10, Norman M 11m died, Ida 4m died and Joseph 6. Places of birth – all Fatfield. Photo of him as sailor on Ancestry. He married Beatrice Spoors in 1920 and died in 1976
William Moore 16 Long Row. 74101 4th DLI Pension ledger 29/11/19 discharged. War and Victory medals. Number v close to those of Ralph Daglish and George Usher (killed 27/10/18.) In 1911 at 16 Long Row – Esther Moore 57, widow (34 years and 9 children, 7 still alive) – Edward 22 putter, Esther 19 and William 18 putter. Places of birth ClS and Fatfield 3.
William Moore 16 Long Row. 74101 4th DLI – as above.
George Edgar Mossman 59 Castle St. 52238 33 Siege Battery RGA. To France 8/8/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Discharged 9/9/18. Military Medal 2/3/17. SR born Benwell, aged 19, miner, single, at Shiney Row 9/11/14. Min of Pensions form stating that Gunner Mossman late 33 Siege Battery was awarded 27/6d for 4 weeks from 10/9/18 and then 19/3d to be reviewed in 4 weeks. To France 8/8/15 – 12/8/17. Pension ledger b 1895. 59 Castle St crossed out and 47 Gililand Cres, Birtley. GSW right thigh 40%, then 20% for 16/- and then 8/- from 18/10/22 for life. Silver War Badge enlisted 9/11/14. In 1911 at 59 Castle St – Thomas Rattray 51 stoneman, married for 7 years, 3 children and 2 still alive to Maria (Bonner) 41 and also Robert Mossman son 18 putter, George Mossman 16 putter, Ann Mossman dau 14, David Mossman son 11, Thomas Rattray son 5, Margaret Rattray 4, Thomas Mossman 17 boarder shifter, William Mossman visitor 20 shifter married, Janet Ray Mossman visitor 20 married and Margorie (sic) Mossman visitor 6m. Places of birth Hylton, Bentinck Nd 2, Benwell 7, Low Fell and Benwell.
George Murray 9 Biddick Lane. 32702 14th Grenadier Guards. PR. Attested 24/10/16 aged 17, b April 1899, 9 Biddick Lane, putter, father Thomas, mobilised 25/4/18. Discharged 14/12/18 for duty at Biddick Colliery, mother Katherine, b Felling. In 1911 at 5 Gladstone Tce Penshaw – Thomas Murray 37 hewer, married to Catherine 33 for 12 years and 5 children, 2 still alive – George 11 and Jane Ann 2m. Places of birth - all Felling
Kyran Nash 27 Long Row. 83648 414th Ammo Column RFA. No Military details. Discharged 2/2/16 pension ledger. Driver 27 Long Row fracture to both bones right leg 20% for 8/-+7/1d for 4 children then 8/- + 5/11d for 3 children until 1923.In 1911 at 4 The Burns – Kyran Nash 24 hewer, married to Rebecca 28 for 2 years and 1 child – Norman 2. Places of birth Kilkenny, Penshaw, Fatfield.
George Spoors Nelson 36 Nova Scotia. DC Mess. SR – was born in Harraton and joined the army in August 1914 at the age of 19 years and 4 months. He was working as an engineer for Hugh Wood and Co. His parents were William and Elizabeth of “Harraton”. GS was 6 feet tall and was well developed physically. He was Church of England. Having joined the Northumberland Division as a signaller, he was soon promoted to Lance Corporal and then Corporal but on 14/12/14 he was discharged from his duties to take up a commission in the 20th (then crossed out and 23rd inserted) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers. He appears on the St George’s Roll as Capt G Nelson MC. An account of the award by the people of Fatfield of a gold watch to Captain Nelson (June 1917) can be found in Chapter 15. On 26th September 1916 the Illustrated Chronicle reported that Captain GS Nelson of Harraton Colliery, Northumberland Fusiliers, had been awarded the Military Cross and printed a photograph of him. Lord Durham said they all knew of the object that day. It was a good plan to have taken the collection for up to that time neither Lady Lambton nor himself had contributed to the fund. They were now easier in their minds and felt they could take part in the proceedings. Every one of them was aware of the honour that Captain Nelson had had bestowed upon him. He was educated at Fatfield schools and afterwards at Rutherford College. On the first day of hostilities he joined up. They welcomed him there as a captain and distinguished soldier. He had led the men, when his captain was wounded and unable to do so, right up to the German trenches and brought them safely back again. For this he was recommended for the Military Cross. The inscription on the watch, which he had pleasure in presenting, was: “Presented to Lieut G.S. Nelson, by the Inhabitants of Harraton Parish for his gaining the Military Cross, 1st July 1916.” Shortly after this he was promoted captain. He would value it because it represented a famous day in his life. He was not even a Durham soldier, he was a Northumberland Fusilier. But thousands of Durham men were serving in that regiment and the honour was reflected. They had just gained a magnificent victory. Captain Nelson knew better than him what a terrible menace that salient had been for two years. Now they had their reward. The Germans were unable to resist them. He had always maintained that the English were more than the equal of the Germans. (App.) They at home ought to back up their gallant soldiers and sailors, and it was their duty when honouring Captain Nelson to remember their lads at the front. Some people ask why do we go on with the war when Germany says she does not want to annex any land. She does not want to because she cannot. England will never give up. America, the majority of whose people were of the same flesh and blood as we were, had thrown down the gauntlet and would also never give up until liberty and freedom had been gained for the world.
Capt G.S. Nelson, who received a great ovation, said he looked upon the presentation as a great honour and he much appreciated it. He would sooner be back in the trenches than facing the audience. The majority of men he had with him were from Durham and Northumberland and there were no finer fighters in the world. The first battalion he was with included men he had known all his life and what were left were still going strong.
Mr GW Minto in proposing a vote of thanks to his Lordship said he hoped he would be with them at their next presentation. Mr James Wilson briefly seconded. The singing of the National Anthem terminated proceedings.
In 1911 at 36 Nova Scotia – William Nelson 43 blacksmith married 17 years to Elizabeth (Gowland Spoors) and 1 child George S 15 colliery contractor’s clerk. Places of birth Harraton, West Rainton and Birtley. He married Edith Kidd in Gateshead in 1917 and then Joan Mary Moss in Barnsley in 1926. He died in Barnsley in November 1944 leaving Joan over £12000. Ancestry suggest he was a Brigadier General but Wiki does not confirm that in list of Brig-Gens. Both parents outlived him.
John James Newton 2 The Hutts. 21988 RWS Queens. No military info. In 1911 at 13 Castle St – John Newton 31 deputy overman, married for 12 years to Jane Ann 34 with 4 children – Hilda 11, Edith 8, William 6, Ethel 1 and Albert Roberts 31 boarder hewer. Places of birth - Langley Park, Seaham, Pictree, CLS 2, Fatfield and India (British by parentage). Error by the recorder here – has Nicholson and Newton both in RWS. Can’t find either man with that number
Frederick Nicholson 5 Pit Houses. 21988 RWS Queens In 1911 at 6 Harraton Colliery – John George Nicholson 50 widower blacksmith at Harraton Colliery with Frederick 15 putter, Johnson 12 (enlisted in May 1915 but was found to have a speech impediment and so only served 5 days), Edith Ann 14 and Hannah Watson servant 41, widow. Places of birth Birtley 4 and Stafford. Fred married Eliz Harbottle in 1921 and died in 1970.
William Nicholson 11 Castle St. RFA. Lots of William Nicholsons in RFA. In 1911 at 11 Castle St – John Nicholson 48 pumping engine man, married for 25 years to Dorothy 47 with 7 children, 5 still alive – Eleanor 25 dressmaker, Frederick 20, colliery stoker, William 16 putter, Dorothy 14, Rosina 12 and John 77 widower father. Places of birth – Harraton 7 and Oulton Cumberland.
Fred Nicholson 5 Harraton Colly. 21988 RWS Queens As above for 5 Pit Houses.
Robert Henry Noble 13 Wearside Tce. 15668 2nd E Yorks. To France 2/6/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. Can’t find him in 1911 Census
John Normile 7 Low Chapel Row. 457416 NF. SR - served as Acting Lance Corporal, 457416, 449 Field Company, Royal Engineers. At enlistment he was 29, 5 feet 5, with a chest of 36 inches and was a colliery mason for Lambton and Hetton Collieries. His address was 7, Low Chapel Row, at which house his sister (initial indecipherable) also lived. John stated that she was his next of kin. According to a form completed by him, he served in France from July to September 1915, in the Balkan states from November 1915 to November 1918 and in Asia Minor from November 1918 to February 1919. He had suffered from bouts of malaria from October 1916. His disability from the malaria was less than 20% and his record makes no mention of any pension; he was with the Catholic Benefit Society. The army record varies slightly and has him leaving Marseilles on 3/11/15, arriving in Alexandria 10/11/15, leaving Alexandria 22/11/15 and arriving at Salonika 29/11/15. He landed at Le Havre 4/7/16. He was given 14 days furlough in January 1917. The only blemish noted on his record was being drunk on active service on 7/11/17.
John was demobilised in February 1919, at the age of 29. His Medal Roll indicates that he was originally Sapper 1795 before becoming 457416. He was awarded the 1915 Star and the War and Victory Medals and appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List.
Joseph Edward Ogden 1 River View Tce. 5821 1st Garrison Bn R Irish Regt. SR - enlisted at Shiney Row on 28/7/15 and became 25021/23768 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He lived at 1, River View, Fatfield. Joe was 37 years and 7 months old, a single miner. He was a Roman Catholic, born Wreckenton (sic). He was unusually tall for a coal miner at 5 feet 10
and he weighed 166lbs. His next of kin was an aunt, Martha Wake, also living at 1, River View.
Joe was sent to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 13/3/16. He was transferred to the 6th Inniskilling Fusiliers, No 5 Company, where he acted as a bomber. On 27/12/16 he embarked on the hospital ship, Muralia, suffering with sciatica. He was hospitalised in St George’s, Malta on New Year’s Day, 1917 and returned to England on 12th January, 1918. The treatment detailed for his ailment was daily massage.
June 1917 found him on leave at 5(sic) River View. He was given 9 days leave, overstayed and, returning late, to Londonderry, found himself confined to barracks for 10 days. In September, while stationed at Beri?? Island he was again absent after being on leave and suffered a 4-day confinement to barracks and the loss of 4 days’ pay.
On 25/1/19 Joe embarked aboard the Kashgar, at Port Said, for the UK. He was described as a Group 3 miner. Thus he’d obviously spent some time serving in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force but there are no details of that service in his record.
There is no one called Ogden on the St George’s Roll of Honour. Private Ogden was awarded the War and Victory Medals. In 1911 he was living with the family of William and Martha Wake, an aunt, (married 20 years but no children). He was one of 5 boarders, born in Wrekenton and was a hewer, aged 36.
Joseph Robinson Oliver 5 Verdun Tce.74753 RGA. Service Record - was living at 7, Biddick Lane when he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery (44753) in December 1915. He was a married colliery cashier, 24 years old, 6 feet tall and was listed as CofE. Joe had married Adeline Cusson at Washington on July 22nd 1914 and they were living at 5, Railway Terrace, Fatfield (or the aforementioned Biddick Lane) when he enlisted. Those men who enlisted in December 1915 were often part of the Derby Scheme, seeking to gain some small advantage from avoiding the conscription due to start in 1916.
His record includes a memo that stated that he had received from the Officer Commanding 68th Recruiting Area an armlet, though its purpose isn’t stated. Presumably it was to indicate that he had joined up and should not be offered a white feather or any criticism of his not being in uniform. Joe became an Acting Bombardier and, by July 1918, was an Acting Corporal in 5th Battery.
There is no indication that Joe served abroad and there is no Medal Roll for him. In January 1919 he signed to the effect that he was suffering no disability and gave his address as 5, Verdun Terrace, Fatfield. In 1911 at 26 Castle St – George Oliver 48 hewer, married to Eliz 45 for 24 years with 6 children, 4 still alive – Martha 22 domestic cook, Joseph 19 colliery clerk, Mary 17 and Jane 5. Places of birth Usworth, N Biddick 2, Fatfield 3. He married Adeline Cusson in 1914 and died in 1943.
There are 3 Olivers on the St George’s Roll of Honour - JG and Thomas are marked as killed and the other is W Oliver of Pictree so it appears that Joseph Robinson Oliver wasn’t included. He does not appear to have been related to the two Olivers who were killed.
Thomas Oliver 26 Long Row. No service details. Perhaps in 1911 at 1 Short Row – Thomas Oliver 61 stoneman, married to Eliz 56 for 38 years with 10 children, 7 still alive – Ada 20 dressmaker, James Gilchrist O 18 putter killed 1/7/16 and Thomas 14 driver. Places of birth - Fatfield, Gateshead and Fatfield 3.
John O’Neil 11 Nova Scotia. RGA 56142. SR Born Manchester, aged 20, single, at 3 Chapel Row Portobello when he enlisted in 8 DLI in April 1914. He served until October 1914 but it isn’t clear what happened after that on his record, it being very feint. In 1911 at 6 Chapel Row Birtley – Patrick O’Neill 49 hewer, married for 29 years to Eliza 49 with 8 children, 7 still alive – Andrew 23 hewer killed 28/4/17, Patrick 21 killed 5/1/16 married 1 year to Clara and John 17, putter and Thomas 15 driver killed 2/6/15 , Places of birth Kilkenny 3, Manchester 4. Silver War Badge, enlisted 2/12/14 and discharged 18/11/18, aged 24, served abroad. War and Victory medals Base Details. Pension ledger. PR Discharged to 13 Long Row, 5/6d a week from 19/11/18 for 52 weeks. Another brother, James, was killed by a bus in an accident near Birtley in October 1917.
Norman Oswald 1 Long Row. 146026 233rd Field Coy RE Service Record was living at 1, Long Row, Fatfield when he enlisted at Harraton on 10/12/15. He was 20 and a ship’s carpenter. Norman was 5 feet 8, with a chest of 35 inches and was Cof E. His mother was Sarah, living at the same address.
Norman was mobilised in January 1916. He became Sapper 146026 in the Royal Engineers and qualified as a “Joiner Proficient”. He embarked from Southampton on 25/7/16 to join the BEF in France. Norman was given a fortnight’s leave to the UK on 23/8/17 and was appointed Acting Lance Corporal in September 1917. He was wounded in August 1918 and admitted to the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station with gunshot wounds to the right thigh. Five days later, on 14th August, he was transferred from the 4th Stationary Hospital to Whitstable. He seems to have played no further part in the war, being transferred to Class Z on 31/1/19.
His record contains a letter from the Ministry of Pensions giving details of a weekly pension of 5/6d - from 4/2/19 for 26 weeks. He left the army with a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a joiner.
Norman Oswald is on the St George’s Roll of Honour (Harraton and Fatfield) and there is also an “Oswald T”, perhaps his brother.
In 1911 at 1 Long Row – Sarah Ann Oswald widow (24 years 8 children, 6 still alive) with Thomas 29 boot maker and repairer,, John Howard O 29 blacksmith at iron works, Clarissa 25 milliner, Norman 15 apprentice joiner and William 12. Places of birth – Wallsend and Fatfield 5.
Thomas Oswald 1 Long Row. 25776 2nd then 9th KOR Lancs. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 1 Long Row – Sarah Ann Oswald widow (24 years 8 children, 6 still alive) with Thomas 29 boot maker and repairer,, John Howard O 29 blacksmith at iron works, Clarissa 25 milliner, Norman 15 apprentice joiner and William 12. Places of birth – Wallsend and Fatield 5.
Lewis Alfred Patterson 6 Wearside Tce. Driver 45134 attached 16th HQ RFA. War and Victory medals. To France 7/9/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 2 Lodge Hill Gilesgate – Joseph Petty Patterson 54 mole killer, married to Maria for 34 years with 14 children, 9 still alive – Ernest married 33 hewer all deleted, John 28 labourer, Lewis Alfred 26 hewer, Thomas married 24 (deleted), Septimus 22 occupation indecipherable, Florence married 20 deleted, Harold 18 labourer, Ethel 14, Arthur 12 and Abram Newstead lodger 66 hewer, Ralph Bailes 21 hewer lodger. Places of birth – Rainton, St Oswald’s Durham Belmont, Willington 2, Belmont 6, Seghill and St Oswald.
Frederick Patterson Lambton Park. 67532 AAS RGA. As below.
Frederick Pattison C/O Mrs Ross Lambton Park. 67532 Sgt 1 AA RGA Service Record - was born in 1891 and enlisted in the army at North Shields on 8/11/15. He was 5 feet 10, 24 years old, a married postman who gave his address as 12, Victor Street, Chester-le-Street. He married Helen B Ross at Fatfield on 25/3/16; other items on his army record give his wife’s address as C/O Mrs Ross of Lambton Park, Mrs Ross also being the mother of John Ross who died in Lille in 1918. Their child (name illegible) was born on 27/7/18. Frederick gave his occupation as postman; Helen B Ross worked for the Post Office.
Gunner Pattison was promoted to Sergeant 67532 in March 1916 and embarked for France on 30/4/16, his service abroad lasting until 25/10/18, at which point he was given leave until 9/11/18, finally being discharged on 9/3/19. He had been guilty of neglect of duty in May 1917, neglecting to obey an order in April 1918 and neglect of duty in June 1918, all incidents occurring in the field but he was merely reprimanded or admonished.
There was some mention of an ankle injury on his discharge papers but no details were given and nor is there any paperwork re a pension. Frederick was awarded the War and Victory Medals. He is listed as an Absent Voter for 1918 but was not on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 170 Gilesgate Durham – William Scott Pattison 29 married (but no wife listed) engineer and pattern maker with Eleanor sister 26 and Thomas george brother 22 printer, Frederick 19 postman and Elsie Beason niece 9. Places of birth Durham City 5. Frederick died in 1961.
Robert Pluse 5 Victoria Place. 425135 West Yorks. Army has War and Victory medals to 425135 Labour Corps, previously 4004 DLI. In 1911 at 12 Victoria Place, Washington Station – Robert Pluse 29 blacksmith at iron works, married to Eliz Ann 19 for under 1 year with Nora 3. Places of birth - Washington, Usworth and Washington.
John James Porthouse Harraton Hall. 61349 D Coy 4th Res W Yorks. 9th Yorks then NF 80275, War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 1 Trafalgar Row, Harraton Hall – Archibald Porthouse 38 farm hind, married for 18 yeears to Mary Ann 39 with 10 children – Lizzie Ellen 16 field worker, Thomas W 15 field worker, John James 13, Ehel 10, Edward Archie 9 Joseph 7, George Henry 5, Sarah Hannah 3, Ernest 1 and Alf Aix/Alex? Mitchell visitor 2. Places of birth Cumberland 2, Corbridge, Wylam, Haydon, Newburn, Newcastle 3, Benton 3. He married Frances May Clarke and died in Croxdale in 1962.
Kyran Nash 27 Long Row. 83648 414th Ammo Column RFA. No Military details. Discharged 2/2/16 pension ledger. Driver 27 Long Row fracture to both bones right leg 20% for 8/-+7/1d for 4 children then 8/- + 5/11d for 3 children until 1923.In 1911 at 4 The Burns – Kyran Nash 24 hewer, married to Rebecca 28 for 2 years and 1 child – Norman 2. Places of birth Kilkenny, Penshaw, Fatfield.
George Spoors Nelson 36 Nova Scotia. DC Mess. SR – was born in Harraton and joined the army in August 1914 at the age of 19 years and 4 months. He was working as an engineer for Hugh Wood and Co. His parents were William and Elizabeth of “Harraton”. GS was 6 feet tall and was well developed physically. He was Church of England. Having joined the Northumberland Division as a signaller, he was soon promoted to Lance Corporal and then Corporal but on 14/12/14 he was discharged from his duties to take up a commission in the 20th (then crossed out and 23rd inserted) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers. He appears on the St George’s Roll as Capt G Nelson MC. An account of the award by the people of Fatfield of a gold watch to Captain Nelson (June 1917) can be found in Chapter 15. On 26th September 1916 the Illustrated Chronicle reported that Captain GS Nelson of Harraton Colliery, Northumberland Fusiliers, had been awarded the Military Cross and printed a photograph of him. Lord Durham said they all knew of the object that day. It was a good plan to have taken the collection for up to that time neither Lady Lambton nor himself had contributed to the fund. They were now easier in their minds and felt they could take part in the proceedings. Every one of them was aware of the honour that Captain Nelson had had bestowed upon him. He was educated at Fatfield schools and afterwards at Rutherford College. On the first day of hostilities he joined up. They welcomed him there as a captain and distinguished soldier. He had led the men, when his captain was wounded and unable to do so, right up to the German trenches and brought them safely back again. For this he was recommended for the Military Cross. The inscription on the watch, which he had pleasure in presenting, was: “Presented to Lieut G.S. Nelson, by the Inhabitants of Harraton Parish for his gaining the Military Cross, 1st July 1916.” Shortly after this he was promoted captain. He would value it because it represented a famous day in his life. He was not even a Durham soldier, he was a Northumberland Fusilier. But thousands of Durham men were serving in that regiment and the honour was reflected. They had just gained a magnificent victory. Captain Nelson knew better than him what a terrible menace that salient had been for two years. Now they had their reward. The Germans were unable to resist them. He had always maintained that the English were more than the equal of the Germans. (App.) They at home ought to back up their gallant soldiers and sailors, and it was their duty when honouring Captain Nelson to remember their lads at the front. Some people ask why do we go on with the war when Germany says she does not want to annex any land. She does not want to because she cannot. England will never give up. America, the majority of whose people were of the same flesh and blood as we were, had thrown down the gauntlet and would also never give up until liberty and freedom had been gained for the world.
Capt G.S. Nelson, who received a great ovation, said he looked upon the presentation as a great honour and he much appreciated it. He would sooner be back in the trenches than facing the audience. The majority of men he had with him were from Durham and Northumberland and there were no finer fighters in the world. The first battalion he was with included men he had known all his life and what were left were still going strong.
Mr GW Minto in proposing a vote of thanks to his Lordship said he hoped he would be with them at their next presentation. Mr James Wilson briefly seconded. The singing of the National Anthem terminated proceedings.
In 1911 at 36 Nova Scotia – William Nelson 43 blacksmith married 17 years to Elizabeth (Gowland Spoors) and 1 child George S 15 colliery contractor’s clerk. Places of birth Harraton, West Rainton and Birtley. He married Edith Kidd in Gateshead in 1917 and then Joan Mary Moss in Barnsley in 1926. He died in Barnsley in November 1944 leaving Joan over £12000. Ancestry suggest he was a Brigadier General but Wiki does not confirm that in list of Brig-Gens. Both parents outlived him.
John James Newton 2 The Hutts. 21988 RWS Queens. No military info. In 1911 at 13 Castle St – John Newton 31 deputy overman, married for 12 years to Jane Ann 34 with 4 children – Hilda 11, Edith 8, William 6, Ethel 1 and Albert Roberts 31 boarder hewer. Places of birth - Langley Park, Seaham, Pictree, CLS 2, Fatfield and India (British by parentage). Error by the recorder here – has Nicholson and Newton both in RWS. Can’t find either man with that number
Frederick Nicholson 5 Pit Houses. 21988 RWS Queens In 1911 at 6 Harraton Colliery – John George Nicholson 50 widower blacksmith at Harraton Colliery with Frederick 15 putter, Johnson 12 (enlisted in May 1915 but was found to have a speech impediment and so only served 5 days), Edith Ann 14 and Hannah Watson servant 41, widow. Places of birth Birtley 4 and Stafford. Fred married Eliz Harbottle in 1921 and died in 1970.
William Nicholson 11 Castle St. RFA. Lots of William Nicholsons in RFA. In 1911 at 11 Castle St – John Nicholson 48 pumping engine man, married for 25 years to Dorothy 47 with 7 children, 5 still alive – Eleanor 25 dressmaker, Frederick 20, colliery stoker, William 16 putter, Dorothy 14, Rosina 12 and John 77 widower father. Places of birth – Harraton 7 and Oulton Cumberland.
Fred Nicholson 5 Harraton Colly. 21988 RWS Queens As above for 5 Pit Houses.
Robert Henry Noble 13 Wearside Tce. 15668 2nd E Yorks. To France 2/6/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. Can’t find him in 1911 Census
John Normile 7 Low Chapel Row. 457416 NF. SR - served as Acting Lance Corporal, 457416, 449 Field Company, Royal Engineers. At enlistment he was 29, 5 feet 5, with a chest of 36 inches and was a colliery mason for Lambton and Hetton Collieries. His address was 7, Low Chapel Row, at which house his sister (initial indecipherable) also lived. John stated that she was his next of kin. According to a form completed by him, he served in France from July to September 1915, in the Balkan states from November 1915 to November 1918 and in Asia Minor from November 1918 to February 1919. He had suffered from bouts of malaria from October 1916. His disability from the malaria was less than 20% and his record makes no mention of any pension; he was with the Catholic Benefit Society. The army record varies slightly and has him leaving Marseilles on 3/11/15, arriving in Alexandria 10/11/15, leaving Alexandria 22/11/15 and arriving at Salonika 29/11/15. He landed at Le Havre 4/7/16. He was given 14 days furlough in January 1917. The only blemish noted on his record was being drunk on active service on 7/11/17.
John was demobilised in February 1919, at the age of 29. His Medal Roll indicates that he was originally Sapper 1795 before becoming 457416. He was awarded the 1915 Star and the War and Victory Medals and appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List.
Joseph Edward Ogden 1 River View Tce. 5821 1st Garrison Bn R Irish Regt. SR - enlisted at Shiney Row on 28/7/15 and became 25021/23768 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He lived at 1, River View, Fatfield. Joe was 37 years and 7 months old, a single miner. He was a Roman Catholic, born Wreckenton (sic). He was unusually tall for a coal miner at 5 feet 10
and he weighed 166lbs. His next of kin was an aunt, Martha Wake, also living at 1, River View.
Joe was sent to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 13/3/16. He was transferred to the 6th Inniskilling Fusiliers, No 5 Company, where he acted as a bomber. On 27/12/16 he embarked on the hospital ship, Muralia, suffering with sciatica. He was hospitalised in St George’s, Malta on New Year’s Day, 1917 and returned to England on 12th January, 1918. The treatment detailed for his ailment was daily massage.
June 1917 found him on leave at 5(sic) River View. He was given 9 days leave, overstayed and, returning late, to Londonderry, found himself confined to barracks for 10 days. In September, while stationed at Beri?? Island he was again absent after being on leave and suffered a 4-day confinement to barracks and the loss of 4 days’ pay.
On 25/1/19 Joe embarked aboard the Kashgar, at Port Said, for the UK. He was described as a Group 3 miner. Thus he’d obviously spent some time serving in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force but there are no details of that service in his record.
There is no one called Ogden on the St George’s Roll of Honour. Private Ogden was awarded the War and Victory Medals. In 1911 he was living with the family of William and Martha Wake, an aunt, (married 20 years but no children). He was one of 5 boarders, born in Wrekenton and was a hewer, aged 36.
Joseph Robinson Oliver 5 Verdun Tce.74753 RGA. Service Record - was living at 7, Biddick Lane when he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery (44753) in December 1915. He was a married colliery cashier, 24 years old, 6 feet tall and was listed as CofE. Joe had married Adeline Cusson at Washington on July 22nd 1914 and they were living at 5, Railway Terrace, Fatfield (or the aforementioned Biddick Lane) when he enlisted. Those men who enlisted in December 1915 were often part of the Derby Scheme, seeking to gain some small advantage from avoiding the conscription due to start in 1916.
His record includes a memo that stated that he had received from the Officer Commanding 68th Recruiting Area an armlet, though its purpose isn’t stated. Presumably it was to indicate that he had joined up and should not be offered a white feather or any criticism of his not being in uniform. Joe became an Acting Bombardier and, by July 1918, was an Acting Corporal in 5th Battery.
There is no indication that Joe served abroad and there is no Medal Roll for him. In January 1919 he signed to the effect that he was suffering no disability and gave his address as 5, Verdun Terrace, Fatfield. In 1911 at 26 Castle St – George Oliver 48 hewer, married to Eliz 45 for 24 years with 6 children, 4 still alive – Martha 22 domestic cook, Joseph 19 colliery clerk, Mary 17 and Jane 5. Places of birth Usworth, N Biddick 2, Fatfield 3. He married Adeline Cusson in 1914 and died in 1943.
There are 3 Olivers on the St George’s Roll of Honour - JG and Thomas are marked as killed and the other is W Oliver of Pictree so it appears that Joseph Robinson Oliver wasn’t included. He does not appear to have been related to the two Olivers who were killed.
Thomas Oliver 26 Long Row. No service details. Perhaps in 1911 at 1 Short Row – Thomas Oliver 61 stoneman, married to Eliz 56 for 38 years with 10 children, 7 still alive – Ada 20 dressmaker, James Gilchrist O 18 putter killed 1/7/16 and Thomas 14 driver. Places of birth - Fatfield, Gateshead and Fatfield 3.
John O’Neil 11 Nova Scotia. RGA 56142. SR Born Manchester, aged 20, single, at 3 Chapel Row Portobello when he enlisted in 8 DLI in April 1914. He served until October 1914 but it isn’t clear what happened after that on his record, it being very feint. In 1911 at 6 Chapel Row Birtley – Patrick O’Neill 49 hewer, married for 29 years to Eliza 49 with 8 children, 7 still alive – Andrew 23 hewer killed 28/4/17, Patrick 21 killed 5/1/16 married 1 year to Clara and John 17, putter and Thomas 15 driver killed 2/6/15 , Places of birth Kilkenny 3, Manchester 4. Silver War Badge, enlisted 2/12/14 and discharged 18/11/18, aged 24, served abroad. War and Victory medals Base Details. Pension ledger. PR Discharged to 13 Long Row, 5/6d a week from 19/11/18 for 52 weeks. Another brother, James, was killed by a bus in an accident near Birtley in October 1917.
Norman Oswald 1 Long Row. 146026 233rd Field Coy RE Service Record was living at 1, Long Row, Fatfield when he enlisted at Harraton on 10/12/15. He was 20 and a ship’s carpenter. Norman was 5 feet 8, with a chest of 35 inches and was Cof E. His mother was Sarah, living at the same address.
Norman was mobilised in January 1916. He became Sapper 146026 in the Royal Engineers and qualified as a “Joiner Proficient”. He embarked from Southampton on 25/7/16 to join the BEF in France. Norman was given a fortnight’s leave to the UK on 23/8/17 and was appointed Acting Lance Corporal in September 1917. He was wounded in August 1918 and admitted to the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station with gunshot wounds to the right thigh. Five days later, on 14th August, he was transferred from the 4th Stationary Hospital to Whitstable. He seems to have played no further part in the war, being transferred to Class Z on 31/1/19.
His record contains a letter from the Ministry of Pensions giving details of a weekly pension of 5/6d - from 4/2/19 for 26 weeks. He left the army with a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a joiner.
Norman Oswald is on the St George’s Roll of Honour (Harraton and Fatfield) and there is also an “Oswald T”, perhaps his brother.
In 1911 at 1 Long Row – Sarah Ann Oswald widow (24 years 8 children, 6 still alive) with Thomas 29 boot maker and repairer,, John Howard O 29 blacksmith at iron works, Clarissa 25 milliner, Norman 15 apprentice joiner and William 12. Places of birth – Wallsend and Fatfield 5.
Thomas Oswald 1 Long Row. 25776 2nd then 9th KOR Lancs. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 1 Long Row – Sarah Ann Oswald widow (24 years 8 children, 6 still alive) with Thomas 29 boot maker and repairer,, John Howard O 29 blacksmith at iron works, Clarissa 25 milliner, Norman 15 apprentice joiner and William 12. Places of birth – Wallsend and Fatield 5.
Lewis Alfred Patterson 6 Wearside Tce. Driver 45134 attached 16th HQ RFA. War and Victory medals. To France 7/9/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 2 Lodge Hill Gilesgate – Joseph Petty Patterson 54 mole killer, married to Maria for 34 years with 14 children, 9 still alive – Ernest married 33 hewer all deleted, John 28 labourer, Lewis Alfred 26 hewer, Thomas married 24 (deleted), Septimus 22 occupation indecipherable, Florence married 20 deleted, Harold 18 labourer, Ethel 14, Arthur 12 and Abram Newstead lodger 66 hewer, Ralph Bailes 21 hewer lodger. Places of birth – Rainton, St Oswald’s Durham Belmont, Willington 2, Belmont 6, Seghill and St Oswald.
Frederick Patterson Lambton Park. 67532 AAS RGA. As below.
Frederick Pattison C/O Mrs Ross Lambton Park. 67532 Sgt 1 AA RGA Service Record - was born in 1891 and enlisted in the army at North Shields on 8/11/15. He was 5 feet 10, 24 years old, a married postman who gave his address as 12, Victor Street, Chester-le-Street. He married Helen B Ross at Fatfield on 25/3/16; other items on his army record give his wife’s address as C/O Mrs Ross of Lambton Park, Mrs Ross also being the mother of John Ross who died in Lille in 1918. Their child (name illegible) was born on 27/7/18. Frederick gave his occupation as postman; Helen B Ross worked for the Post Office.
Gunner Pattison was promoted to Sergeant 67532 in March 1916 and embarked for France on 30/4/16, his service abroad lasting until 25/10/18, at which point he was given leave until 9/11/18, finally being discharged on 9/3/19. He had been guilty of neglect of duty in May 1917, neglecting to obey an order in April 1918 and neglect of duty in June 1918, all incidents occurring in the field but he was merely reprimanded or admonished.
There was some mention of an ankle injury on his discharge papers but no details were given and nor is there any paperwork re a pension. Frederick was awarded the War and Victory Medals. He is listed as an Absent Voter for 1918 but was not on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 170 Gilesgate Durham – William Scott Pattison 29 married (but no wife listed) engineer and pattern maker with Eleanor sister 26 and Thomas george brother 22 printer, Frederick 19 postman and Elsie Beason niece 9. Places of birth Durham City 5. Frederick died in 1961.
Robert Pluse 5 Victoria Place. 425135 West Yorks. Army has War and Victory medals to 425135 Labour Corps, previously 4004 DLI. In 1911 at 12 Victoria Place, Washington Station – Robert Pluse 29 blacksmith at iron works, married to Eliz Ann 19 for under 1 year with Nora 3. Places of birth - Washington, Usworth and Washington.
John James Porthouse Harraton Hall. 61349 D Coy 4th Res W Yorks. 9th Yorks then NF 80275, War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 1 Trafalgar Row, Harraton Hall – Archibald Porthouse 38 farm hind, married for 18 yeears to Mary Ann 39 with 10 children – Lizzie Ellen 16 field worker, Thomas W 15 field worker, John James 13, Ehel 10, Edward Archie 9 Joseph 7, George Henry 5, Sarah Hannah 3, Ernest 1 and Alf Aix/Alex? Mitchell visitor 2. Places of birth Cumberland 2, Corbridge, Wylam, Haydon, Newburn, Newcastle 3, Benton 3. He married Frances May Clarke and died in Croxdale in 1962.
Robert Hastings Porthouse 13 Biddick Tce. 47394 15th Worcester. SR was born in Gateshead in 1893 and was a cartman working for the Cooperative Wholesale Society when he attested on 12/5/15. He was 22 years old, 5 feet 7 and weighed 128lbs. He became 12/22648 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He appears to have arrived in Enniskillen in March 1916 having earlier been supplied by the army with an artificial eye – the result of an accident in civilian life rather than due to any accident in the army. Basically Robert’s time in the army is a tale of ill-health. He was suffering from scabies in April 1916, gastritis in March 1917, March 1918 and December 1918, before being discharged in February 1919. His gastritis resulted in periods of 13 and 58 days in hospital.
The army had decided not to send him abroad because of the loss of his eye and so he did ordinary military service in Ireland. Medical reports state that, “In 1916 he began to have stomach trouble. Hospital 4 times with gastritis (81 days) c/o epigastric pains and he gives a history of vomiting and pain brought on by walking.”
Other comments report “swelling after ingestion of food, no hameotensis – well nourished, not anaemic” and “tenderness to right side of epigestrium, no evidence of dilation of stomach.” He could not, apparently “eat fat meat but can eat lean meat. No history of gastric ulcer. Is constipated. No physical signs of disease.” The doctor suggested that his disability was 10% and he was given a pension of 5/6d per week for 26 weeks from 20/11/19.
Robert had been transferred to the 16th Worcesters (47394) in April 1917 and then to the 15th Worcesters and then the Scottish Rifles (52341) from October 1918. His own view was that he had been in poor health on enlistment but that his vomiting had started due to poor army food.
There is no Medal Roll for Robert Porthouse with the above service numbers. The only Porthouse on the St George’s roll was TT Porthouse of Pictree. In 1911 at 30 Park View South Pelaw – Henry Porthouse 44 boiler minder above ground, married to Mary Ann (Pyle) 42 for 25 years and 5 children, 3 still alive – Robert Hastings P 18 putter and Jane Ann 16. Places of birth Gateshead Crook, Greenford Durham and South Pelaw. He married Eliz Forster in CLS October 1914 and died in 1963. One of his children was Olive Louvain (named after a Belgian town that suffered from German atrocities in the war).
William Prudhoe 14 Victoria Place. 6th NF. SR had what might be described as a chequered army career. He was a married miner, aged 30, when he attested on 8/12/14 in Newcastle. Unusually tall, at 6 feet, he was living at 12, Victoria Place when he became Private 547 in the 26th Northumberland Fusiliers, the Tyneside Irish. William had married Bridget Cain at Killingworth Parish Church in October 1909, their first daughter, Mary Cain, having been born in June 1908. Her sister Edith was born in February 1910. Posted to his regiment in February 1915, he was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal in March and then reverted to the ranks after being absent from tattoo and was then absent for 3 days in May. He went absent again in July and was then promoted to Lance Corporal in August and to Corporal in November. The names of his officers Lt Colonel Hussey-Walsh, Major O’Grady and Lt McGillicuddy make an interesting read.
Corporal Prudhoe went to France in January 1916 and was promoted to Lance Sergeant in April and to Sergeant in May of that year. On 3/7/16 he suffered a gunshot wound in the left knee and returned home, on the 6th of July, aboard HMS Egypt. He was marked absent in November 1916 but returned after a couple of days, at which point he was arrested, put on trial and sentenced to be reduced to the ranks. He went AWOL again in February of 1917, was imprisoned and, after another trial, was convicted of being absent without leave and deficiency of kit and sentenced to 6 months detention. Though nothing is specified it appears that his sentence was cut short because he was posted in April 1917 – only to desert again on 1/6/17. There are then discrepancies in his record; one entry seems to suggest he was absent 180 days but another entry suggests that was remitted to 112 days and yet another suggests that he returned to France on 12/7/17. In December 1917 he was suffering from myalgia, was admitted to 64 CCS and then 53rd General Hospital at Boulogne before transferring to England by ship on 15/1/18. Myalgia may be another word for trench fever because his record indicates that he was in hospital for that from 8/2/18 for 25 days. Anyway, he deserted on 18/2/18 (perhaps from hospital?), was absent 35 days but returned to France on 9/4/18, arriving at Boulogne. He had been apprehended by the Civil Police at Washington Station – probably at home rather than at the railway station. He was punished with 28 days Field Punishment No2 and the forfeiture of 35 days’ pay, as well as having to pay for deficiencies in his kit. Soldier Prudhoe (not sure what his rank was at the time) was gassed on 27/5/18. He was promoted (details are illegible) and compulsorily transferred to the South Staffordshire Regiment, 54020, at Etaples Base in August 1918. He was wounded and/or gassed again in early September and admitted to Trouville Hospital and then No1 Canadian General Hospital. In December 1918 he was severely reprimanded for failure to comply with an order and in January 1919, at his own request, he reverted to Private. In February 1919 he signed to say he was suffering from no disability after his time in the army and was discharged on that date.
Private Prudhoe returned to England with a story and a half to tell, should he have chosen to tell it, and he was awarded the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals. His name was included on the St George’s Roll.
In 1911 at 40 Cross Row, Westmoor- William Prudhoe 49 hewer, married to Mary 50 for 30 years and 8 children, 6 still alive – William 26 hewer, Bridget dauinlaw 24 married to William 24, for 3 years and 2 children – Mary 3 and Edith 1 and then John 18 pony driver, Annie 13, Joseph 10. Places of birth Washington, Sherburn, Washington, Walker, Usworth 2, Washington, North Shields and Westmoor Nd.
John Robert Raine 7 Lambton St. 260554 115th Labour Coy, previously 111 DLI. War and Victory medals. Discharged 31/3/19 pension ledger. 13 Gladstone Tce, Penshaw Station. Nil. In 1911 at 6 Front Row, New Penshaw – Edward Raine 40 hewer, married to Mary Ann for 20 years and 8 children, 7 still alive – John 20 putter, Elizabeth 9, Alice 7, Mary 4, William Charlton R 1. Places of birth – Shotton, Fatfield, North Biddick, Coxhoe 2, Trimdon and Penshaw.
William Ramshaw 13 Low Chapel Row. 70096 RDC. Not under this number or Royal Defence Corps. In 1911 at 35 Castle St – George Suddick 38 hewer, married to Jane Ann 47 for 27 (incorrect) years and 11 children, 8 still alive – James Ramshaw stepson 18 putter,
(Robert) William Ramshaw step 13, John George Ramshaw step 11, Frances Ramshaw step 9 and George Suddick son 3. Places of birth Birtley, Brown’s Buildings, Fatfield 5.
William Reed Victoria Bridge Cottage. 10408 4th Coldstream Guards. War, Victory medals and 1914 Star. To France 1/11/14. In 1911 at Victoria Cottage – Thomas Bradshaw 39 colliery ferryboat man, married to Sarah 32 for 8 years, no children and William Reed half brother pony driver. Places of birth Cox Green, Sunderland and Hylton. He married Margaret Ann Gargett in 1919 and died in 1974. In 1939 living at Monument Terrace, Penshaw.
Thomas Ridley 2 Blast Row. 95582 5th DLI SR War and Victory medals as 13th DLI and then attached E Base Depot. Pension ledger discharged 28/12/18. 2 Blast Row. No indication of any pension. Perhaps in 1911 at 6 Wood Houses – Thomas Ridley 38 hewer, married to Christina 36 for 16 years and 8 children, 7 still alive – Margaret 17, Thomas 12, Ralph 10, Robert 7, Joseph 5 and James 1 and Thomas Arkle 63 boarder widower hewer. Places of birth Chester le Street, Seghill, Washington, Felling, Washington 4 and Seghill.
William Ridley 8 Low Chapel Row. 82616 3rd Hussars. Not this number, not Hussars. In 1911 at 6 Short Row – George Ridley 49 hewer, married to Annie 47 for 28 years and 10 children, 7 still alive – George 21 putter, Mary Ann 17, Lilly 16, William 14 driver, Jane 12 and John 9. Places of birth – Mount Usworth, Fatfield, Birtley 5 and Fatfield.
Charles William Roberts 8 Hobson Tce. 206541 RGA. PR - was a married brick setter living at 8, Hobson Terrace when he attested in December 1915. He was 35 years old, 5 feet 4, weighed 131lbs and had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was CofE. CW had married Mary Ellen (Ferguson) at Morpeth in May 1910 and they had 4 children; William James was born at Springwell in August 1910, John Joseph at Choppington in January 1912, Charles Ralph at Washington in May 1915 and Thomas Henry at Washington in December 1917.
Gunner Roberts was mobilized by the Royal Regiment of Artillery on 28/3/18 and served at Queenstown from 27/4/18, at Fort Carlisle (Cork) from 18/6/18 and was transferred to Class W on 10/10/18. His character was described as good and his employer was given as Choppington Colliery, Bebside, Northumberland. No record of medals. In 1911 at Catholic Row Bedlington - Charles William Roberts 30 brickmaker, married 1 year to Mary Ellen with William James 7m. Places of birth Boroughbridge Yks, Ashington and Springwell.
Thomas Robinson 29 Long Row. 216018 Art Signal Depot RGA. Not under this number. In 1911 at 25 Long Row – Thomas Robinson 49 engineman above ground, married for 27 years to Mary 54 with 4 children, 2 still alive – Robert 24, married crossed, Thomas 14 worker in lamp cabin and Ada dau in law 20 also crossed out. Places of birth Lumley, Fatfield 3 and Spennymoor.
Ernest Ralph Robson 3 Biddick Inn Tce. 33500 Grenadier Guards. PR- 3 Biddick Inn Tce, aged 18, miner, when he attested on 10/1/16, father Frederick, mobilised 25/4/18 and demobilised 31/3/20. In 1911 at 3 Biddick Inn Tce – Frederick Robson 39 miner, married to Sarah 39 for 15 years and 1 child, Ernest Ralph 14. Places of birth Close House Durham, Castle Eden and Gurney Valley Durham.
Robert William Robson 55 Castle St. 12377 9th R Warwicks SR - served in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment having been transferred from the RGA on 1/6/15. He was born at Haswell, Durham and was a single miner, 19 years and 7 months old, when he attested at Shiney Row on 10/11/14. He was 5 feet 6 and weighed 126lbs at his medical with a fresh complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He was a Wesleyan. Robert’s father was Matthew Robson of 55, Castle Street.
Robert joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 18/9/15 and was there until 15/2/16. His record is torn at this point so other locations can’t be identified but he finally left the army in June 1919.
He was awarded the 1915 Star in March 1920 and also received the War and Victory Medals. He appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List. In 1911 at 55 Castle St – Matthew Robson 41 hewer, married for 20 years to Elizabeth 40 with 6 children, 4 still alive – Robert 16 driver, William 15 screener, Thomas 11 and Joseph 5. Places of birth South Hetton, Colliery Row, Haswell, CLS 2 and Fatfield.
George Robert Rodham 19 Castle St. 110338 Gunner then Bdr, RFA. To France 23/11/15 so 1915 Star. Pension ledger born 1896, discharged 7/1/19 as Royal Fusiliers. In 1911 at 10 Eden Tce South, Beamish – Joseph Rodham 53 stoneman, married for 34 years to Esther 53 with 8 children, 7 still alive – Thomas 18 putter and George 16 driver. Places of birth Beamish, Tanfield and Beamish 2.
Thomas William Rodham 19 Castle St. Gunner 34147 RFA, to Egypt 26/6/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. (See above for family info.)
George Robert Rodham 19 Castle St. 110388 Bdr RFA. As above.
James Rumney Lambton Park. Lincolns (error) Pension ledger has Westwood Club discharged 16/8/16, 14246 E Yorks and Death. Westwood club 21/11/25, widow Elizabeth. Two earlier cards but no indication of earlier pension or his disability. To Balkans 26/9/15 in
E Yorks. 1915 Star and War and Victory medals in 6th and 7th E Yorks. In 1911 at Earl of Durham Inn – James Rumney 32 hewer, married to Elizabeth for 3 years with 2 children – and George Dobson son 12 killed 18/9/16, Nellie Dobson 11, Mary Dobson 9, Thomas Dobson 7 and William Rumney 2 and Eliz Rumney 11m. Places of birth Ferryhill, Gateshead, North Hylton 6. James died in 1925.
John Ross Lambton Park. Lincolns. He was born at Bournmoor, enlisted at Houghton-le-Spring and was resident on the Lambton Park Estate. He served as Private 53214, D Company, 2/5th Lincolnshire Regiment and died, a prisoner of war, in Lille War Hospital, on 18th June 1918, aged 19. The 2/5th Lincolnshires were part of the 177th Brigade, 59th Division. His grave is in Lille Southern Cemetery, III.B.13. Lille was occupied by the Germans from October 1914 until, still undamaged by Allied artillery, October 1918. It was used by the Germans during the greater part of the war. John’s name is on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Ross John – killed and on the Harraton Memorial as Ross J. It is probably John Ross who is listed on the plaque in St Barnabas’ Church, Burnmoor, since he worked on the Lambton Estate.
The 1901 Census lists his family at Lambton Park. His father, Thomas (39), was a foreman plumber (estates), born in Scotland and his mother, Elizabeth (38), was also Scottish. Their children – Helen B (11), Barbara (9), Violet M (6), Elizabeth M (4) and John (2) were all born at Bournmoor.
The 1911 Census gives their address as Burnmoor Village. We learn that Thomas and Elizabeth, married for 23 years, were born in Leith and that Helen and Barbara had begun work for the General Post Office – Helen as a sorting clerk and telegraphist, while Barbara was an assistant clerk. The other three children were at school. The list of appointees to jobs in the Post Office confirms that Helen B Ross was appointed in April 1911 in the Chester-le-Street area. However, there is no entry for Barbara in the same records.
Barbara married George Edward Reay and had eight children (including the source of this extra info, Robert Taylor born 1935). George Edward Reay, a railwayman, joined the 2nd NF and was wounded in the Great War. Barbara sent one of George Edward’s brothers a white feather and was proud of having done so. George Edward also suffered from shell shock and was known to disappear during thunderstorms. Helen married a postman, Fred Patterson. Violet married late in life, having spent many years looking after her mother, Elizabeth – who was, apparently something of a martinet. She married Tom Foster, who was a deputy at Harraton Colliery. He died in 1973. Elizabeth M was known to everyone as Daisy. She married Stanley John Little and had 1 daughter. Mr Little was a teacher and involved in local politics, becoming chair of CLS RDC.
On 28/2/19 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle reported “Died of wounds, a prisoner of war, in Polytechnic Hospital, Lille, on 18/6/18, Private John Ross (19), dearly beloved and only son of Mr and Mrs T Ross of Lambton Park.” John’s name was included on the 1918 Absent Voters list, his address noted as Lambton Park.
His family were awarded the War and Victory medals. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Mary, John’s mother, received £13.12.6d – which included a war gratuity of £6.10 - on 14/7/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
20/6/19 (Durham Chronicle) In loving memory of Pte John Ross, Lincolnshire Regiment, dearly beloved and only son of Mr and Mrs T Ross, Lambton Park, who died from wounds as a prisoner of war on June 18, 1918, aged 19 years.
Ever remembered by his loving father, mother and sisters.
18/6/20 (Durham Chronicle) In loving memory of John Ross, aged 19 years, dearly beloved and only son of Mr and Mrs T Ross of Lambton Park, Fence Houses, who died a prisoner of war on June 18th 1918.
Deeply mourned by his loving father, mother, sisters and brothers in law. (added)
Pension card states that Pte 53214 Ross of Lincolns was missing from 15/4/18 and that his mother Mrs Edith Mary Ross (56) of Lambton Park was the claimant. No other details given. A dependant’s card states that Pte 53214 John Ross 2/5 Lincolns was missing from 15/4/18 and that Elizabeth (d Jan 1950), his mother, of Lambton Park was awarded 5/- per week from 17/2/18.
George Alfred Scott 10 Fatfield Sq. 15970 3rd Yorks. SR – was a single miner living with his father, John, at 15, Gladstone Terrace when he attested on 24/11/14 at Houghton-le-Spring. GA was 19 years and 6 months, 5 feet 4 with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He served as 15970 in the 2nd Yorkshire Regiment, ending as a Lance Corporal.
GA had a somewhat chequered career in the army. He underwent 7 days Field Punishment No2 in August 1915 for a period of absence and was then sentenced to 84 days detention for being absent around 12/12/16 though some details of this incident are illegible. He had been posted to France in August 1915. He was given leave to 10, The Square, Fatfield from 18/4/18 – 27/4/18 and then deserted on 18/8/18.
From Chestnut Street, Hirst, Ashington an undated letter reads as follows:
“To the Office i/c Infantry Records for Yorkshire Regiment
Dear Sir, We have a George Alfred Scott staying here who deserted his regiment, the Yorkshires, in August 1918 and he is out of work and can’t get employment until he gets his discharge so therefore we would request advice in the matter. Hoping you will let us know soon as we are worried about this
M Cowans” – unfortunately it’s never made clear who M Cowans was or represented.
Then from Chestnut Ave, Ashington 7/3/21
“Dear Sir,
Just a line in answer to your letter as regards my discharge. Well I am forwarding you the following particulars about myself from the time of leaving my regiment and where from. I enlisted in the West Yorkshire Regiment on Nov 14th 1914 and served with said regiment up till August 6th 1918. I enlisted in the 9th Battalion and served with that Battalion to July 10th 1916 from then I was transferred to the second Battalion returning to France after being wounded. I was in France until March 22nd 1918 when I was wounded again. I was then stationed at West Huntly from where I left my company who were lying at Tunnel Camp. I’m not able to work through not having my discharge papers so I am writing asking if you would look into the matter for me. I think I have just about given you all the particulars I can. Hope you can give considerate attention and let me know what to do as I am anxious
I now close
I remain yours truly GA Scott”
On March 21st an army memo pointed out that a trial for desertion for GA Scott had been dispensed with by order of the Army Council under Section 73 because he’d admitted his desertion.
On GA’s Medal Roll it points out that his medals had been forfeited by 5/1/22. He would have been due to the 14/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals.
GA is listed as an Absent Voter and may have been on the St George’s Roll as A Scott – there being no GA Scott.
John Scott 16 Castle St. 15353 6th E Yorks, War and Victory medals. To Balkans 14/7/15 so 1915 Star. Pension ledger born 1894 and discharged 21/1/19. Chronic catarrh and gas poisoning. 16 Castle St, married. 6-14% for 7/6d for 70 weeks from 31/3/21. In 1911 at 16 Castle St – Edward John Scott 38 deputy overman, married to Eliz 37 for 18 years and 8 children, 7 still alive – John 18 motor driver below, Ethel 15 servant, Jane 12, Richard 10, Mary Hind S 7, Edward 4 and William 1. Places of birth Newbottle, Washington, Fatfield 7. In 1939 he was living in Fir Tree Ave.
Matthew Scott 2 Waggonway Tce. 84596 4th RHA PR - served as 22241 in the Reserve Cavalry. He was born at Crofton, Blyth and was nearly 25, a married miner, when he attested at Shiney Row on 5/9/14. He was 5 feet 8, weighed 160 pounds and had a fair complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He had married Mary Jane (Usher), a spinster at Fatfield Parish Church on 3/7/09 and their children, May and Snowdon, were born in May 1906 and May 1910. They were living at 2, Waggonway Terrace. Matthew had put down for the cavalry. However, he was discharged in October 1914, though no reason was given.
Matthew was sent to the Balkans on 11/10/15 and was therefore entitled to the 1914/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals. These medals were awarded to Matthew Hutchinson Scott, 84596 of the RFA and RHA so he must have rejoined after his initial period of service. There are, however, no records of his rejoining. Matthew appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List. In 1911 at 26 The Square – Matthew H Scott 19 married one year hewer, with Mary Jane (Usher) 23 and son Snowdon 10m. Also there Mary Usher Scott daughter 4, Eliz Ann McLinden widow sister in law 31 with sons James 3 and Michael 1. Places of birth Crofton Durham (actually Nd), Fatfield 4 and Birtley 2.
John Frederick Seagar 8 Waggonway Tce. 56692 RGA Pension ledger died. Born 1886 Sgt address Fatfield, discharged 22/2/19. 8 Waggonway Tce, widow Mary Jane, no amount. November 1925. Earlier card suggested dysentery 20% for 9/4d +3/6d for 1 child, falling to 1-5% in Sept 1921 for 10/6d for 35 weeks then back to 30% for 14/- + 5/3d until July 1923. In 1911 John Seagar, born Somerset in 1885, was a Lance Corporal serving in 3rd Middlesex Regt. He was son of William Alfred and Martha and sibling to William A G, Jessie, Ethel and Abraham.
SERGEANT J.F.SEAGAR.
Mr Kirkup next presented Sergeant J.F. Seagar with a gold watch and in so doing said this brave NCO had been presented with the Croix de Guerre or Belgian Cross of War by the Belgian Government. He felt sure all present were glad to see Sergeant Seagar once again and to congratulate him on his achievement and the honour which he had won. The small presentation that they made to him that day was but a public expression of their pride, for, added Mr Kirkup, had it not been for the courage and devotion displayed by the Belgian Army the Germans would have got to Paris in the early stages of the war.
Sergeant J.F. Seagar, Siege Artillery, was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre for bravery and devotion to duty by bringing in a Belgian General who had been wounded. Sergeant Seagar is the eldest of three sons of a well-known Bath family and is an old Bluecoat School boy. He enlisted in early January 1915 and rejoined his old regiment, the Artillery, but owing to a serious accident did not go abroad until September 1917.’
Sergeant Seagar, who was well received, very modestly thanked the committee and friends for the beautiful present. He considered that he had done nothing but his duty. He was under heavy shellfire at the time when an enemy shell dropped close to the Belgian General wounding him and he did his duty by bringing him in. He could not say how much he appreciated their kindness in making him this presentation. (Applause).
On the motion of Mr J Tait, seconded by Mr F Eli (sic, it should be Eley) a comprehensive vote of thanks was given to the Presentation Committee, the Chairman, Mr Kirkup and the Band for the excellent services they had rendered that day.”
The army had decided not to send him abroad because of the loss of his eye and so he did ordinary military service in Ireland. Medical reports state that, “In 1916 he began to have stomach trouble. Hospital 4 times with gastritis (81 days) c/o epigastric pains and he gives a history of vomiting and pain brought on by walking.”
Other comments report “swelling after ingestion of food, no hameotensis – well nourished, not anaemic” and “tenderness to right side of epigestrium, no evidence of dilation of stomach.” He could not, apparently “eat fat meat but can eat lean meat. No history of gastric ulcer. Is constipated. No physical signs of disease.” The doctor suggested that his disability was 10% and he was given a pension of 5/6d per week for 26 weeks from 20/11/19.
Robert had been transferred to the 16th Worcesters (47394) in April 1917 and then to the 15th Worcesters and then the Scottish Rifles (52341) from October 1918. His own view was that he had been in poor health on enlistment but that his vomiting had started due to poor army food.
There is no Medal Roll for Robert Porthouse with the above service numbers. The only Porthouse on the St George’s roll was TT Porthouse of Pictree. In 1911 at 30 Park View South Pelaw – Henry Porthouse 44 boiler minder above ground, married to Mary Ann (Pyle) 42 for 25 years and 5 children, 3 still alive – Robert Hastings P 18 putter and Jane Ann 16. Places of birth Gateshead Crook, Greenford Durham and South Pelaw. He married Eliz Forster in CLS October 1914 and died in 1963. One of his children was Olive Louvain (named after a Belgian town that suffered from German atrocities in the war).
William Prudhoe 14 Victoria Place. 6th NF. SR had what might be described as a chequered army career. He was a married miner, aged 30, when he attested on 8/12/14 in Newcastle. Unusually tall, at 6 feet, he was living at 12, Victoria Place when he became Private 547 in the 26th Northumberland Fusiliers, the Tyneside Irish. William had married Bridget Cain at Killingworth Parish Church in October 1909, their first daughter, Mary Cain, having been born in June 1908. Her sister Edith was born in February 1910. Posted to his regiment in February 1915, he was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal in March and then reverted to the ranks after being absent from tattoo and was then absent for 3 days in May. He went absent again in July and was then promoted to Lance Corporal in August and to Corporal in November. The names of his officers Lt Colonel Hussey-Walsh, Major O’Grady and Lt McGillicuddy make an interesting read.
Corporal Prudhoe went to France in January 1916 and was promoted to Lance Sergeant in April and to Sergeant in May of that year. On 3/7/16 he suffered a gunshot wound in the left knee and returned home, on the 6th of July, aboard HMS Egypt. He was marked absent in November 1916 but returned after a couple of days, at which point he was arrested, put on trial and sentenced to be reduced to the ranks. He went AWOL again in February of 1917, was imprisoned and, after another trial, was convicted of being absent without leave and deficiency of kit and sentenced to 6 months detention. Though nothing is specified it appears that his sentence was cut short because he was posted in April 1917 – only to desert again on 1/6/17. There are then discrepancies in his record; one entry seems to suggest he was absent 180 days but another entry suggests that was remitted to 112 days and yet another suggests that he returned to France on 12/7/17. In December 1917 he was suffering from myalgia, was admitted to 64 CCS and then 53rd General Hospital at Boulogne before transferring to England by ship on 15/1/18. Myalgia may be another word for trench fever because his record indicates that he was in hospital for that from 8/2/18 for 25 days. Anyway, he deserted on 18/2/18 (perhaps from hospital?), was absent 35 days but returned to France on 9/4/18, arriving at Boulogne. He had been apprehended by the Civil Police at Washington Station – probably at home rather than at the railway station. He was punished with 28 days Field Punishment No2 and the forfeiture of 35 days’ pay, as well as having to pay for deficiencies in his kit. Soldier Prudhoe (not sure what his rank was at the time) was gassed on 27/5/18. He was promoted (details are illegible) and compulsorily transferred to the South Staffordshire Regiment, 54020, at Etaples Base in August 1918. He was wounded and/or gassed again in early September and admitted to Trouville Hospital and then No1 Canadian General Hospital. In December 1918 he was severely reprimanded for failure to comply with an order and in January 1919, at his own request, he reverted to Private. In February 1919 he signed to say he was suffering from no disability after his time in the army and was discharged on that date.
Private Prudhoe returned to England with a story and a half to tell, should he have chosen to tell it, and he was awarded the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals. His name was included on the St George’s Roll.
In 1911 at 40 Cross Row, Westmoor- William Prudhoe 49 hewer, married to Mary 50 for 30 years and 8 children, 6 still alive – William 26 hewer, Bridget dauinlaw 24 married to William 24, for 3 years and 2 children – Mary 3 and Edith 1 and then John 18 pony driver, Annie 13, Joseph 10. Places of birth Washington, Sherburn, Washington, Walker, Usworth 2, Washington, North Shields and Westmoor Nd.
John Robert Raine 7 Lambton St. 260554 115th Labour Coy, previously 111 DLI. War and Victory medals. Discharged 31/3/19 pension ledger. 13 Gladstone Tce, Penshaw Station. Nil. In 1911 at 6 Front Row, New Penshaw – Edward Raine 40 hewer, married to Mary Ann for 20 years and 8 children, 7 still alive – John 20 putter, Elizabeth 9, Alice 7, Mary 4, William Charlton R 1. Places of birth – Shotton, Fatfield, North Biddick, Coxhoe 2, Trimdon and Penshaw.
William Ramshaw 13 Low Chapel Row. 70096 RDC. Not under this number or Royal Defence Corps. In 1911 at 35 Castle St – George Suddick 38 hewer, married to Jane Ann 47 for 27 (incorrect) years and 11 children, 8 still alive – James Ramshaw stepson 18 putter,
(Robert) William Ramshaw step 13, John George Ramshaw step 11, Frances Ramshaw step 9 and George Suddick son 3. Places of birth Birtley, Brown’s Buildings, Fatfield 5.
William Reed Victoria Bridge Cottage. 10408 4th Coldstream Guards. War, Victory medals and 1914 Star. To France 1/11/14. In 1911 at Victoria Cottage – Thomas Bradshaw 39 colliery ferryboat man, married to Sarah 32 for 8 years, no children and William Reed half brother pony driver. Places of birth Cox Green, Sunderland and Hylton. He married Margaret Ann Gargett in 1919 and died in 1974. In 1939 living at Monument Terrace, Penshaw.
Thomas Ridley 2 Blast Row. 95582 5th DLI SR War and Victory medals as 13th DLI and then attached E Base Depot. Pension ledger discharged 28/12/18. 2 Blast Row. No indication of any pension. Perhaps in 1911 at 6 Wood Houses – Thomas Ridley 38 hewer, married to Christina 36 for 16 years and 8 children, 7 still alive – Margaret 17, Thomas 12, Ralph 10, Robert 7, Joseph 5 and James 1 and Thomas Arkle 63 boarder widower hewer. Places of birth Chester le Street, Seghill, Washington, Felling, Washington 4 and Seghill.
William Ridley 8 Low Chapel Row. 82616 3rd Hussars. Not this number, not Hussars. In 1911 at 6 Short Row – George Ridley 49 hewer, married to Annie 47 for 28 years and 10 children, 7 still alive – George 21 putter, Mary Ann 17, Lilly 16, William 14 driver, Jane 12 and John 9. Places of birth – Mount Usworth, Fatfield, Birtley 5 and Fatfield.
Charles William Roberts 8 Hobson Tce. 206541 RGA. PR - was a married brick setter living at 8, Hobson Terrace when he attested in December 1915. He was 35 years old, 5 feet 4, weighed 131lbs and had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was CofE. CW had married Mary Ellen (Ferguson) at Morpeth in May 1910 and they had 4 children; William James was born at Springwell in August 1910, John Joseph at Choppington in January 1912, Charles Ralph at Washington in May 1915 and Thomas Henry at Washington in December 1917.
Gunner Roberts was mobilized by the Royal Regiment of Artillery on 28/3/18 and served at Queenstown from 27/4/18, at Fort Carlisle (Cork) from 18/6/18 and was transferred to Class W on 10/10/18. His character was described as good and his employer was given as Choppington Colliery, Bebside, Northumberland. No record of medals. In 1911 at Catholic Row Bedlington - Charles William Roberts 30 brickmaker, married 1 year to Mary Ellen with William James 7m. Places of birth Boroughbridge Yks, Ashington and Springwell.
Thomas Robinson 29 Long Row. 216018 Art Signal Depot RGA. Not under this number. In 1911 at 25 Long Row – Thomas Robinson 49 engineman above ground, married for 27 years to Mary 54 with 4 children, 2 still alive – Robert 24, married crossed, Thomas 14 worker in lamp cabin and Ada dau in law 20 also crossed out. Places of birth Lumley, Fatfield 3 and Spennymoor.
Ernest Ralph Robson 3 Biddick Inn Tce. 33500 Grenadier Guards. PR- 3 Biddick Inn Tce, aged 18, miner, when he attested on 10/1/16, father Frederick, mobilised 25/4/18 and demobilised 31/3/20. In 1911 at 3 Biddick Inn Tce – Frederick Robson 39 miner, married to Sarah 39 for 15 years and 1 child, Ernest Ralph 14. Places of birth Close House Durham, Castle Eden and Gurney Valley Durham.
Robert William Robson 55 Castle St. 12377 9th R Warwicks SR - served in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment having been transferred from the RGA on 1/6/15. He was born at Haswell, Durham and was a single miner, 19 years and 7 months old, when he attested at Shiney Row on 10/11/14. He was 5 feet 6 and weighed 126lbs at his medical with a fresh complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He was a Wesleyan. Robert’s father was Matthew Robson of 55, Castle Street.
Robert joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 18/9/15 and was there until 15/2/16. His record is torn at this point so other locations can’t be identified but he finally left the army in June 1919.
He was awarded the 1915 Star in March 1920 and also received the War and Victory Medals. He appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List. In 1911 at 55 Castle St – Matthew Robson 41 hewer, married for 20 years to Elizabeth 40 with 6 children, 4 still alive – Robert 16 driver, William 15 screener, Thomas 11 and Joseph 5. Places of birth South Hetton, Colliery Row, Haswell, CLS 2 and Fatfield.
George Robert Rodham 19 Castle St. 110338 Gunner then Bdr, RFA. To France 23/11/15 so 1915 Star. Pension ledger born 1896, discharged 7/1/19 as Royal Fusiliers. In 1911 at 10 Eden Tce South, Beamish – Joseph Rodham 53 stoneman, married for 34 years to Esther 53 with 8 children, 7 still alive – Thomas 18 putter and George 16 driver. Places of birth Beamish, Tanfield and Beamish 2.
Thomas William Rodham 19 Castle St. Gunner 34147 RFA, to Egypt 26/6/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. (See above for family info.)
George Robert Rodham 19 Castle St. 110388 Bdr RFA. As above.
James Rumney Lambton Park. Lincolns (error) Pension ledger has Westwood Club discharged 16/8/16, 14246 E Yorks and Death. Westwood club 21/11/25, widow Elizabeth. Two earlier cards but no indication of earlier pension or his disability. To Balkans 26/9/15 in
E Yorks. 1915 Star and War and Victory medals in 6th and 7th E Yorks. In 1911 at Earl of Durham Inn – James Rumney 32 hewer, married to Elizabeth for 3 years with 2 children – and George Dobson son 12 killed 18/9/16, Nellie Dobson 11, Mary Dobson 9, Thomas Dobson 7 and William Rumney 2 and Eliz Rumney 11m. Places of birth Ferryhill, Gateshead, North Hylton 6. James died in 1925.
John Ross Lambton Park. Lincolns. He was born at Bournmoor, enlisted at Houghton-le-Spring and was resident on the Lambton Park Estate. He served as Private 53214, D Company, 2/5th Lincolnshire Regiment and died, a prisoner of war, in Lille War Hospital, on 18th June 1918, aged 19. The 2/5th Lincolnshires were part of the 177th Brigade, 59th Division. His grave is in Lille Southern Cemetery, III.B.13. Lille was occupied by the Germans from October 1914 until, still undamaged by Allied artillery, October 1918. It was used by the Germans during the greater part of the war. John’s name is on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Ross John – killed and on the Harraton Memorial as Ross J. It is probably John Ross who is listed on the plaque in St Barnabas’ Church, Burnmoor, since he worked on the Lambton Estate.
The 1901 Census lists his family at Lambton Park. His father, Thomas (39), was a foreman plumber (estates), born in Scotland and his mother, Elizabeth (38), was also Scottish. Their children – Helen B (11), Barbara (9), Violet M (6), Elizabeth M (4) and John (2) were all born at Bournmoor.
The 1911 Census gives their address as Burnmoor Village. We learn that Thomas and Elizabeth, married for 23 years, were born in Leith and that Helen and Barbara had begun work for the General Post Office – Helen as a sorting clerk and telegraphist, while Barbara was an assistant clerk. The other three children were at school. The list of appointees to jobs in the Post Office confirms that Helen B Ross was appointed in April 1911 in the Chester-le-Street area. However, there is no entry for Barbara in the same records.
Barbara married George Edward Reay and had eight children (including the source of this extra info, Robert Taylor born 1935). George Edward Reay, a railwayman, joined the 2nd NF and was wounded in the Great War. Barbara sent one of George Edward’s brothers a white feather and was proud of having done so. George Edward also suffered from shell shock and was known to disappear during thunderstorms. Helen married a postman, Fred Patterson. Violet married late in life, having spent many years looking after her mother, Elizabeth – who was, apparently something of a martinet. She married Tom Foster, who was a deputy at Harraton Colliery. He died in 1973. Elizabeth M was known to everyone as Daisy. She married Stanley John Little and had 1 daughter. Mr Little was a teacher and involved in local politics, becoming chair of CLS RDC.
On 28/2/19 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle reported “Died of wounds, a prisoner of war, in Polytechnic Hospital, Lille, on 18/6/18, Private John Ross (19), dearly beloved and only son of Mr and Mrs T Ross of Lambton Park.” John’s name was included on the 1918 Absent Voters list, his address noted as Lambton Park.
His family were awarded the War and Victory medals. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Mary, John’s mother, received £13.12.6d – which included a war gratuity of £6.10 - on 14/7/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
20/6/19 (Durham Chronicle) In loving memory of Pte John Ross, Lincolnshire Regiment, dearly beloved and only son of Mr and Mrs T Ross, Lambton Park, who died from wounds as a prisoner of war on June 18, 1918, aged 19 years.
Ever remembered by his loving father, mother and sisters.
18/6/20 (Durham Chronicle) In loving memory of John Ross, aged 19 years, dearly beloved and only son of Mr and Mrs T Ross of Lambton Park, Fence Houses, who died a prisoner of war on June 18th 1918.
Deeply mourned by his loving father, mother, sisters and brothers in law. (added)
Pension card states that Pte 53214 Ross of Lincolns was missing from 15/4/18 and that his mother Mrs Edith Mary Ross (56) of Lambton Park was the claimant. No other details given. A dependant’s card states that Pte 53214 John Ross 2/5 Lincolns was missing from 15/4/18 and that Elizabeth (d Jan 1950), his mother, of Lambton Park was awarded 5/- per week from 17/2/18.
George Alfred Scott 10 Fatfield Sq. 15970 3rd Yorks. SR – was a single miner living with his father, John, at 15, Gladstone Terrace when he attested on 24/11/14 at Houghton-le-Spring. GA was 19 years and 6 months, 5 feet 4 with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He served as 15970 in the 2nd Yorkshire Regiment, ending as a Lance Corporal.
GA had a somewhat chequered career in the army. He underwent 7 days Field Punishment No2 in August 1915 for a period of absence and was then sentenced to 84 days detention for being absent around 12/12/16 though some details of this incident are illegible. He had been posted to France in August 1915. He was given leave to 10, The Square, Fatfield from 18/4/18 – 27/4/18 and then deserted on 18/8/18.
From Chestnut Street, Hirst, Ashington an undated letter reads as follows:
“To the Office i/c Infantry Records for Yorkshire Regiment
Dear Sir, We have a George Alfred Scott staying here who deserted his regiment, the Yorkshires, in August 1918 and he is out of work and can’t get employment until he gets his discharge so therefore we would request advice in the matter. Hoping you will let us know soon as we are worried about this
M Cowans” – unfortunately it’s never made clear who M Cowans was or represented.
Then from Chestnut Ave, Ashington 7/3/21
“Dear Sir,
Just a line in answer to your letter as regards my discharge. Well I am forwarding you the following particulars about myself from the time of leaving my regiment and where from. I enlisted in the West Yorkshire Regiment on Nov 14th 1914 and served with said regiment up till August 6th 1918. I enlisted in the 9th Battalion and served with that Battalion to July 10th 1916 from then I was transferred to the second Battalion returning to France after being wounded. I was in France until March 22nd 1918 when I was wounded again. I was then stationed at West Huntly from where I left my company who were lying at Tunnel Camp. I’m not able to work through not having my discharge papers so I am writing asking if you would look into the matter for me. I think I have just about given you all the particulars I can. Hope you can give considerate attention and let me know what to do as I am anxious
I now close
I remain yours truly GA Scott”
On March 21st an army memo pointed out that a trial for desertion for GA Scott had been dispensed with by order of the Army Council under Section 73 because he’d admitted his desertion.
On GA’s Medal Roll it points out that his medals had been forfeited by 5/1/22. He would have been due to the 14/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals.
GA is listed as an Absent Voter and may have been on the St George’s Roll as A Scott – there being no GA Scott.
John Scott 16 Castle St. 15353 6th E Yorks, War and Victory medals. To Balkans 14/7/15 so 1915 Star. Pension ledger born 1894 and discharged 21/1/19. Chronic catarrh and gas poisoning. 16 Castle St, married. 6-14% for 7/6d for 70 weeks from 31/3/21. In 1911 at 16 Castle St – Edward John Scott 38 deputy overman, married to Eliz 37 for 18 years and 8 children, 7 still alive – John 18 motor driver below, Ethel 15 servant, Jane 12, Richard 10, Mary Hind S 7, Edward 4 and William 1. Places of birth Newbottle, Washington, Fatfield 7. In 1939 he was living in Fir Tree Ave.
Matthew Scott 2 Waggonway Tce. 84596 4th RHA PR - served as 22241 in the Reserve Cavalry. He was born at Crofton, Blyth and was nearly 25, a married miner, when he attested at Shiney Row on 5/9/14. He was 5 feet 8, weighed 160 pounds and had a fair complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He had married Mary Jane (Usher), a spinster at Fatfield Parish Church on 3/7/09 and their children, May and Snowdon, were born in May 1906 and May 1910. They were living at 2, Waggonway Terrace. Matthew had put down for the cavalry. However, he was discharged in October 1914, though no reason was given.
Matthew was sent to the Balkans on 11/10/15 and was therefore entitled to the 1914/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals. These medals were awarded to Matthew Hutchinson Scott, 84596 of the RFA and RHA so he must have rejoined after his initial period of service. There are, however, no records of his rejoining. Matthew appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List. In 1911 at 26 The Square – Matthew H Scott 19 married one year hewer, with Mary Jane (Usher) 23 and son Snowdon 10m. Also there Mary Usher Scott daughter 4, Eliz Ann McLinden widow sister in law 31 with sons James 3 and Michael 1. Places of birth Crofton Durham (actually Nd), Fatfield 4 and Birtley 2.
John Frederick Seagar 8 Waggonway Tce. 56692 RGA Pension ledger died. Born 1886 Sgt address Fatfield, discharged 22/2/19. 8 Waggonway Tce, widow Mary Jane, no amount. November 1925. Earlier card suggested dysentery 20% for 9/4d +3/6d for 1 child, falling to 1-5% in Sept 1921 for 10/6d for 35 weeks then back to 30% for 14/- + 5/3d until July 1923. In 1911 John Seagar, born Somerset in 1885, was a Lance Corporal serving in 3rd Middlesex Regt. He was son of William Alfred and Martha and sibling to William A G, Jessie, Ethel and Abraham.
SERGEANT J.F.SEAGAR.
Mr Kirkup next presented Sergeant J.F. Seagar with a gold watch and in so doing said this brave NCO had been presented with the Croix de Guerre or Belgian Cross of War by the Belgian Government. He felt sure all present were glad to see Sergeant Seagar once again and to congratulate him on his achievement and the honour which he had won. The small presentation that they made to him that day was but a public expression of their pride, for, added Mr Kirkup, had it not been for the courage and devotion displayed by the Belgian Army the Germans would have got to Paris in the early stages of the war.
Sergeant J.F. Seagar, Siege Artillery, was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre for bravery and devotion to duty by bringing in a Belgian General who had been wounded. Sergeant Seagar is the eldest of three sons of a well-known Bath family and is an old Bluecoat School boy. He enlisted in early January 1915 and rejoined his old regiment, the Artillery, but owing to a serious accident did not go abroad until September 1917.’
Sergeant Seagar, who was well received, very modestly thanked the committee and friends for the beautiful present. He considered that he had done nothing but his duty. He was under heavy shellfire at the time when an enemy shell dropped close to the Belgian General wounding him and he did his duty by bringing him in. He could not say how much he appreciated their kindness in making him this presentation. (Applause).
On the motion of Mr J Tait, seconded by Mr F Eli (sic, it should be Eley) a comprehensive vote of thanks was given to the Presentation Committee, the Chairman, Mr Kirkup and the Band for the excellent services they had rendered that day.”
John William Shannon 22 Fatfield Sq. 82619 3rd Hussars. Not under this number or Hussars. In 1911 at 271 Middle St, Ouston – Matthew Shannon 46 stoneman, married to Catherine 42 for 23 years and 12 children, 9 still alive – Isabella Jane Little dau married 21 to Halley Burton Little 24 shifter and then James Mason Shannon 18 rope lad, John William 17 putter, Joseph 15 driver, Matthew 13, George 11, Thomas 5, Archibald 3 and Mary Ann 3m. Places of birth Carlisle, Scotswood, Whitehaven, Scotswood 2, Benwell 5 and Ouston.
Henry Sharp 10 Long Row. 83050 4th NF. Then DLI 47153 War and Victory medals. Award rolls say 1/7th NF, then 15th DLI. In 1911 at 1 The Burns – William Sharp 55 widower hewer (married 32 with 13 children, 10 still alive) William 26 hewer, Thomas 18 waggonway man, Harriet 16, Lizzie 13, Henry 12, Nellie 10 and Charles 8. Places of birth – Barnow Suffolk, Pelton 7.
William Sharp 10 Long Row. 111749 RFA. SR - was born at Chester-le-Street in 1887 and attested at Shiney Row on 6/9/14. He was CofE, 5 feet 4, weighed 154lbs and had a dark complexion, hazel eyes and dark hair. William became 20279 in the Royal Field Artillery but there was a mix-up in army records with another William Sharp having the same number. When this was realised, in November 1915, his number was changed to 111749 and under this number he was posted to 173 Brigade RFA.
William’s attestation form listed a brother, Richard, at Eighton Banks, Wrekenton and another, Thomas, at 33, Short Row Fatfield. On demobilisation, and on the Absent Voters List of 1918, his own address was given as 10, Long Row.
William went to France on 27/11/15, crossing from Southampton to Le Havre, and, apart from leave spells to the UK in January 1917 and March 1918, he was with the BEF until he returned, via Dunkirk, in December 1918. In March 1917 he spent 13 days in hospital, suffering from dental caries. He received Proficiency Pay of 6d per day from 6/9/16.
William, on demobilisation, confirmed he was suffering no disability from his time in the army. He was awarded the 1915 Star and the War and Victory Medals. His name appears on the St George’s Roll of Honour next to the name of his brother Henry who had served in the NF and DLI. In July 1920, Driver Sharp was presented with a gold watch by the Welcome Home Committee; a watch was usually the memento presented to those men who’d won the Military Medal or some other higher decoration. There is no mention of this on his record. (See above for further family info).
William Frederick Sheraton Penshaw View. 241765 10/11 HLI. SR - was born at Chester-le-Street in 1897 and was living at Penshaw View, Fatfield, when he attested on 10/12/15. He was 5 feet 6, a colliery clerk at North Biddick Colliery and living with his father William. He was CofE. He served as 241765 in the 6th, 10/11th and 14th Highland Light Infantry. Private Sheraton was embodied on 18/5/16 and joined the BEF in France on 8/8/17 before being demobilized on 21/2/19. He’d been hospitalised at Hardelot in May 1918, suffering from impetigo and was also admitted to hospital in Leicester in June of the same year, “sick”, the two incidents perhaps being related. A furlough, in June 1918, had been unofficially extended by him and so he forfeited 2 days’ pay.
WF was awarded the War and Victory Medals. He appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List.
In 1911 at Penshaw View Fatfield – William Sheraton 43 grocery manager at Coop, married to Margaret (Ryle) for 18 years and 3 children, 2 still alive – William Frederick 13 and John 10. Places of birth CLS, Birtley and CLS 2. William married Sarah Eliz Cairns and died in 1976 at New Herrington, leaving £6955
1939 living in Hetton, clerk at mine, wife Sarah E + AN Other and William Cairns b 1863.
Samuel Sillet Nova Scotia. 405261 ASC. No info re medals. PR – New Buildings Nova Scotia, 22 , miner, married 10/12/15 when he attested. Married Margaret Jane Knox at Pelton in May 1915 and James and Frederick Joseph born 1916 and 1917 Mobilised 29/1/18 and transferred to ASC 29/6/18. Discharged 14/12/18 to 3 West Row Newfield Newcastle (sic). Suffering from neuritis which originated at Grange Villa Durham in 1915. In 1911 at 3 West Row Pelton – James Sillett 54 stoneman , married to Eliz Jane 51 for 33 years and 9 children, 5 still alive – Samuel 18 off handed work, Henry 13. Places of birth Low Spennymoor, HLS, Newfield 2. He died at CLS in 1970 leaving £379.
James Robert Simpson Union Row. 340796 6th NF. Medal card gives 36th Bn NF. No medals. SWB returned undelivered. Enlisted 24/4/16, discharged 2/4/19 did not serve overseas. PR – 19 a miner when joined in 1916. Married 31/10/14. Suffered from appendicitis and boils on the bottom and defective vision. Pension of 13/9d for 26 weeks then 5/6d for 26 weeks + a gratuity of £5. Address 5 Union Row
Aaron Smith 26 Hobson Tce. 037151 AOC. In 1911 at 26 Hobson Tce (8 rooms) – Matthew Smith 60 widower forgeman at Cook’s iron works (17 children, 11 still alive, wife Jane Ann Braban) Samuel 38 forge assistant. Frederick 28 colliery tub builder, Charles 26 blacksmith, Matthew 21 forge assistant, Aaron 20 grocer’s assistant, Jane 19, George 17 colliery tub builder and Sarah 16. Places of birth – Penshaw, Washington 2, Harraton 6.
George Frederick Smith 10 Low Chapel Row. K22830 HMS St George. Enlisted 10/7/14 for 12 years. Born 24/5/93 at Sheerness, fireman. Finished on St George as leading Stoker. Sept 1919 invalided for neurasthenia. Pension ledger says single b 1895 12 Low Chapel Row, neurasthenia constitutional 20% for 8/7d and then 1-5% for 8/- for 35 weeks from June 1921.
John Spalding 14 Lambton St. T4/091987 ASC Pension ledger born 1872. 14 Lambton St married, chronic emphysema and bronchitis aggravated by service, discharged 7/2/19. 20% then 30% for 8/- +3/6 for child and then 12/- + 3/- until at Least March 1924. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 15 St Agnes St Coxlodge – John Spalding 40 hewer, married 20 years to Sarah Jane (Bankhead) 42 with 4 children – James 16 hauling rope boy, Jane 11, Sarah 7 and John 5. Places of birth Gateshead, Northumberland, Pelton Fell, Gateshead, CLS and Grange Villa.
John Southern 12 Short Row. 12256 20th Hussars. Medal rolls say 10th Hussars, discharged 18/1/19, War and Victory medals. To France 18/5/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 70 Gurney Valley Coundon Grange – Thomas Southern 68 hewer, married to Mary Ann 56 for 33 years and 8 children – Joseph Harle S 31 Insurance agent Refuge, Hannah 28, Elizabeth 24, Isabel 21, John 16 bootmaker’s apprentice and William 13. Places of birth – Tow Law and South Church 7. John married Viola Borlace and died in 1954.
William Southern 12 Short Row. 94938 3rd DLI. SR – he was living at 12, Short Row when he attested at Newcastle on 7/6/15. He became 3/23807 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. William was only 5 feet 2. He only served until 10/7/15, at which point it was discovered (though his record doesn’t indicate how) that he had “made a false statement as to his age on enlistment” and he was therefore discharged. William was a motor breaker, son of William Southern of the same address.
There is a Medal Roll for William Southern who later served as 44938 in the DLI and 58831 in the KOYLIs so perhaps William rejoined when he reached the appropriate age. William’s name appears on the St George’s Roll and on the Absent Voters List. (See above for family info).
John George Spencer 26 Fatfield Sq. 48993 South Staffs. SR - was a married miner living at 26, the Square when he first attested on 1/9/14. He was 5 feet 4, weighed 131lbs and had a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. JG became Driver 33753 in the RGA. He had married Alice Reed at Houghton-le-Spring on 10/10/05 and they had three children, Violet, born in March 1909, May, born 3/7/11 and John, born 15/1/14. JG was discharged after 22 days “not being likely to become an efficient soldier.”
However, he was determined to fight – or so it would appear. On 28/1/15 he attested again, this time in Sunderland and became 1639 in the 22nd Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish). He admitted he’d previously been accepted in the Royal Regiment of Artillery. 4 days after his attestation he was discharged as “not being likely to…,” the actual reason being flat feet.
Nothing daunted, he was then accepted by the 16th DLI and became Private 23607, this on 13/2/15. He was sent to France on 12/10/15, remaining there until 21/10/16. While at home he was transferred to the Labour Corps, on 30/6/17, and then to the South Staffordshire Regiment, on 27/1/17, before being transferred into the Reserve on 5/7/18.
He was awarded the 1914/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals. His name is on the St George’s Roll as John Spence next to that of Joseph Spence but given that both men called Spencer had as their father Joseph Spence of The Square it seems likely that a spelling error explains the discrepancy. John George is listed as Spencer on the Absent Voters List. In 1911 at 2 Waggonway Tce – John Spencer 24 hewer, married to Alice 20 for 2 years with daughter Violet 2. Places of birth Fatfield, Philadelphia and Fatfield. The form was signed by Alice, her mark witnessed by John R Elliott.
James Kilburn Stangroom 6 High Chapel Row. 20/236 20th DLI, Lance Corporal. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 38 Castle St – William Stangroom 49 hewer, married to Mary Ann (Theobald) 47 for 26 years and 11 children, 7 still alive – John W 25 hewer married to Eliz A for 1 year, Mary Ann 22, James K 19 putter, Robert 16 driver, Martha 14, Ethel May 8, Sarah Ann 5. Places of birth Aylsham Norfolk, West Pelton, Daisy Hill, Murton, Sacriston, Edmondsley 5. He married Isabella Bohill in 1920 and died in 1991 at East Bridge St.
Robert Stangroom 6 High Chapel Row. 12608, 5th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. To Balkans 10/7/15 so 1915 Star. Discharged 30/1/19. War and Victory medals. (See above for family info.) He married Eliz Isabella Belshaw in 1919 and died in 1951.
Albert (Edward) Straker 28 Long Row. 13548 6th then 1st E Yorks 14/7/15 to Balkans so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge – enlisted 30/10/14 and discharged 19/11/18 aged 32. Pension ledger 28 Long Row, b 1886, married, GSW right arm 80% for 32/- +18/10 for wife and 2 children until May 1922. Final award 1925. In 1911 at 13 Gladstone Tce, Penshaw – Albert Edward Straker hewer 24, married for1 year to Elinor 23 with Thomas 3m. Places of birth – Blyth, Fatfield and Penshaw.
William Suddick Castle St. 21598 Lance Corporal 6th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. War and Victory medals. MM.
James Straughan 23 Castle St. Sgt 24864 DLI, 14th and then 18th. War and Victory medals. Silver war Badge enlisted 8/9/14, discharged 28/4/19. Pension ledger b 1892. 7 Red Row Pelton married, GSW left arm 40% then 20% for 18/8d + 7/- for child and 9/4d + 3/6d. 17/1/23 for life. To France 11/9/15 so 1915 Star (number close to John McNeil). In 1911 at 42 Edward St Blaydon – William Straughan 44 hewer, married for 19 years to Annie 42 with 8 children, 5 still alive – James 19 putter, Eveline May 14, William 8 and Sidney Batchelor S 3. Places of birth Haswell, Denton Nd, Scotswood 2 and Benwell 2. James married Annie Oliver in 1913
Walter Symes 5 South View. 214150 RGA. Base Details, War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 5 South View – James Brown 47 colliery horsekeeper under, married for 22 years to Jane Ann and 1 child – Alfred Brown 20 colliery horsekeeper underground and Walter Symes nephew 13 and Jennie Symes niece 16. Places of birth – Burnmoor,illegible, Burnmoor and South Shields 2.
William Syson 6 South View. 509554 Labour Corps. PR - he enlisted on 10/12/15 at 39 years and 8 months and served as 509554 in the Labour Corps. He was a Methodist and had married Mary Elizabeth, a widow with a child, Florence James, born 1903. They married in
November 1908 and produced 2 children of their own – Edith Wallace Syson, born August 1909, and John William Syson, born June 1914.
William was placed in reserve until being mobilised at the Ripon Labour Centre on 19/1/18. He worked in 475 HS Company and was transferred back to reserve in October 1918 before being discharged in January 1919. He was awarded a weekly allowance of 15/- for 16 weeks, starting 7th October 1918, including an allowance for 3 children. The injury to his spine was not attributable to his war service but meant that he had 30% disability. When he was medically examined on 16/1/18 he was 5 feet 6, 126lbs with fair hair, a fresh complexion and blue eyes. His teeth were defective and he had an old injury to his back, dating from 1908 at Harraton. “While coal heaving in the main coal seam of Harraton mine he was struck on the back with falling stones. He was 3 years off work from this date.”
There doesn’t appear to be any record of a Medal Roll for William and nor is he listed on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 8 Low Chapel Row – William Syson 35 labourer at colliery, married for 2 years to Margaret with 1 child, Edith aged 1. Also present Joseph James 12 and Florence James 7, presumably the children of Margaret and James Swify boarder putter and Joseph Cumpson 19 putter boarder. Places of birth Fatfield, Newcastle, Fatfield, Newcastle 2, Hebburn and Fatfield.
1939 married to Margaret at 6 Castle St, onsetter underground. Also present Joseph James and Edith Wallace
Simeon Thomas Thompson 13 The Parade. RN Barracks Portsmouth born 11/8/93, Durham, miner. SS118388. Joined 5/6/18. Demobilised Sept 1920 to join RFA. In 1911 at 3 Nelson St, John Thompson 41 hewer, married to Sarah Ann 41 for 20 years and 8 children, 5 still alive – Simeon Thomas 19 putter, Florence 14, Sarah Ann 9, Isabella 7 and John 2. Places of birth Hetton Downs, Willenhall Staffs, East Rainton, Hetton Downs 3 and Washington Station.
Henry Sharp 10 Long Row. 83050 4th NF. Then DLI 47153 War and Victory medals. Award rolls say 1/7th NF, then 15th DLI. In 1911 at 1 The Burns – William Sharp 55 widower hewer (married 32 with 13 children, 10 still alive) William 26 hewer, Thomas 18 waggonway man, Harriet 16, Lizzie 13, Henry 12, Nellie 10 and Charles 8. Places of birth – Barnow Suffolk, Pelton 7.
William Sharp 10 Long Row. 111749 RFA. SR - was born at Chester-le-Street in 1887 and attested at Shiney Row on 6/9/14. He was CofE, 5 feet 4, weighed 154lbs and had a dark complexion, hazel eyes and dark hair. William became 20279 in the Royal Field Artillery but there was a mix-up in army records with another William Sharp having the same number. When this was realised, in November 1915, his number was changed to 111749 and under this number he was posted to 173 Brigade RFA.
William’s attestation form listed a brother, Richard, at Eighton Banks, Wrekenton and another, Thomas, at 33, Short Row Fatfield. On demobilisation, and on the Absent Voters List of 1918, his own address was given as 10, Long Row.
William went to France on 27/11/15, crossing from Southampton to Le Havre, and, apart from leave spells to the UK in January 1917 and March 1918, he was with the BEF until he returned, via Dunkirk, in December 1918. In March 1917 he spent 13 days in hospital, suffering from dental caries. He received Proficiency Pay of 6d per day from 6/9/16.
William, on demobilisation, confirmed he was suffering no disability from his time in the army. He was awarded the 1915 Star and the War and Victory Medals. His name appears on the St George’s Roll of Honour next to the name of his brother Henry who had served in the NF and DLI. In July 1920, Driver Sharp was presented with a gold watch by the Welcome Home Committee; a watch was usually the memento presented to those men who’d won the Military Medal or some other higher decoration. There is no mention of this on his record. (See above for further family info).
William Frederick Sheraton Penshaw View. 241765 10/11 HLI. SR - was born at Chester-le-Street in 1897 and was living at Penshaw View, Fatfield, when he attested on 10/12/15. He was 5 feet 6, a colliery clerk at North Biddick Colliery and living with his father William. He was CofE. He served as 241765 in the 6th, 10/11th and 14th Highland Light Infantry. Private Sheraton was embodied on 18/5/16 and joined the BEF in France on 8/8/17 before being demobilized on 21/2/19. He’d been hospitalised at Hardelot in May 1918, suffering from impetigo and was also admitted to hospital in Leicester in June of the same year, “sick”, the two incidents perhaps being related. A furlough, in June 1918, had been unofficially extended by him and so he forfeited 2 days’ pay.
WF was awarded the War and Victory Medals. He appears on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List.
In 1911 at Penshaw View Fatfield – William Sheraton 43 grocery manager at Coop, married to Margaret (Ryle) for 18 years and 3 children, 2 still alive – William Frederick 13 and John 10. Places of birth CLS, Birtley and CLS 2. William married Sarah Eliz Cairns and died in 1976 at New Herrington, leaving £6955
1939 living in Hetton, clerk at mine, wife Sarah E + AN Other and William Cairns b 1863.
Samuel Sillet Nova Scotia. 405261 ASC. No info re medals. PR – New Buildings Nova Scotia, 22 , miner, married 10/12/15 when he attested. Married Margaret Jane Knox at Pelton in May 1915 and James and Frederick Joseph born 1916 and 1917 Mobilised 29/1/18 and transferred to ASC 29/6/18. Discharged 14/12/18 to 3 West Row Newfield Newcastle (sic). Suffering from neuritis which originated at Grange Villa Durham in 1915. In 1911 at 3 West Row Pelton – James Sillett 54 stoneman , married to Eliz Jane 51 for 33 years and 9 children, 5 still alive – Samuel 18 off handed work, Henry 13. Places of birth Low Spennymoor, HLS, Newfield 2. He died at CLS in 1970 leaving £379.
James Robert Simpson Union Row. 340796 6th NF. Medal card gives 36th Bn NF. No medals. SWB returned undelivered. Enlisted 24/4/16, discharged 2/4/19 did not serve overseas. PR – 19 a miner when joined in 1916. Married 31/10/14. Suffered from appendicitis and boils on the bottom and defective vision. Pension of 13/9d for 26 weeks then 5/6d for 26 weeks + a gratuity of £5. Address 5 Union Row
Aaron Smith 26 Hobson Tce. 037151 AOC. In 1911 at 26 Hobson Tce (8 rooms) – Matthew Smith 60 widower forgeman at Cook’s iron works (17 children, 11 still alive, wife Jane Ann Braban) Samuel 38 forge assistant. Frederick 28 colliery tub builder, Charles 26 blacksmith, Matthew 21 forge assistant, Aaron 20 grocer’s assistant, Jane 19, George 17 colliery tub builder and Sarah 16. Places of birth – Penshaw, Washington 2, Harraton 6.
George Frederick Smith 10 Low Chapel Row. K22830 HMS St George. Enlisted 10/7/14 for 12 years. Born 24/5/93 at Sheerness, fireman. Finished on St George as leading Stoker. Sept 1919 invalided for neurasthenia. Pension ledger says single b 1895 12 Low Chapel Row, neurasthenia constitutional 20% for 8/7d and then 1-5% for 8/- for 35 weeks from June 1921.
John Spalding 14 Lambton St. T4/091987 ASC Pension ledger born 1872. 14 Lambton St married, chronic emphysema and bronchitis aggravated by service, discharged 7/2/19. 20% then 30% for 8/- +3/6 for child and then 12/- + 3/- until at Least March 1924. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 15 St Agnes St Coxlodge – John Spalding 40 hewer, married 20 years to Sarah Jane (Bankhead) 42 with 4 children – James 16 hauling rope boy, Jane 11, Sarah 7 and John 5. Places of birth Gateshead, Northumberland, Pelton Fell, Gateshead, CLS and Grange Villa.
John Southern 12 Short Row. 12256 20th Hussars. Medal rolls say 10th Hussars, discharged 18/1/19, War and Victory medals. To France 18/5/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 70 Gurney Valley Coundon Grange – Thomas Southern 68 hewer, married to Mary Ann 56 for 33 years and 8 children – Joseph Harle S 31 Insurance agent Refuge, Hannah 28, Elizabeth 24, Isabel 21, John 16 bootmaker’s apprentice and William 13. Places of birth – Tow Law and South Church 7. John married Viola Borlace and died in 1954.
William Southern 12 Short Row. 94938 3rd DLI. SR – he was living at 12, Short Row when he attested at Newcastle on 7/6/15. He became 3/23807 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. William was only 5 feet 2. He only served until 10/7/15, at which point it was discovered (though his record doesn’t indicate how) that he had “made a false statement as to his age on enlistment” and he was therefore discharged. William was a motor breaker, son of William Southern of the same address.
There is a Medal Roll for William Southern who later served as 44938 in the DLI and 58831 in the KOYLIs so perhaps William rejoined when he reached the appropriate age. William’s name appears on the St George’s Roll and on the Absent Voters List. (See above for family info).
John George Spencer 26 Fatfield Sq. 48993 South Staffs. SR - was a married miner living at 26, the Square when he first attested on 1/9/14. He was 5 feet 4, weighed 131lbs and had a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. JG became Driver 33753 in the RGA. He had married Alice Reed at Houghton-le-Spring on 10/10/05 and they had three children, Violet, born in March 1909, May, born 3/7/11 and John, born 15/1/14. JG was discharged after 22 days “not being likely to become an efficient soldier.”
However, he was determined to fight – or so it would appear. On 28/1/15 he attested again, this time in Sunderland and became 1639 in the 22nd Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish). He admitted he’d previously been accepted in the Royal Regiment of Artillery. 4 days after his attestation he was discharged as “not being likely to…,” the actual reason being flat feet.
Nothing daunted, he was then accepted by the 16th DLI and became Private 23607, this on 13/2/15. He was sent to France on 12/10/15, remaining there until 21/10/16. While at home he was transferred to the Labour Corps, on 30/6/17, and then to the South Staffordshire Regiment, on 27/1/17, before being transferred into the Reserve on 5/7/18.
He was awarded the 1914/15 Star and the War and Victory Medals. His name is on the St George’s Roll as John Spence next to that of Joseph Spence but given that both men called Spencer had as their father Joseph Spence of The Square it seems likely that a spelling error explains the discrepancy. John George is listed as Spencer on the Absent Voters List. In 1911 at 2 Waggonway Tce – John Spencer 24 hewer, married to Alice 20 for 2 years with daughter Violet 2. Places of birth Fatfield, Philadelphia and Fatfield. The form was signed by Alice, her mark witnessed by John R Elliott.
James Kilburn Stangroom 6 High Chapel Row. 20/236 20th DLI, Lance Corporal. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 38 Castle St – William Stangroom 49 hewer, married to Mary Ann (Theobald) 47 for 26 years and 11 children, 7 still alive – John W 25 hewer married to Eliz A for 1 year, Mary Ann 22, James K 19 putter, Robert 16 driver, Martha 14, Ethel May 8, Sarah Ann 5. Places of birth Aylsham Norfolk, West Pelton, Daisy Hill, Murton, Sacriston, Edmondsley 5. He married Isabella Bohill in 1920 and died in 1991 at East Bridge St.
Robert Stangroom 6 High Chapel Row. 12608, 5th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. To Balkans 10/7/15 so 1915 Star. Discharged 30/1/19. War and Victory medals. (See above for family info.) He married Eliz Isabella Belshaw in 1919 and died in 1951.
Albert (Edward) Straker 28 Long Row. 13548 6th then 1st E Yorks 14/7/15 to Balkans so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge – enlisted 30/10/14 and discharged 19/11/18 aged 32. Pension ledger 28 Long Row, b 1886, married, GSW right arm 80% for 32/- +18/10 for wife and 2 children until May 1922. Final award 1925. In 1911 at 13 Gladstone Tce, Penshaw – Albert Edward Straker hewer 24, married for1 year to Elinor 23 with Thomas 3m. Places of birth – Blyth, Fatfield and Penshaw.
William Suddick Castle St. 21598 Lance Corporal 6th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. War and Victory medals. MM.
James Straughan 23 Castle St. Sgt 24864 DLI, 14th and then 18th. War and Victory medals. Silver war Badge enlisted 8/9/14, discharged 28/4/19. Pension ledger b 1892. 7 Red Row Pelton married, GSW left arm 40% then 20% for 18/8d + 7/- for child and 9/4d + 3/6d. 17/1/23 for life. To France 11/9/15 so 1915 Star (number close to John McNeil). In 1911 at 42 Edward St Blaydon – William Straughan 44 hewer, married for 19 years to Annie 42 with 8 children, 5 still alive – James 19 putter, Eveline May 14, William 8 and Sidney Batchelor S 3. Places of birth Haswell, Denton Nd, Scotswood 2 and Benwell 2. James married Annie Oliver in 1913
Walter Symes 5 South View. 214150 RGA. Base Details, War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 5 South View – James Brown 47 colliery horsekeeper under, married for 22 years to Jane Ann and 1 child – Alfred Brown 20 colliery horsekeeper underground and Walter Symes nephew 13 and Jennie Symes niece 16. Places of birth – Burnmoor,illegible, Burnmoor and South Shields 2.
William Syson 6 South View. 509554 Labour Corps. PR - he enlisted on 10/12/15 at 39 years and 8 months and served as 509554 in the Labour Corps. He was a Methodist and had married Mary Elizabeth, a widow with a child, Florence James, born 1903. They married in
November 1908 and produced 2 children of their own – Edith Wallace Syson, born August 1909, and John William Syson, born June 1914.
William was placed in reserve until being mobilised at the Ripon Labour Centre on 19/1/18. He worked in 475 HS Company and was transferred back to reserve in October 1918 before being discharged in January 1919. He was awarded a weekly allowance of 15/- for 16 weeks, starting 7th October 1918, including an allowance for 3 children. The injury to his spine was not attributable to his war service but meant that he had 30% disability. When he was medically examined on 16/1/18 he was 5 feet 6, 126lbs with fair hair, a fresh complexion and blue eyes. His teeth were defective and he had an old injury to his back, dating from 1908 at Harraton. “While coal heaving in the main coal seam of Harraton mine he was struck on the back with falling stones. He was 3 years off work from this date.”
There doesn’t appear to be any record of a Medal Roll for William and nor is he listed on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 8 Low Chapel Row – William Syson 35 labourer at colliery, married for 2 years to Margaret with 1 child, Edith aged 1. Also present Joseph James 12 and Florence James 7, presumably the children of Margaret and James Swify boarder putter and Joseph Cumpson 19 putter boarder. Places of birth Fatfield, Newcastle, Fatfield, Newcastle 2, Hebburn and Fatfield.
1939 married to Margaret at 6 Castle St, onsetter underground. Also present Joseph James and Edith Wallace
Simeon Thomas Thompson 13 The Parade. RN Barracks Portsmouth born 11/8/93, Durham, miner. SS118388. Joined 5/6/18. Demobilised Sept 1920 to join RFA. In 1911 at 3 Nelson St, John Thompson 41 hewer, married to Sarah Ann 41 for 20 years and 8 children, 5 still alive – Simeon Thomas 19 putter, Florence 14, Sarah Ann 9, Isabella 7 and John 2. Places of birth Hetton Downs, Willenhall Staffs, East Rainton, Hetton Downs 3 and Washington Station.
Ralph Tiplady 6 Fatfield Sq. 286651 Gunner 3rd SARB RGA. Pension ledger born 1892 discharged 11/10/18. 33 The Square, Disordered Action of the Heart attributable to service. 20% for 8/- +4/8d for wife and 2 children until 7/4/22 SR. 6 The Square, aged 25, general labourer, had been in 11th DLI but discharged unfit, married. October 1917, married to Mary Fraser from 2/9/11 with Jane Ann b Nov at Usworth and Ronald b Oct 1916 at Fatfield. Pension of 5/6d per week for 13 weeks from 12/10/18. 1911Silver War Badge enlisted 5/11/17 discharged 14/12/18 did not serve overseas. In 1911 at 15 Portobello Tce – Jane Ann Tiplady (nee Orwin) 48, widow (crossed out 12 children 4 still alive) with Ralph 18, Edward Heywood boarder 22 hewer, Sarah B Heywood 21 and Ralph Heywood 1. Places of birth Durham, Portobello, Washington, Portobello 2. Ralph married Mary Frazer in 1911 and died in 1971
Thomas Todd 13 Victoria Place. 20475 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers - to France 5/10/15 and then to Lab Corps as 223604 discharged 27/2/19. 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. Lots of Thomas Todds in Durham in 1911 but only 1 in Harraton and he was 48…perhaps not him.
Walter Barrington Toyer The Chateau. 013943 AOC Acting Corporal, discharged 20/3/19. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Girdle Cake House, Wear View – George Dixon retired miner, made his mark, aged 70 – wife Hannah 70, married 36 years and 4 children, Ada Button daughter, married 10 years and 2 children, James Button 32 soninlaw hewer, Hilda 8, Alfred Button 8m and Walter B Toyer boarder 26 elementary school teacher. Places of birth Lambton, Allendale, Fatfield, Washington, Fatfield 2 and Bolton on Swale Yorks. 7 rooms in the house.
Matthew Henry Treloggan 3 Pit Houses. WR 320475 IWD RE. Can find no record in military. In 1911 at 18 Pelaw Grange – Matthew Henry Treloggen 28, hewer, married to Emma 4 years and Martha 3. Places of birth Grosmont Yorks, Heworth and Pelaw Grange. He died at 2 Castle St in 1939 leaving £475 to Emma.
Matthew Henry Treloggan 3 Harraton Colliery. 320475. (see above)
Joseph Turnbull 4 Short Row. T4/250446 50th Northumbrian Divisional Transport (TF) T1202 Driver and then transferred to Regular ASC as 250446 on 1/9/16. War and Victory medals. SR - was born in Fatfield in 1892. He was 22 years and 9 months old, a wheelwright for Messrs Grimshaw, when he attested on 5/9/14. He was originally T1202 DLI Brigade and was transferred to the Army Service Corps as T250446. On 18/4/15 he embarked for France on the SS Mount Temple. He received leave to the UK from 25/1/16 to 2/2/16. In February 1918 he was admitted to the 40th Stationary Hospital in France for haemorrhoids, stating that the condition was “due to the damp.” He was operated on for the removal of his piles on 18/1/19 and returned home on 11/2/19. The family lived at 4, Short Row and his father was Joseph Turnbull. Joseph Jr. was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the War Medal and the Victory Medal and was listed on St George’s Roll of Honour. In 1911 at 4 Short Row – Joseph Turnbull 44 joiner at colliery, married to Eliz 42 with 5 children, 3 still alive – Ellen 21 dressmaker, Annie 19 and Joseph 18 cartwright for Coop. Places of birth Fencehouses 2 and Fatfield 3.
1939 Joseph, wife Best (sic) and daughter Stella living at The Limes, S View. He was a Labourer.
William Turnbull 4 River View Tce. 035759 AOC War and Victory medals. To Reserve 28/1/20. SR- lived at 4, River View, Fatfield and was an apprentice cartwright when he attested in Washington in June 1916. He was born in Fatfield on 26/10/97 and was living with his grandmother, Esther Turnbull. He was CofE. William was 5 feet 2 and weighed a mere 99lbs. As his record noted, “physical development poor but will develop.” William was mobilised on 21/8/17 and qualified as a wheeler 3rd class before being posted to Devonport on 5/3/18 for service at Salonika. He remained in the army in the Balkans until being demobilised 27/12/19 and it was at Constantinople that he signed to say that he was leaving the army with no disability. He received his War and Victory Medals on 21/7/22. William is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour. In 1911 at 4 River View Tce – Esther Turnbull 69 widow (married 47 with 5 children) and son Thomas 40 married engine pumping at colliery, Lizzie grdau 15 dressmaker apprentice and William grson 15. Places of birth Lumley, Moorsley and Fatfield 2.
George Usher 3 Short Row. 4th DLI. SR He was born in Fatfield, enlisted at Washington on 17/1/15 and lived at 3, Short Row, Fatfield. At the time of his enlistment his details were as follows: a married miner, 5 feet 7, a chest measurement of 37 inches, 21 years 5 months old. George served as Private 74095, 12th DLI. He was listed as wounded and missing on 27th October 1918 and was then listed as killed in action or died of wounds on or shortly after 25/10/18. He was 24. His name is on the memorial at Giavera in Italy, on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Usher G – killed and on the Harraton Memorial as Usher G. He was awarded the War and Victory medals.
On 27th October 1918, the 12th DLI, part of the 68th Brigade of the 23rd Division (in Italy since November 1917) were involved in the Passage of the Piave River.
At Seaham, in June 1918, George was “WAWL leaving his war station, about tattoo, without permission and remaining abroad until 8.30pm, 27/6/18.” He was admonished. On 24/8/18 he was “WAOS and under orders for embarkation, leaving his war station without permission about 9.30pm and remaining absent until 26/8/18.” He forfeited 21 days pay.
The 1901 Census listed, at Short Row, Henry Usher (49), a hewer, born Low Fell, his wife, Jane (49), and their children - Henry (18), a putter below, Mary J (13), Hannah (7) and George (6). Henry’s wife and children were all born in Fatfield. Also living at home were Elizabeth Braban (21), Henry Braban (3), John Braban (1) and Mary Braban (53). These people were described as, respectively, Henry’s daughter, sons and aunt, but the fact that Elizabeth was a widow suggests that, while she was Henry’s daughter, Henry Braban and John Braban were his grandchildren.
When completing the Census form in 1911 Henry gave his name as Henry Scott Usher and added that he and Jane had been married 37 years. Of their 12 children 5 had died. The family were living at 3, Short Row, and, in addition to Henry and Jane, consisted of Hannah, George, now a driver, Harry (Henry’s grandson but now listed as Harry Usher rather than Braban) and Mary Jane Anderson (62), Henry’s married aunt, born in Low Fell.
George married Sarah Ann Cowell on 30/3/18, at Fatfield, and they had a son, George William, who died, aged 3 days, on 8/1/19. The reason given was “immaturity”. By the time the document listing George’s relatives was prepared (7/10/19), Sarah Ann had died and George had received the memo re the 2/- due to him for the certificate of her death. The payment was due to be made at Birtley Post Office but it’s almost certain that George was unable to collect it. Her death took place at 3, Waterside Cottages on 9/1/19 and was caused by influenza and congestion of the lungs, her death being certified by A.P.Lloyd, M.B. and reported by Michael, her brother-in-law.
An army document in George’s file listed his wife as deceased, his children as deceased, his father as Henry Scott Usher of 3, Short Row, his mother as deceased, his brothers as - Michael (47) at 2, Lambton St, Jack (43), at 42, The Square, Henry (35), at 9, The Square and sisters - Elizabeth (39), at 3, Short Row and Mary Jane (30), at 2, Waggonway Terrace. His nephews were Harry (17), at 42, The Square and Robert (12), at the same address. He also had an aunt, Mary Jane Usher (72), at 3, Short Row and an uncle, Richard (60), at 7, The Square.
The Absent Voters List of 1918 included George Usher of 3, Short Row, 4th DLI, Henry Usher of the same address (originally Henry Braban – see above), 20th DLI and
Michael Usher of 2, Lambton St, 735th Labour Company. R, H and M Usher were listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour.
The Electoral Roll of 1914 included Henry Usher at 3, Short Row, Henry Jr. at 9, The Square, Richard Newrick Usher at 17, Long Row, Michael Usher at 2, Lambton St and John Usher at 8, Catherine Square. In 1915 the same five names were listed but Richard was at 6, Waggonway Terrace and John at 5, Low Chapel Row.
In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that J Cowell (probably a brother or sister or a parent of his deceased wife) was paid a war gratuity of £5 on 17/12/19. No other payment was due because George owed the army13/8d. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Henry Usher 3 Short Row. 20/525 20th DLI. War and Victory medals. Brother of Michael (see below). In 1911 at 9 The Square – Henry Usher 28 banksman at Harraton Colliery, married to Mary Jane 27 for 5 years and 2 children, 1 still alive John G and Jessie (4m died). Places of birth Fatfield, HLS and Fatfield 2.
Michael Usher 2 Lambton St. 310604 735th Labour Coy. A/Cpl Pension ledger discharged 18/12/18. 2 Lambton St, nephritis. Ranging from 20% to 50% and back to 20% for 8/- then 20/- +5/- for wife and back to 8/-+2/- for wife. Silver War Badge. War and Victory medals, previously RASC 127197. Enlisted 16//8/15. In 1911 at 2 Lambton St – Michael Usher 35 deputy overman, married 16 years to Annas (Archer) 32, no children. Places of birth Fatfield 2.
Ernest Veal 3 Low Chapel Row. 13519 C Coy 3rd Yorks. Silver War Badge, enlisted 30/8/14, discharged 17/7/19, aged 35, to France from 13/7/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger b 1884. 1 Richies Opening HLS. Single, GSW left hand. Front of card covered in notations. 100% at 40/- and falling to 70% by 29/11/24 for 28/-. SR - he was born in Harraton and was a single miner when he attested at Shiney Row on 30/8/14. He was 29 years and 11 months old. Ernest was 5 feet 6, weighed 126lbs and had a fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He lived with his father, (John) George Veal (b Lancs 1863), at 3, Low Chapel Row. Having served in the DLI prior to the war (though he’d now joined the 7th Yorkshire Regiment) he was soon made up to Lance Corporal 13519 (11/11/14) and became Corporal 20/1/15. Drunkenness resulted in his being reduced to the ranks in June 1915 but he was again given a stripe in July of 1915. In September he was reduced to the ranks for (unspecified) misconduct. He was sent to France on 13/7/15 and served there until 17/5/18. Ernest suffered a severe gunshot wound to the left hand in May 1918 and was admitted to hospital at Beckett Park, Leeds. He was discharged from the army on 17/7/18 and his war badge and certificate were sent to his home address the same month. He received a pension of 27/6 from 18/7/18 for 4 weeks, then reducing to 11/- for 35 weeks.
His 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals were sent to his new address, 1, Market Place, Houghton-le-Spring in March 1920, October 1920 and November 1921 respectively. Ernest was included on the Absent Voters list but not on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 3 Low Chapel Row – John George Veal 48 hewer, married to Hannah Eliz 49 for 21 years and 3 children 2 still alive (crossed out) as if this was second marriage. Also Ernest Veal son 28 single and Eliz Dunn stepdau 26 married (no husband named) and Olive Dunn 2 and Minnie Dunn 2m and Anthony Dent Nicholson nephew 16 mason’s labourer at coal mine. Places of birth Chorley Lancs, Seaham Harbour 3, Fatfield 2 and Seaham Harbour.
John William Vince 10 River View Tce. Gunner 62171 152nd Heavy Batty RGA. Base Details. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger discharged 9/2/19. Riverview Fatfield. Debility and pneumonia, 20%, 30% and 14% for */-, 12/- and 7/6d for 70 weeks from October 1922. He was living at Holyoake Terrace, New Washington, when he attested in November 1915. He was born in 1896 and was therefore 19 when he joined. JW was a clerk, 5 feet 6, CofE and his next of kin was his father Harry. The Chester-le-Street Chronicle, in
April 1917, reported that Jack, then serving with the Canadians, had been wounded but his record doesn’t mention that. JW served as 62171 in the RGA, first serving in Londonderry and then going to France in May 1916. His next of kin were informed that he was in hospital in Boulogne (August 1918) suffering from double pneumonia and he was again in hospital in York in November 1918 at the time the war ended. Jack had made his will out to his “Mam” at River View, Fatfield, the same address as was given for his pay.
JW was awarded a pension of 11/- per week for 40% disability, that to last for 39 weeks from 10/2/19.
Jack Vince wasn’t mentioned on the St George’s Roll of Honour but was included on the Absent Voters List, his address being given as 10, River View. He was awarded the War and Victory Medals. In 1911 at 63 Mitchell St Birtley – Harry Vince 40 grocer’s traveler for Coop, married to Sabina (Holmes) 38 for 16 years with 2 children – John William 15 and Eleanor Emma 10. Places of birth Ipswich and Birtley 3. He married Lily Lowes in Lanchester in 1924 and died in 1974 in Shincliffe leaving over £11000.
John George Walker 13 Biddick Tce 23496 R Inniskilling Fusiliers then WR 43789. SR War and Victory medals. SR - he was a 23-year old miner living at 25, Oxclose Street, Washington Station when he attested on 27/5/15. He was 5 feet 5 and had married Margaret (Robson). He became Private 12/23496 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, later becoming 43789 in the Royal Engineers, Quarry and Roads Section.
JG had some brushes with army rules and regulations during his service. He forfeited 3 days’ pay for absence in January 1916, was confined to barracks for 7 days in December 1916 for creating a disturbance on the public road at Ballyshannon in Northern Ireland and had further periods of absence that cost him 4 days’ pay and 10 days confined to barracks during 1917. He was punished with 2 days of Field Punishment No2 for being absent from his “final leave” – which suggested he might have been due to embark for service overseas but his record gives no indication that he did serve abroad. He was given leave in May 1918, his leave address being noted as 13, Biddick Terrace. In September 1918 he was placed in Class P Reserve and, though no disability was stated he was awarded a pension of 8/3d per week for 52 weeks from that date.
JG was awarded the War and Victory Medals and was included on the St George’s Roll (Cooks). In 1911 at 1 Chapel Passage St Elvet Durham – Matthew Hardy 44 hewer, married to Margaret Ann (Wheatley) 44 with John G Walker 19 miner, William Hy Walker 13, Winnie Walker 7, Robert Walker 4 and Winnifred Hardy 10. Places of birth – Durham, Wolsingham and Durham 5. Appears to be second marriage. John G married Margaret Robson and died in 1943.
Ernest William Walton 20 Wormhill Terrace. 252129 2/5th DLI. War and Victory medals as 2/6th DLI. SR – he was an assistant overseer/rate collector for the Poor Law when he attested at Sunderland on 29/11/15. He was 33 years old, 6 feet tall and weighed 144lbs. He had married Mary Minto on 24/712 and they had two children – Mary born at Penshaw January 1913 and Sydney born at North Biddick in November 1914. Mr Walton was CofE. He lived at 20, Wormhill Terrace. Originally serving as Private 33384, 3rd DLI, he was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal in August 1916, transferred to the 2/6th DLI in October 1916 (service number 252129), became Lance Corporal in May 1917, Acting Sergeant in June 1917 and Sergeant in May 1918, the same month as he went to France. Sergeant Walton avoided all misdemeanours and wounds, though he was issued with army spectacles after complaining of defective vision at morning sick-parade at Frinton-on-Sea in March 1918.
Sergeant Walton was discharged in March 1919 and signed to say he was suffering from no disability. His name is on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List. He was entitled to the War and Victory Medals.
The Durham County Record Office holds some documents belonging to Sergeant Walton including his diaries for 1917 and 1918. He was a neat writer, as befitting his position as Assistant Overseer, and his diaries are well-ordered and precise. From them it can be seen that his brother Thomas (married to Ann), who had joined the 10th Lincolnshires only seven weeks before that, died on 16th May 1917 at Rugeley Camp and was buried in the churchyard of St Matthew at Newbottle. The parents of Thomas and Ernest were William and Sarah Jane, the former a housepainter in 1891 and a coal miner by 1901. Their siblings were Alice K, James B, Mary J and Ruth J and their paternal grandfather, Thomas was a retired sailmaker in 1891. In 1901 Ernest was working as a pupil teacher and Thomas as a grocer’s assistant.
In 1911 at 12 South Row, Sunniside Fencehouses – William Walton house painter 55, married to Sarah Jane (Blundell) 56 for 29 years and 6 children – Ernest William 28 clerk at Tramways, Thomas 26 grocer’s assistant Provisions, Alice Kilvington W 25, Ruth Johnson W 20 and Hilda Watson adopted 5. Places of birth Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, Newbottle 4 and HLS.
1939 at Ottrick Lane, CLS with Mary and three teachers living there. He was rating and valuation officer. Died 1963 at ‘Ettrick’ Biddick Lane leaving £4844 to Sydney a motor mechanic
John Whitfield 64 Castle St. 52136 RGA. SR – he was born in Birtley, enlisted at Shiney Row on 10/11/14 and was resident at 63, Castle St, Fatfield. He served as Gunner 52136, Royal Garrison Artillery, until his death on Monday, 4th November 1918, one week before the armistice which ended the war came into effect. He was 24. John’s grave is in St George’s Churchyard, Harraton; his name is on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Whitfield J (though it doesn’t say that he died) and on the Harraton Memorial as Whitfield J.
In 1901 the family of Robert (35), and Barbara Whitfield (29), were living at 12, Cross Row, Lamesley, County Durham. Their children were John (7), William (5) and Samuel (2 months). Robert was a hewer, born Usworth, and the children were born in Leadgate, Birtley and Bewicke Main. In 1908 Robert (nicknamed Barney and pictured outside the Dun Cow) and Barbara welcomed Thomas, born 28th June, at 33, Dairy Street, Houghton-le-Spring, and, later, father to Thomas Whitfield (born 1937) who now lives in Chester-le-Street. Thomas is therefore the nephew of the brothers killed in the war. He says his father would never talk about them. His father, Thomas (born 1908) was a member of Billy Bankhead’s Blue Bird Mouth Organ Band and he tells of how the band once led the Harraton Banner into Durham on Gala Day because there was no brass band to do it.
In 1911 the family were living at 33, Darcy St, Houghton le Spring, Robert, Barbara, John, William and Samuel had been joined by Eliza (6), Thomas (2) and Marther (sic) Ann Gilpin Whitfield (5m). Eliza had been born in Birtley and her younger brother and sister at Houghton le Spring. The three eldest males were working as a fitter and putters.
At the time of enlistment John’s details were: 20 years and 1 month old, 5 feet 8, 142lbs, 35-inch chest, fair complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. He was CofE. His next of kin was his father, Robert Whitfield, of 64, Castle Street. There is damage to John’s service record so parts of it cannot be read. He went to France on 27/9/15 and was there until 27/10/17. He was wounded and suffering from shellshock on 25/10/17 and was admitted to Etaples General Hospital. He was then transferred to Connaught Hospital at Aldershot on 29/10/17. He was granted furlough home from 22/12/17 to 31/12/17 and seems to have returned to France on 12/4/18. After his death a weekly pension of 27/6d was payable (not clear to whom) from 13/6/18 and then 11/- (the rest is illegible). The pension was to be reviewed after 52 weeks.
The 1915 Electoral Roll lists Robert William Whitfield at 64, Castle St.
John’s Medal Roll has no indication of any medals being awarded but it states that he was discharged on 19/12/18 – by which time he had already died. Perhaps the army hadn’t been informed of his death. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Robert, John’s father, a war gratuity of £7 was paid on 19/11/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that William Whitfield was 2051 DLI (A/Cpl) and was single. He was killed in action on 21/9/16 and was son of Mr Robert (died July 1931) and Mrs Barbara (died April 1926) Whitfield of 64 Castle St (Mrs born 1875 and Mr born 1866). On the same card is John who died of disease 3/11/18 and he was 52136 Gnr RGA. The award for William was 5/- from 10/4/17 to 3/9/17 and then 10/- from 4/9/17 for life. Then it states that combined award was 20/-.
Dependant’s card gives the brothers as 2051 WilliamA/Cpl 8th DLI kina 21/9/16 and John 52136 Gunner, RGA. There is no mention of either pension or gratuity.
John Wilkins 1 Castle St. Gunner 217115 RGA. Base Details. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 13 Eden Place Beamish Henry Wilkins - 45 stoneman, married for 23 years to Margaret 42 with 8 children, Mark 21 putter, William 20 putter, John 18 putter, Thomas 16 putter, Henry 13, Joseph 10, Septimus 8 and Mary Ann 6. Places of birth Newcastle, Bewick Main, Monkwearmouth, Birtley, Bewick Main 3, Rainton 2 and Kibblesworth.
John Willcock 52 Castle St. 3rd DLI. Actually 20/194 pension ledger discharged 26/10/18. 52 Castle St b 1898 single, VDH attributable but no grounds. Silver War Badge enlisted 31/8/15 and discharged 31/3/19 served overseas. For War and Victory medal John Wilcox 20/194 (close to Richard Gloyne) In 1911 at 25 Third St Wardley – William Willcock miner 48, married for 19 years to Annie with 10 children, 9 still alive – Sydney crossed out, Joseph 16 driver, Thomas 14 screener, John 13, Mary Annie 10, William 8, Margaret 7, Esther 4, Sarah 2 and Florence 5m. Places of birth Santonsall Cornwall, Felling 2, Ryhope 3, Bill Quay, Pelaw, Wardley 3.
Thomas Wilkins 49 Castle St 21079 1/5th Buffs. SR – he was living at 49 Castle Street when he enlisted in the army, on 24/11/14, at Shiney Row. Thomas was 19 years and 9 months old, having been born in Lamesley in 1895. He was 5 feet 6, had a chest of 37 inches. His father was Henry Wilkins. His record includes a variety of service numbers 55028 RGA, 21079 RGA, 3002 3/5th Buffs and 241002 the Buffs. He seems to have joined the RGA and been transferred to the 1/5th Kent Regiment. It was with the Buffs that Thomas embarked from Devonport on 22/1/16 aboard the MT Magdalene. They disembarked at Busra (Basra?) on 23/2/16.
In July 1916 Tommy was given 7 days FP No2 for “….……sick without…….. thereby avoiding duty….absent from sick parade”. In May 1917 he was given a month’s leave to India though he didn’t return for 2 months, perhaps because he was allowed travelling time or perhaps for some other reason, and it then took another fortnight for him to rejoin his unit in the field. In December 1917, while on signalling duty, he was deprived of 7 days pay by his C.O. for neglect of duty.
From the start of July 1917 Tommy had begun to earn proficiency pay Class I and from 9/5/18 he was given an extra 6d per diem for his work as a signaller. That ended on 3/12/18, the date of his embarkation to Salonika.
When Thomas left the army, in April 1919, he signed to confirm that he was suffering no disability. Though he was not entitled to a pension there is an undated memo about payment of 8/9d per week to his dependant mother, Margaret Wilkins, suggesting that his father might have died.
Thomas acknowledged the receipt of his War and Victory Medals in June 1922.
Thomas Wilkins is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour (Harraton and Fatfield) and there is also a J Wilkins, perhaps his brother.
In 1911 at 13 Eden Place Beamish Henry Wilkins - 45 stoneman, married for 23 years to Margaret 42 with 8 children, Mark 21 putter, William 20 putter, John 18 putter, Thomas 16 putter, Henry 13, Joseph 10, Septimus 8 and Mary Ann 6. Places of birth Newcastle, Bewick Main, Monkwearmouth, Birtley, Bewicke Main 3, Rainton 2 and Kibblesworth. - 1939 at 10 Short Row, married to Mary with 3 kids, a hewer.
Joseph Willcock 52 Castle St. 475331 378th Labour Coy. Previously 202 DLI. War and Victory medals. 3 Castle St, GSW right hand Pension ledger b 1895, single, discharged 26/11/18. 20% for 8/- +2/- for wife and final gratuity of £10 SMI £60 and Service £18 in November 1921. In 1911 at 25 Third St Wardley – William Willcock miner 48, married for 19 years to Annie with 10 children, 9 still alive – Sydney crossed out, Joseph 16 driver, Thomas 14 screener, John 13, Mary Annie 10, William 8, Margaret 7, Esther 4, Sarah 2 and Florence 5m. Places of birth Santonsall Cornwall, Felling 2, Ryhope 3, Bill Quay, Pelaw, Wardley 3. Joseph married Rebecca Hartshorn in October 1918 and died in 1964.
Wallace Wood 4 Biddick Inn Tce. 14902 2nd Yorks. L/Cpl 7th Yorks for 1915 Star to France 13/7/15. Then Sgt in 13th Yorks as 14902 then 2nd W Yorks as Sgt 63354 for War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 2 Woodside Cottages, Washington – Wallace Wood 28 hewer, married 7 years to Sarah Ann with 2 children – Lily 4 and Harry 2. Places of birth Haughton green, Godley Cheshire, Hyde Cheshire and Washington. Pension ledger b 1881 discharged 21/3/19
Thomas Todd 13 Victoria Place. 20475 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers - to France 5/10/15 and then to Lab Corps as 223604 discharged 27/2/19. 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. Lots of Thomas Todds in Durham in 1911 but only 1 in Harraton and he was 48…perhaps not him.
Walter Barrington Toyer The Chateau. 013943 AOC Acting Corporal, discharged 20/3/19. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Girdle Cake House, Wear View – George Dixon retired miner, made his mark, aged 70 – wife Hannah 70, married 36 years and 4 children, Ada Button daughter, married 10 years and 2 children, James Button 32 soninlaw hewer, Hilda 8, Alfred Button 8m and Walter B Toyer boarder 26 elementary school teacher. Places of birth Lambton, Allendale, Fatfield, Washington, Fatfield 2 and Bolton on Swale Yorks. 7 rooms in the house.
Matthew Henry Treloggan 3 Pit Houses. WR 320475 IWD RE. Can find no record in military. In 1911 at 18 Pelaw Grange – Matthew Henry Treloggen 28, hewer, married to Emma 4 years and Martha 3. Places of birth Grosmont Yorks, Heworth and Pelaw Grange. He died at 2 Castle St in 1939 leaving £475 to Emma.
Matthew Henry Treloggan 3 Harraton Colliery. 320475. (see above)
Joseph Turnbull 4 Short Row. T4/250446 50th Northumbrian Divisional Transport (TF) T1202 Driver and then transferred to Regular ASC as 250446 on 1/9/16. War and Victory medals. SR - was born in Fatfield in 1892. He was 22 years and 9 months old, a wheelwright for Messrs Grimshaw, when he attested on 5/9/14. He was originally T1202 DLI Brigade and was transferred to the Army Service Corps as T250446. On 18/4/15 he embarked for France on the SS Mount Temple. He received leave to the UK from 25/1/16 to 2/2/16. In February 1918 he was admitted to the 40th Stationary Hospital in France for haemorrhoids, stating that the condition was “due to the damp.” He was operated on for the removal of his piles on 18/1/19 and returned home on 11/2/19. The family lived at 4, Short Row and his father was Joseph Turnbull. Joseph Jr. was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the War Medal and the Victory Medal and was listed on St George’s Roll of Honour. In 1911 at 4 Short Row – Joseph Turnbull 44 joiner at colliery, married to Eliz 42 with 5 children, 3 still alive – Ellen 21 dressmaker, Annie 19 and Joseph 18 cartwright for Coop. Places of birth Fencehouses 2 and Fatfield 3.
1939 Joseph, wife Best (sic) and daughter Stella living at The Limes, S View. He was a Labourer.
William Turnbull 4 River View Tce. 035759 AOC War and Victory medals. To Reserve 28/1/20. SR- lived at 4, River View, Fatfield and was an apprentice cartwright when he attested in Washington in June 1916. He was born in Fatfield on 26/10/97 and was living with his grandmother, Esther Turnbull. He was CofE. William was 5 feet 2 and weighed a mere 99lbs. As his record noted, “physical development poor but will develop.” William was mobilised on 21/8/17 and qualified as a wheeler 3rd class before being posted to Devonport on 5/3/18 for service at Salonika. He remained in the army in the Balkans until being demobilised 27/12/19 and it was at Constantinople that he signed to say that he was leaving the army with no disability. He received his War and Victory Medals on 21/7/22. William is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour. In 1911 at 4 River View Tce – Esther Turnbull 69 widow (married 47 with 5 children) and son Thomas 40 married engine pumping at colliery, Lizzie grdau 15 dressmaker apprentice and William grson 15. Places of birth Lumley, Moorsley and Fatfield 2.
George Usher 3 Short Row. 4th DLI. SR He was born in Fatfield, enlisted at Washington on 17/1/15 and lived at 3, Short Row, Fatfield. At the time of his enlistment his details were as follows: a married miner, 5 feet 7, a chest measurement of 37 inches, 21 years 5 months old. George served as Private 74095, 12th DLI. He was listed as wounded and missing on 27th October 1918 and was then listed as killed in action or died of wounds on or shortly after 25/10/18. He was 24. His name is on the memorial at Giavera in Italy, on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Usher G – killed and on the Harraton Memorial as Usher G. He was awarded the War and Victory medals.
On 27th October 1918, the 12th DLI, part of the 68th Brigade of the 23rd Division (in Italy since November 1917) were involved in the Passage of the Piave River.
At Seaham, in June 1918, George was “WAWL leaving his war station, about tattoo, without permission and remaining abroad until 8.30pm, 27/6/18.” He was admonished. On 24/8/18 he was “WAOS and under orders for embarkation, leaving his war station without permission about 9.30pm and remaining absent until 26/8/18.” He forfeited 21 days pay.
The 1901 Census listed, at Short Row, Henry Usher (49), a hewer, born Low Fell, his wife, Jane (49), and their children - Henry (18), a putter below, Mary J (13), Hannah (7) and George (6). Henry’s wife and children were all born in Fatfield. Also living at home were Elizabeth Braban (21), Henry Braban (3), John Braban (1) and Mary Braban (53). These people were described as, respectively, Henry’s daughter, sons and aunt, but the fact that Elizabeth was a widow suggests that, while she was Henry’s daughter, Henry Braban and John Braban were his grandchildren.
When completing the Census form in 1911 Henry gave his name as Henry Scott Usher and added that he and Jane had been married 37 years. Of their 12 children 5 had died. The family were living at 3, Short Row, and, in addition to Henry and Jane, consisted of Hannah, George, now a driver, Harry (Henry’s grandson but now listed as Harry Usher rather than Braban) and Mary Jane Anderson (62), Henry’s married aunt, born in Low Fell.
George married Sarah Ann Cowell on 30/3/18, at Fatfield, and they had a son, George William, who died, aged 3 days, on 8/1/19. The reason given was “immaturity”. By the time the document listing George’s relatives was prepared (7/10/19), Sarah Ann had died and George had received the memo re the 2/- due to him for the certificate of her death. The payment was due to be made at Birtley Post Office but it’s almost certain that George was unable to collect it. Her death took place at 3, Waterside Cottages on 9/1/19 and was caused by influenza and congestion of the lungs, her death being certified by A.P.Lloyd, M.B. and reported by Michael, her brother-in-law.
An army document in George’s file listed his wife as deceased, his children as deceased, his father as Henry Scott Usher of 3, Short Row, his mother as deceased, his brothers as - Michael (47) at 2, Lambton St, Jack (43), at 42, The Square, Henry (35), at 9, The Square and sisters - Elizabeth (39), at 3, Short Row and Mary Jane (30), at 2, Waggonway Terrace. His nephews were Harry (17), at 42, The Square and Robert (12), at the same address. He also had an aunt, Mary Jane Usher (72), at 3, Short Row and an uncle, Richard (60), at 7, The Square.
The Absent Voters List of 1918 included George Usher of 3, Short Row, 4th DLI, Henry Usher of the same address (originally Henry Braban – see above), 20th DLI and
Michael Usher of 2, Lambton St, 735th Labour Company. R, H and M Usher were listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour.
The Electoral Roll of 1914 included Henry Usher at 3, Short Row, Henry Jr. at 9, The Square, Richard Newrick Usher at 17, Long Row, Michael Usher at 2, Lambton St and John Usher at 8, Catherine Square. In 1915 the same five names were listed but Richard was at 6, Waggonway Terrace and John at 5, Low Chapel Row.
In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that J Cowell (probably a brother or sister or a parent of his deceased wife) was paid a war gratuity of £5 on 17/12/19. No other payment was due because George owed the army13/8d. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Henry Usher 3 Short Row. 20/525 20th DLI. War and Victory medals. Brother of Michael (see below). In 1911 at 9 The Square – Henry Usher 28 banksman at Harraton Colliery, married to Mary Jane 27 for 5 years and 2 children, 1 still alive John G and Jessie (4m died). Places of birth Fatfield, HLS and Fatfield 2.
Michael Usher 2 Lambton St. 310604 735th Labour Coy. A/Cpl Pension ledger discharged 18/12/18. 2 Lambton St, nephritis. Ranging from 20% to 50% and back to 20% for 8/- then 20/- +5/- for wife and back to 8/-+2/- for wife. Silver War Badge. War and Victory medals, previously RASC 127197. Enlisted 16//8/15. In 1911 at 2 Lambton St – Michael Usher 35 deputy overman, married 16 years to Annas (Archer) 32, no children. Places of birth Fatfield 2.
Ernest Veal 3 Low Chapel Row. 13519 C Coy 3rd Yorks. Silver War Badge, enlisted 30/8/14, discharged 17/7/19, aged 35, to France from 13/7/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger b 1884. 1 Richies Opening HLS. Single, GSW left hand. Front of card covered in notations. 100% at 40/- and falling to 70% by 29/11/24 for 28/-. SR - he was born in Harraton and was a single miner when he attested at Shiney Row on 30/8/14. He was 29 years and 11 months old. Ernest was 5 feet 6, weighed 126lbs and had a fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He lived with his father, (John) George Veal (b Lancs 1863), at 3, Low Chapel Row. Having served in the DLI prior to the war (though he’d now joined the 7th Yorkshire Regiment) he was soon made up to Lance Corporal 13519 (11/11/14) and became Corporal 20/1/15. Drunkenness resulted in his being reduced to the ranks in June 1915 but he was again given a stripe in July of 1915. In September he was reduced to the ranks for (unspecified) misconduct. He was sent to France on 13/7/15 and served there until 17/5/18. Ernest suffered a severe gunshot wound to the left hand in May 1918 and was admitted to hospital at Beckett Park, Leeds. He was discharged from the army on 17/7/18 and his war badge and certificate were sent to his home address the same month. He received a pension of 27/6 from 18/7/18 for 4 weeks, then reducing to 11/- for 35 weeks.
His 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals were sent to his new address, 1, Market Place, Houghton-le-Spring in March 1920, October 1920 and November 1921 respectively. Ernest was included on the Absent Voters list but not on the St George’s Roll. In 1911 at 3 Low Chapel Row – John George Veal 48 hewer, married to Hannah Eliz 49 for 21 years and 3 children 2 still alive (crossed out) as if this was second marriage. Also Ernest Veal son 28 single and Eliz Dunn stepdau 26 married (no husband named) and Olive Dunn 2 and Minnie Dunn 2m and Anthony Dent Nicholson nephew 16 mason’s labourer at coal mine. Places of birth Chorley Lancs, Seaham Harbour 3, Fatfield 2 and Seaham Harbour.
John William Vince 10 River View Tce. Gunner 62171 152nd Heavy Batty RGA. Base Details. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger discharged 9/2/19. Riverview Fatfield. Debility and pneumonia, 20%, 30% and 14% for */-, 12/- and 7/6d for 70 weeks from October 1922. He was living at Holyoake Terrace, New Washington, when he attested in November 1915. He was born in 1896 and was therefore 19 when he joined. JW was a clerk, 5 feet 6, CofE and his next of kin was his father Harry. The Chester-le-Street Chronicle, in
April 1917, reported that Jack, then serving with the Canadians, had been wounded but his record doesn’t mention that. JW served as 62171 in the RGA, first serving in Londonderry and then going to France in May 1916. His next of kin were informed that he was in hospital in Boulogne (August 1918) suffering from double pneumonia and he was again in hospital in York in November 1918 at the time the war ended. Jack had made his will out to his “Mam” at River View, Fatfield, the same address as was given for his pay.
JW was awarded a pension of 11/- per week for 40% disability, that to last for 39 weeks from 10/2/19.
Jack Vince wasn’t mentioned on the St George’s Roll of Honour but was included on the Absent Voters List, his address being given as 10, River View. He was awarded the War and Victory Medals. In 1911 at 63 Mitchell St Birtley – Harry Vince 40 grocer’s traveler for Coop, married to Sabina (Holmes) 38 for 16 years with 2 children – John William 15 and Eleanor Emma 10. Places of birth Ipswich and Birtley 3. He married Lily Lowes in Lanchester in 1924 and died in 1974 in Shincliffe leaving over £11000.
John George Walker 13 Biddick Tce 23496 R Inniskilling Fusiliers then WR 43789. SR War and Victory medals. SR - he was a 23-year old miner living at 25, Oxclose Street, Washington Station when he attested on 27/5/15. He was 5 feet 5 and had married Margaret (Robson). He became Private 12/23496 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, later becoming 43789 in the Royal Engineers, Quarry and Roads Section.
JG had some brushes with army rules and regulations during his service. He forfeited 3 days’ pay for absence in January 1916, was confined to barracks for 7 days in December 1916 for creating a disturbance on the public road at Ballyshannon in Northern Ireland and had further periods of absence that cost him 4 days’ pay and 10 days confined to barracks during 1917. He was punished with 2 days of Field Punishment No2 for being absent from his “final leave” – which suggested he might have been due to embark for service overseas but his record gives no indication that he did serve abroad. He was given leave in May 1918, his leave address being noted as 13, Biddick Terrace. In September 1918 he was placed in Class P Reserve and, though no disability was stated he was awarded a pension of 8/3d per week for 52 weeks from that date.
JG was awarded the War and Victory Medals and was included on the St George’s Roll (Cooks). In 1911 at 1 Chapel Passage St Elvet Durham – Matthew Hardy 44 hewer, married to Margaret Ann (Wheatley) 44 with John G Walker 19 miner, William Hy Walker 13, Winnie Walker 7, Robert Walker 4 and Winnifred Hardy 10. Places of birth – Durham, Wolsingham and Durham 5. Appears to be second marriage. John G married Margaret Robson and died in 1943.
Ernest William Walton 20 Wormhill Terrace. 252129 2/5th DLI. War and Victory medals as 2/6th DLI. SR – he was an assistant overseer/rate collector for the Poor Law when he attested at Sunderland on 29/11/15. He was 33 years old, 6 feet tall and weighed 144lbs. He had married Mary Minto on 24/712 and they had two children – Mary born at Penshaw January 1913 and Sydney born at North Biddick in November 1914. Mr Walton was CofE. He lived at 20, Wormhill Terrace. Originally serving as Private 33384, 3rd DLI, he was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal in August 1916, transferred to the 2/6th DLI in October 1916 (service number 252129), became Lance Corporal in May 1917, Acting Sergeant in June 1917 and Sergeant in May 1918, the same month as he went to France. Sergeant Walton avoided all misdemeanours and wounds, though he was issued with army spectacles after complaining of defective vision at morning sick-parade at Frinton-on-Sea in March 1918.
Sergeant Walton was discharged in March 1919 and signed to say he was suffering from no disability. His name is on the St George’s Roll and the Absent Voters List. He was entitled to the War and Victory Medals.
The Durham County Record Office holds some documents belonging to Sergeant Walton including his diaries for 1917 and 1918. He was a neat writer, as befitting his position as Assistant Overseer, and his diaries are well-ordered and precise. From them it can be seen that his brother Thomas (married to Ann), who had joined the 10th Lincolnshires only seven weeks before that, died on 16th May 1917 at Rugeley Camp and was buried in the churchyard of St Matthew at Newbottle. The parents of Thomas and Ernest were William and Sarah Jane, the former a housepainter in 1891 and a coal miner by 1901. Their siblings were Alice K, James B, Mary J and Ruth J and their paternal grandfather, Thomas was a retired sailmaker in 1891. In 1901 Ernest was working as a pupil teacher and Thomas as a grocer’s assistant.
In 1911 at 12 South Row, Sunniside Fencehouses – William Walton house painter 55, married to Sarah Jane (Blundell) 56 for 29 years and 6 children – Ernest William 28 clerk at Tramways, Thomas 26 grocer’s assistant Provisions, Alice Kilvington W 25, Ruth Johnson W 20 and Hilda Watson adopted 5. Places of birth Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, Newbottle 4 and HLS.
1939 at Ottrick Lane, CLS with Mary and three teachers living there. He was rating and valuation officer. Died 1963 at ‘Ettrick’ Biddick Lane leaving £4844 to Sydney a motor mechanic
John Whitfield 64 Castle St. 52136 RGA. SR – he was born in Birtley, enlisted at Shiney Row on 10/11/14 and was resident at 63, Castle St, Fatfield. He served as Gunner 52136, Royal Garrison Artillery, until his death on Monday, 4th November 1918, one week before the armistice which ended the war came into effect. He was 24. John’s grave is in St George’s Churchyard, Harraton; his name is on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Whitfield J (though it doesn’t say that he died) and on the Harraton Memorial as Whitfield J.
In 1901 the family of Robert (35), and Barbara Whitfield (29), were living at 12, Cross Row, Lamesley, County Durham. Their children were John (7), William (5) and Samuel (2 months). Robert was a hewer, born Usworth, and the children were born in Leadgate, Birtley and Bewicke Main. In 1908 Robert (nicknamed Barney and pictured outside the Dun Cow) and Barbara welcomed Thomas, born 28th June, at 33, Dairy Street, Houghton-le-Spring, and, later, father to Thomas Whitfield (born 1937) who now lives in Chester-le-Street. Thomas is therefore the nephew of the brothers killed in the war. He says his father would never talk about them. His father, Thomas (born 1908) was a member of Billy Bankhead’s Blue Bird Mouth Organ Band and he tells of how the band once led the Harraton Banner into Durham on Gala Day because there was no brass band to do it.
In 1911 the family were living at 33, Darcy St, Houghton le Spring, Robert, Barbara, John, William and Samuel had been joined by Eliza (6), Thomas (2) and Marther (sic) Ann Gilpin Whitfield (5m). Eliza had been born in Birtley and her younger brother and sister at Houghton le Spring. The three eldest males were working as a fitter and putters.
At the time of enlistment John’s details were: 20 years and 1 month old, 5 feet 8, 142lbs, 35-inch chest, fair complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. He was CofE. His next of kin was his father, Robert Whitfield, of 64, Castle Street. There is damage to John’s service record so parts of it cannot be read. He went to France on 27/9/15 and was there until 27/10/17. He was wounded and suffering from shellshock on 25/10/17 and was admitted to Etaples General Hospital. He was then transferred to Connaught Hospital at Aldershot on 29/10/17. He was granted furlough home from 22/12/17 to 31/12/17 and seems to have returned to France on 12/4/18. After his death a weekly pension of 27/6d was payable (not clear to whom) from 13/6/18 and then 11/- (the rest is illegible). The pension was to be reviewed after 52 weeks.
The 1915 Electoral Roll lists Robert William Whitfield at 64, Castle St.
John’s Medal Roll has no indication of any medals being awarded but it states that he was discharged on 19/12/18 – by which time he had already died. Perhaps the army hadn’t been informed of his death. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Robert, John’s father, a war gratuity of £7 was paid on 19/11/19. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that William Whitfield was 2051 DLI (A/Cpl) and was single. He was killed in action on 21/9/16 and was son of Mr Robert (died July 1931) and Mrs Barbara (died April 1926) Whitfield of 64 Castle St (Mrs born 1875 and Mr born 1866). On the same card is John who died of disease 3/11/18 and he was 52136 Gnr RGA. The award for William was 5/- from 10/4/17 to 3/9/17 and then 10/- from 4/9/17 for life. Then it states that combined award was 20/-.
Dependant’s card gives the brothers as 2051 WilliamA/Cpl 8th DLI kina 21/9/16 and John 52136 Gunner, RGA. There is no mention of either pension or gratuity.
John Wilkins 1 Castle St. Gunner 217115 RGA. Base Details. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 13 Eden Place Beamish Henry Wilkins - 45 stoneman, married for 23 years to Margaret 42 with 8 children, Mark 21 putter, William 20 putter, John 18 putter, Thomas 16 putter, Henry 13, Joseph 10, Septimus 8 and Mary Ann 6. Places of birth Newcastle, Bewick Main, Monkwearmouth, Birtley, Bewick Main 3, Rainton 2 and Kibblesworth.
John Willcock 52 Castle St. 3rd DLI. Actually 20/194 pension ledger discharged 26/10/18. 52 Castle St b 1898 single, VDH attributable but no grounds. Silver War Badge enlisted 31/8/15 and discharged 31/3/19 served overseas. For War and Victory medal John Wilcox 20/194 (close to Richard Gloyne) In 1911 at 25 Third St Wardley – William Willcock miner 48, married for 19 years to Annie with 10 children, 9 still alive – Sydney crossed out, Joseph 16 driver, Thomas 14 screener, John 13, Mary Annie 10, William 8, Margaret 7, Esther 4, Sarah 2 and Florence 5m. Places of birth Santonsall Cornwall, Felling 2, Ryhope 3, Bill Quay, Pelaw, Wardley 3.
Thomas Wilkins 49 Castle St 21079 1/5th Buffs. SR – he was living at 49 Castle Street when he enlisted in the army, on 24/11/14, at Shiney Row. Thomas was 19 years and 9 months old, having been born in Lamesley in 1895. He was 5 feet 6, had a chest of 37 inches. His father was Henry Wilkins. His record includes a variety of service numbers 55028 RGA, 21079 RGA, 3002 3/5th Buffs and 241002 the Buffs. He seems to have joined the RGA and been transferred to the 1/5th Kent Regiment. It was with the Buffs that Thomas embarked from Devonport on 22/1/16 aboard the MT Magdalene. They disembarked at Busra (Basra?) on 23/2/16.
In July 1916 Tommy was given 7 days FP No2 for “….……sick without…….. thereby avoiding duty….absent from sick parade”. In May 1917 he was given a month’s leave to India though he didn’t return for 2 months, perhaps because he was allowed travelling time or perhaps for some other reason, and it then took another fortnight for him to rejoin his unit in the field. In December 1917, while on signalling duty, he was deprived of 7 days pay by his C.O. for neglect of duty.
From the start of July 1917 Tommy had begun to earn proficiency pay Class I and from 9/5/18 he was given an extra 6d per diem for his work as a signaller. That ended on 3/12/18, the date of his embarkation to Salonika.
When Thomas left the army, in April 1919, he signed to confirm that he was suffering no disability. Though he was not entitled to a pension there is an undated memo about payment of 8/9d per week to his dependant mother, Margaret Wilkins, suggesting that his father might have died.
Thomas acknowledged the receipt of his War and Victory Medals in June 1922.
Thomas Wilkins is listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour (Harraton and Fatfield) and there is also a J Wilkins, perhaps his brother.
In 1911 at 13 Eden Place Beamish Henry Wilkins - 45 stoneman, married for 23 years to Margaret 42 with 8 children, Mark 21 putter, William 20 putter, John 18 putter, Thomas 16 putter, Henry 13, Joseph 10, Septimus 8 and Mary Ann 6. Places of birth Newcastle, Bewick Main, Monkwearmouth, Birtley, Bewicke Main 3, Rainton 2 and Kibblesworth. - 1939 at 10 Short Row, married to Mary with 3 kids, a hewer.
Joseph Willcock 52 Castle St. 475331 378th Labour Coy. Previously 202 DLI. War and Victory medals. 3 Castle St, GSW right hand Pension ledger b 1895, single, discharged 26/11/18. 20% for 8/- +2/- for wife and final gratuity of £10 SMI £60 and Service £18 in November 1921. In 1911 at 25 Third St Wardley – William Willcock miner 48, married for 19 years to Annie with 10 children, 9 still alive – Sydney crossed out, Joseph 16 driver, Thomas 14 screener, John 13, Mary Annie 10, William 8, Margaret 7, Esther 4, Sarah 2 and Florence 5m. Places of birth Santonsall Cornwall, Felling 2, Ryhope 3, Bill Quay, Pelaw, Wardley 3. Joseph married Rebecca Hartshorn in October 1918 and died in 1964.
Wallace Wood 4 Biddick Inn Tce. 14902 2nd Yorks. L/Cpl 7th Yorks for 1915 Star to France 13/7/15. Then Sgt in 13th Yorks as 14902 then 2nd W Yorks as Sgt 63354 for War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 2 Woodside Cottages, Washington – Wallace Wood 28 hewer, married 7 years to Sarah Ann with 2 children – Lily 4 and Harry 2. Places of birth Haughton green, Godley Cheshire, Hyde Cheshire and Washington. Pension ledger b 1881 discharged 21/3/19
John William Woodward 6 Pit Houses. 210862 378th Lab Coy. Silver War Badge, enlisted 22/11/15 and discharged 5/2/19. Previously Pte 131 DLI. Address 7 Harraton Colliery. Pension ledger born 1882, married, discharged 21/6/18. Gassed. No grounds for award. In 1911 at 3 West Bridge St – John W Woodward aged 29, boarder single, colliery labourer living with the Garbutt family – Robert, Margaret and their 4 children. John was born in CLS.
Frederick Charles Young 2 Castle St. 74210 3rd DLI. War and Victory medals as 11th DLI, Silver War Badge enlisted 11/12/15, discharged 25/10/19 served abroad. Pension ledger b 1896, single, discharged 25/10/19 GSW left leg ranging from 30% - 40% to 20% - 12/- then 16/- then 8/- until April 1924. Castle St deleted and Shiney Row inserted. In 1911 at 6 Chapel Row – Charles Young 43 hewer, married for 21 years to Eliz (Hindson) 41 with 4 children, 3 still alive – Violet 21, Fred 13, Eliz 10 and Edward McDonald boarder hewer 41 single, John Buck visitor 71 married fisherman and Ann Buck visitor 75. Places of birth Fatfield, Birtley 4, Durham, Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Joseph Young 6 Catherine Square. 217311 RGA. Not under this number. In 1911 at 26 Gladstone Tce Penshaw – Joseph Young 25 hewer, married under 1 year to Bessie Emma (Pickard). Places of birth Fatfield and Moorsley. Joseph died in 1968.
Arthur Wright Lambton Castle Stables. 131025 Gunner 6th Res Bde RFA(T) SR Lambton Castle, groom, single, 38, 29/2/16, father Charles in Cambridgeshire. March 1918 he can only walk using a stick and with much pain, accident while on duty – fell from horse while riding without stirrups.
John William Woodward 7 Harraton Colliery. 210862 Labour centre Northern Command (as above)
Wallace Wood 4 Biddick Inn Tce. 63353 A/Sgt 2nd W Yorks - 4 Biddick Inn Tce. 14902 2nd Yorks. L/Cpl 7th Yorks for 1915 Star to France 13/7/15. Then Sgt in 13th Yorks as 14902 then 2nd W Yorks as Sgt 63354 for War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 2 Woodside Cottages, Washington – Wallace Wood 28 hewer, married 7 years to Sarah Ann with 2 children – Lily 4 and Harry 2. Places of birth Haughton Green, Godley Cheshire, Hyde Cheshire and Washington. Pension ledger b 1881 discharged 21/3/19, married, 4 Biddick Inn Tce, gas poisoning 20% for 6/6d +3/2d for 2 children until 12/7/21 and then no grounds.
Christopher Whittingham Burn House. 70352 156th pro Co RDC. SR - he was living at 1, Burn House, Fatfield, the address of his father Thomas, when he attested on 29/5/17. He was 5 feet 3 tall, a single banksman, 19 years and 2 months old. His religion was CofE. He joined the 5th DLI as 204310. Christopher was at home until 26/8/18 at which point he was transferred into Class P Reserve to work for James Kelly and Co Ltd, before being discharged on 2/4/19. At some point in his time in the army he was serving in the Royal Defence Corps as Private 73302. When Christopher left the army he was given a pension of 8/3d per week for 27 weeks from 27/8/18 due to his 30% defective vision, though it was not attributed to his military service. He appears neither on the Army Medal Roll nor the St George’s Roll of Honour although he is listed on the Absent Voters List. On 10th August 1916 the Illustrated Chronicle reported that Private Whittingham of Fatfield, Border Regiment, was in hospital.
In August 1916 it was reported in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle that Private Whittinghame (sic) of Fatfield was in hospital sick but there is no army medal record for anyone of that name and Christopher hadn’t, as far as is known, joined the army at that time.
Died in 1958. In 1939 he was at Hetton, a labourer, married to Martha with Doris b 1915.
Thomas Winters 12 Railway St. 406519 612th Coy MT ASC. SR under 376830 – he was born in Ryhope in 1876 but was living at 12, Railway Street, Fatfield, when he attested at Shiney Row on 7/5/15. He was a single miner, 38 years and 5 months old, 5 feet 6 tall. His next of kin was Greenwell Winter, his brother, address unknown. Thomas was CofE. He originally joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers but was transferred to the Royal Irish Rifles
22/12/15 then back to the Inniskillings 11/2/16, then into the Northumberland Fusiliers 12/2/17 and, finally the Army Service Corps 25/3/18. His service number while in the infantry was 49687 and then T406519 while serving as a Packer and Loader in a Motor Transport Company. Thomas was disembodied on 13/2/19 and signed to say he was suffering no disability. It hasn’t been possible to trace a Medal Roll entry for Thomas and nor does he appear on the St George’s Roll of Honour. He is, however listed on the 1918 Absent Voters List, his address still 12, Railway Street.
Frederick Charles Young 2 Castle St. 74210 3rd DLI. War and Victory medals as 11th DLI, Silver War Badge enlisted 11/12/15, discharged 25/10/19 served abroad. Pension ledger b 1896, single, discharged 25/10/19 GSW left leg ranging from 30% - 40% to 20% - 12/- then 16/- then 8/- until April 1924. Castle St deleted and Shiney Row inserted. In 1911 at 6 Chapel Row – Charles Young 43 hewer, married for 21 years to Eliz (Hindson) 41 with 4 children, 3 still alive – Violet 21, Fred 13, Eliz 10 and Edward McDonald boarder hewer 41 single, John Buck visitor 71 married fisherman and Ann Buck visitor 75. Places of birth Fatfield, Birtley 4, Durham, Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Joseph Young 6 Catherine Square. 217311 RGA. Not under this number. In 1911 at 26 Gladstone Tce Penshaw – Joseph Young 25 hewer, married under 1 year to Bessie Emma (Pickard). Places of birth Fatfield and Moorsley. Joseph died in 1968.
Arthur Wright Lambton Castle Stables. 131025 Gunner 6th Res Bde RFA(T) SR Lambton Castle, groom, single, 38, 29/2/16, father Charles in Cambridgeshire. March 1918 he can only walk using a stick and with much pain, accident while on duty – fell from horse while riding without stirrups.
John William Woodward 7 Harraton Colliery. 210862 Labour centre Northern Command (as above)
Wallace Wood 4 Biddick Inn Tce. 63353 A/Sgt 2nd W Yorks - 4 Biddick Inn Tce. 14902 2nd Yorks. L/Cpl 7th Yorks for 1915 Star to France 13/7/15. Then Sgt in 13th Yorks as 14902 then 2nd W Yorks as Sgt 63354 for War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 2 Woodside Cottages, Washington – Wallace Wood 28 hewer, married 7 years to Sarah Ann with 2 children – Lily 4 and Harry 2. Places of birth Haughton Green, Godley Cheshire, Hyde Cheshire and Washington. Pension ledger b 1881 discharged 21/3/19, married, 4 Biddick Inn Tce, gas poisoning 20% for 6/6d +3/2d for 2 children until 12/7/21 and then no grounds.
Christopher Whittingham Burn House. 70352 156th pro Co RDC. SR - he was living at 1, Burn House, Fatfield, the address of his father Thomas, when he attested on 29/5/17. He was 5 feet 3 tall, a single banksman, 19 years and 2 months old. His religion was CofE. He joined the 5th DLI as 204310. Christopher was at home until 26/8/18 at which point he was transferred into Class P Reserve to work for James Kelly and Co Ltd, before being discharged on 2/4/19. At some point in his time in the army he was serving in the Royal Defence Corps as Private 73302. When Christopher left the army he was given a pension of 8/3d per week for 27 weeks from 27/8/18 due to his 30% defective vision, though it was not attributed to his military service. He appears neither on the Army Medal Roll nor the St George’s Roll of Honour although he is listed on the Absent Voters List. On 10th August 1916 the Illustrated Chronicle reported that Private Whittingham of Fatfield, Border Regiment, was in hospital.
In August 1916 it was reported in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle that Private Whittinghame (sic) of Fatfield was in hospital sick but there is no army medal record for anyone of that name and Christopher hadn’t, as far as is known, joined the army at that time.
Died in 1958. In 1939 he was at Hetton, a labourer, married to Martha with Doris b 1915.
Thomas Winters 12 Railway St. 406519 612th Coy MT ASC. SR under 376830 – he was born in Ryhope in 1876 but was living at 12, Railway Street, Fatfield, when he attested at Shiney Row on 7/5/15. He was a single miner, 38 years and 5 months old, 5 feet 6 tall. His next of kin was Greenwell Winter, his brother, address unknown. Thomas was CofE. He originally joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers but was transferred to the Royal Irish Rifles
22/12/15 then back to the Inniskillings 11/2/16, then into the Northumberland Fusiliers 12/2/17 and, finally the Army Service Corps 25/3/18. His service number while in the infantry was 49687 and then T406519 while serving as a Packer and Loader in a Motor Transport Company. Thomas was disembodied on 13/2/19 and signed to say he was suffering no disability. It hasn’t been possible to trace a Medal Roll entry for Thomas and nor does he appear on the St George’s Roll of Honour. He is, however listed on the 1918 Absent Voters List, his address still 12, Railway Street.
David Allan Aitchison 3 Peels House. In 1911 at Stella Farm S Pelaw – Thomas Aitchison 42 colliery horsekeeper, married 14 years to Eliz 36 and 6 children, 5 still alive – David Allen A 16 driver, Mary Ann 14, Elsie 10, George 7, Thomas 3. Places of birth – Fatfield, Birtley 2, CLS 3 and Pelton. He enlisted in Grenadier Guards 32563 11/1/16 from 7 South Pelaw Square and then address altered to 3 Peel’s Houses, aged 21, married, colliery labourer for Pelaw Main Coal Coy.. He married Isabella Hopkin at Byker 11/4/17, their child Eliz Jane having been born at Byker 13/3/17 and David was born 19/7/18 at CLS. Mobilised 23/4/18 and transferred to Reserve 24/12/18. Did not go abroad.
Ivor Carr Atkinson 7 Rickleton. 32869 Cpl. 3rd D.L.I. Not under this number or Durham
Thomas Bell 13 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 216749 R.E. War and Victory medals. SR enlisted 11/12/15 from 13 Pelaw Grange, 28, joiner, single, mother Mary Jane. Lancashire Fortress RE, discharged 11/10/19, medical for discharge in Cologne 23/9/19. He had worked for Armstrong Whitworth at Birtley for a year up to Dec 1916, at which time he was posted. In 1911 at 13 Pelaw Grange – Mary J Bell widow 63 (34 years and 6 children, 4 still alive) George 32 commercial clerk, Timothy Charlton Bell 29 tinsmith, Isabella 26 and Thomas 24 joiner. Places of birth Lumley Thicks and Pelaw Grange 4.
Malcolm Davison Berry Folly House Black Fell. 3/7990 1st N.F. To France 28/11/14 so 1914 Star and War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge had enlisted 21/7/11 and discharged 2/11/18 from 3rd Bn NF, GSW, aged 24. Pension Ledger (Army has Malcolm David, discharged 2/11/18, married GSW head, Folly House Birtley. 30% for 12/- +7/1d for wife and 2 children and then 14% for 10/6d for 104 weeks plus gratuity of £20. In 1911 at 3 New York, Washington – Thomas Lightfoot Berry 57 wasteman, married to Sarah Ann 47 for 18 years with 13 children, 11 still alive – Malcolm 17 bank labourer, James 15 driver, Barbara 13, Thomas 10, Richard Skinner B 8, Edward 6, Eliz 5, James Fallnoon/Lallnoon 27 married boarder bank labourer, Margaret Lallnoon 24 married 2 years 1 child – Henrietta 1. Places of birth Sunderland, Washington, Sunderland 2 Washington 5, Bradford, Urpeth and Birtley. Malcolm married Isabella Rutter in 1913 and died in 1979.The Ancestry family tree mentions 4 half siblings, Michael, Thomas, John and Margaret Gardner 17,13,10 and 14 in 1901. Thomas Gardner died in Mesopotamia 24/2/17. CWGC gives Thomas Gardiner Norfolk Regt 26672, 2nd Bn and listed on Basra Memorial. His brother John received a war gratuity of £10 on 8/1/18. A second Soldiers’ Effects suggests John received £14.10s on 4/11/19 and £3.9.4 on 8/1/18. Thomas was awarded War and Victory medals. Pension ledger names brother John and has him as 10266 DLI and then 26672 Norfolk. Mother Sarah Ann Berry and Mr John Gardner of 27 Baird Tce, Birtley. Soldiers That Died says he was born Annitsford and brother John. Thomas, Pte 7192 enlisted in the Coldstream Guards in Sunderland in April 1907. He was 19, born Caperdown Nd, a miner. He was discharged in July 1907 on payment of £10 but one half of purchase money was refunded to Mrs Berry of 3 New York, her son having reenlisted in DLI, 10366. Norfolk Regiment has him as 1st DLI 10266, disembarked on 21/8/15, kina 26688 on 24/2/17 for the 1915 Star. 7 others from the DLI out of 12 on the page.
Ernest Burch 6 Pictree. 95774 C/277 Bde. R.F.A. Reverted from Cpl to Gunner 1/12/16 at own request, ‘this was not to avoid trial by Court Martial’. War and Victory medals. SR Born Fatfield, aged 19, assistant forester, father Charles, when he enlisted into RFA on 5/9/14, had been a territorial. Was in 149 Bde and then from May 1915 in D batt 179 Bde. To France 1916. In hospital May 1915 for hernia. In 1911 at Picktree – Charles Burch 52 blacksmith at Lambton Castle, married for 30 years to Hannah Jane 52 with 12 children, 11 still alive – Alice 18, Frederick shop assistant (Boots) Samuel 14 woodman, Emily 13, Norah 11 and Elsie 9. Places of birth North Shields, Harrogate, Picktree 6. He married Mary Ellen Hewitson in 1923 and died in Cleadon in 1965.
George Frederick Burch 6 Pictree. 18750 256th Tun. Co. R.E. To France 20/7/15. 11th DLI, attached 185 Co RE and then 256 Coy RE. War, Victory and 1915 Star. (See above for family info)
Henry Clark Wheat Sheaf Inn. 12129 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals – had been 35124 Leics Regt. Not in Harraton in 1911
John Clough 6 Portobello. 386299 1st N. Field Ambulance R.A.M.C. Military Medal and Bar. However, there is also a John Clough MM and Bar with number 1751 and War and Victory medals. May be born 1894 at West Pelton to Thomas and Eleanor
John Cowie 27 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 9007 2nd D.L.I. L/Cpl War and Victory medals. To France 8/9/14 so 1914 Star. Also has J Cowie PoW of Highland (possibly confused with DLI) Light Infantry but also disembarked in France 8/9/14. According to ICRC records J Cowie 9007 L/Cpl DLI arrived in England aboard SS Willochra. He was captured at Hameln, Lille 19/9/14. Seems likely – in 1911 at Caravan Field Station Rd Birtley – William Cowie 44 travelling showman with Jane (Miller), married 21 years and 10 children, 8 still alive – Mary 20, Lilian 18, William 17 showman assistant, John 14, James 8, George 3, Caroline 1, Jane 10 and Joseph Shields 23 showman’s assistant. Places of birth Dundee, Gateshead 2, Benton Square Nd, Choppington, Leaning Lane Yorks, West Burton Yorks, HLS, Gateshead, Grangetown D, Gateshead.
John Cummings 9 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 771046 35th D.A.C. R.F.A. War and Victory medals – also noted as Driver RFA (T) 2800. In 1911 at 9 Pelaw Grange – William Cummings 46 stoneman, married for 25 years with 8 children, 5 still alive to Jane Ann 46 – Robert William 21 hewer, John 16 onsetter, Eliz 13 and Hannah Isabell 10. Places of birth Durham City, HLS, Lumley Thicks 2 and Sherburn Hill 2.
Patrick Dalton 24 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 217398 Gnr. R.G.A. PR – Pelaw Grange, aged 27, miner, single, father Patrick. Enlisted 2/3/16 and posted 6/6/18. Rheumatism from 1913 but now suffering shortness of breath and pains in the feet. Discharged 14/12/18, no award or payment. Can’t locate him in Census.
James Douglas Pictree Marine Engineer
James Gascoigne 9 Pelaw Grange Terrace 207792 R.G.A. War and Victory medals, Base Details. In 1911 at 8 Pelaw Grange – William Robert Gascoigne 44 hewer, married to Mary Jane 40 for 21 years with 8 children, 7 still alive – Ralph William 21 putter, John deleted, Maria Ann dauinlaw 20 married, John 19 putter , Alexander 18 putter, James deleted, Isabella 14, James 12, Thomas 10 and Norman 5. Places of birth Shincliffe, Nova Scotia (Durham) 2 Pelton Fell 2, CLS 2, blank, Ouston, Perkinsville, CLS and Fatfield.
Henry Gibons 2 Peels Houses 52967 K.O.Y.L.I.
George William Gibson Pelaw Hill Farm. 25300 Duke of Wellington started as 44746 6th Yorks then 25300 2/4th West Riding (Duke of Boots) to Reserve 18/10/19. War and Victory medals, enlisted 22/5/16 and discharged 31/7/18, wounds, aged 20. SR aged 18, on 22/5/16 when he attested, agricultural horseman, b Pelaw Hill, father George. Posted to W Riding 15/8/17. Wounded, right thigh, 5/12/17 and discharged 31/7/18. D Coy, honest, sober and hard worker. Pension ledger says b 1898 and physically unfit attributable to service. Pelaw Hill Farm. 20% for 8- from 31/3/20 until April 1925 and then 15-19% for 7/6d for 156 weeks plus gratuity of £40. In 1911 at Pelaw Hill Farm – George Gibson 54 farmer, married to Margaret 43 for 21 years and 6 children – Anne 20 dairy worker, Margaret Edith 18 dairy worker, Thomas Richard 16 farm worker, George Wm 14, Eliz Isabella 11 and John Robert 6. Places of birth Whalton ND, Dinnington, Ponteland 6.
Matthew Grass Harraton Lodge. 24737 K.O.Y.L.I., was born in Ecclestone, Cheshire, enlisted at Birtley and was resident at 7, Rickleton. He served as Private 24737, 1st Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, until he died on Tuesday, 8th October 1918.
The 1st KOYLIs were part of the 83rd Brigade, 28th Division until July 1918, at which point they became part of 151st Brigade serving with the 50th (Northern) Division.
Private Grass is listed on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Panel 8, the St George’s Roll of Honour as Grass M – killed, Pictree and on the Harraton Memorial as Grass M. The name M Grass is one of those on the plaque in St Barnabas’ Church, Burnmoor, probably Matthew since he worked on the Lambton Estate.We have no evidence as to when Private Grass enlisted or was conscripted but his Regiment were in Salonica from December 1915 to June 1918 and he may have been with them for part of that time. The Regiment arrived in France as part of the 50th (North) Division in July 1918 and took part in the battles for the Hindenburg Line, known as the 100 Days Offensive. Tanks were being used more regularly and the Germans were being pushed back rapidly; the end of the war was approaching but the Germans continued to fight determinedly. Private Grass seems likely to have died in the fighting around Cambrai.
The 1901 Census has Matthew’s family at Balderton in Dodlestone, Cheshire. John W Grass (50), widower, a gamekeeper, born Norfolk, was father to Emily F (25), Matthew (15), Louisa A (13), Henry C (11) and Elsie A (5). By 1911 Matthew was living at Bowes Houses, Fencehouses, with his wife of three years, Maud Ellen (21, nee Shuttleworth), born in Rainford, Lancashire. Their children - Henry (2) and Richard (1) - had been born in Burnmoor and Fred and John came along in 1911 and 1914 and Matthew in 1916. Matthew was working as a gamekeeper on Lord Lambton’s Estate.
Matthew’s family were awarded the Victory Medal and War Medal. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Maud E, Michael’s’ widow received £20.13.7d on 24/2/19, including a war gratuity of £13.10. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that Matthew Grass 24737 5 children under 16, 24737 KOYLI his widow Maude Ellen (born 1886) from 13/12/20 would get £1.6.8 as widows pension and £1.18.6 for the children.
A Dependant’s card states that Pte Matthew Grass 24737 KOYLI was kina 8/10/18 in France and that his death was notified on 31/10/18. His wife Maud E (born 13/2/90) lived at Harraton Lodge, Picktree and had 5 children – Harry 4/12/08, Richard 3/4/10, Fred 14/11/11, John 26/12/13 and Matthew 17/4/16. Mrs Grass was awarded a grant of £10 on 16/12/18 and a pension of 37/11d per week from 5/5/19. Maud Ellen Grass died April 1978.
Albert Graham 11 West View. 78532 Pte. 4th Res. N.F. 1/7th NF then 1st NF. War and Victory medals. Can’t find him in 1911 Census.
Isaac Hutchinson Pelaw Grange Terrace. 100532 180th Hy. Bty. R.G.A. A/Sgt alternative number 37421, Base Details. War and Victory medals. (See below)
William Hutchinson 23 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 765603 Driver. 250 Bde. R.F.A. War and Victory medals, previously 2931 RFA (T). In 1911 at 37 A St, New Town Birtley – William Hutchinson 48 hewer, married 24 years to Isabella 42 with 11 children , 8 still alive – Joseph 21 tub filler, Isaac 19 putter, Annie 14, William 11, Ellen 9, Isabella 7, Harry 5 and Violet 2. Places of birth Twizell, Birtley 9.
Arthur Harrison Rickleton House. D/13802 1st Dragoons, previously GS/9912, 1st Dragoons, War and Victory medals. To Reserve 23/3/19. Can’t find him in 1911 census.
Ivor Carr Atkinson 7 Rickleton. 32869 Cpl. 3rd D.L.I. Not under this number or Durham
Thomas Bell 13 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 216749 R.E. War and Victory medals. SR enlisted 11/12/15 from 13 Pelaw Grange, 28, joiner, single, mother Mary Jane. Lancashire Fortress RE, discharged 11/10/19, medical for discharge in Cologne 23/9/19. He had worked for Armstrong Whitworth at Birtley for a year up to Dec 1916, at which time he was posted. In 1911 at 13 Pelaw Grange – Mary J Bell widow 63 (34 years and 6 children, 4 still alive) George 32 commercial clerk, Timothy Charlton Bell 29 tinsmith, Isabella 26 and Thomas 24 joiner. Places of birth Lumley Thicks and Pelaw Grange 4.
Malcolm Davison Berry Folly House Black Fell. 3/7990 1st N.F. To France 28/11/14 so 1914 Star and War and Victory medals. Silver War Badge had enlisted 21/7/11 and discharged 2/11/18 from 3rd Bn NF, GSW, aged 24. Pension Ledger (Army has Malcolm David, discharged 2/11/18, married GSW head, Folly House Birtley. 30% for 12/- +7/1d for wife and 2 children and then 14% for 10/6d for 104 weeks plus gratuity of £20. In 1911 at 3 New York, Washington – Thomas Lightfoot Berry 57 wasteman, married to Sarah Ann 47 for 18 years with 13 children, 11 still alive – Malcolm 17 bank labourer, James 15 driver, Barbara 13, Thomas 10, Richard Skinner B 8, Edward 6, Eliz 5, James Fallnoon/Lallnoon 27 married boarder bank labourer, Margaret Lallnoon 24 married 2 years 1 child – Henrietta 1. Places of birth Sunderland, Washington, Sunderland 2 Washington 5, Bradford, Urpeth and Birtley. Malcolm married Isabella Rutter in 1913 and died in 1979.The Ancestry family tree mentions 4 half siblings, Michael, Thomas, John and Margaret Gardner 17,13,10 and 14 in 1901. Thomas Gardner died in Mesopotamia 24/2/17. CWGC gives Thomas Gardiner Norfolk Regt 26672, 2nd Bn and listed on Basra Memorial. His brother John received a war gratuity of £10 on 8/1/18. A second Soldiers’ Effects suggests John received £14.10s on 4/11/19 and £3.9.4 on 8/1/18. Thomas was awarded War and Victory medals. Pension ledger names brother John and has him as 10266 DLI and then 26672 Norfolk. Mother Sarah Ann Berry and Mr John Gardner of 27 Baird Tce, Birtley. Soldiers That Died says he was born Annitsford and brother John. Thomas, Pte 7192 enlisted in the Coldstream Guards in Sunderland in April 1907. He was 19, born Caperdown Nd, a miner. He was discharged in July 1907 on payment of £10 but one half of purchase money was refunded to Mrs Berry of 3 New York, her son having reenlisted in DLI, 10366. Norfolk Regiment has him as 1st DLI 10266, disembarked on 21/8/15, kina 26688 on 24/2/17 for the 1915 Star. 7 others from the DLI out of 12 on the page.
Ernest Burch 6 Pictree. 95774 C/277 Bde. R.F.A. Reverted from Cpl to Gunner 1/12/16 at own request, ‘this was not to avoid trial by Court Martial’. War and Victory medals. SR Born Fatfield, aged 19, assistant forester, father Charles, when he enlisted into RFA on 5/9/14, had been a territorial. Was in 149 Bde and then from May 1915 in D batt 179 Bde. To France 1916. In hospital May 1915 for hernia. In 1911 at Picktree – Charles Burch 52 blacksmith at Lambton Castle, married for 30 years to Hannah Jane 52 with 12 children, 11 still alive – Alice 18, Frederick shop assistant (Boots) Samuel 14 woodman, Emily 13, Norah 11 and Elsie 9. Places of birth North Shields, Harrogate, Picktree 6. He married Mary Ellen Hewitson in 1923 and died in Cleadon in 1965.
George Frederick Burch 6 Pictree. 18750 256th Tun. Co. R.E. To France 20/7/15. 11th DLI, attached 185 Co RE and then 256 Coy RE. War, Victory and 1915 Star. (See above for family info)
Henry Clark Wheat Sheaf Inn. 12129 Labour Corps. War and Victory medals – had been 35124 Leics Regt. Not in Harraton in 1911
John Clough 6 Portobello. 386299 1st N. Field Ambulance R.A.M.C. Military Medal and Bar. However, there is also a John Clough MM and Bar with number 1751 and War and Victory medals. May be born 1894 at West Pelton to Thomas and Eleanor
John Cowie 27 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 9007 2nd D.L.I. L/Cpl War and Victory medals. To France 8/9/14 so 1914 Star. Also has J Cowie PoW of Highland (possibly confused with DLI) Light Infantry but also disembarked in France 8/9/14. According to ICRC records J Cowie 9007 L/Cpl DLI arrived in England aboard SS Willochra. He was captured at Hameln, Lille 19/9/14. Seems likely – in 1911 at Caravan Field Station Rd Birtley – William Cowie 44 travelling showman with Jane (Miller), married 21 years and 10 children, 8 still alive – Mary 20, Lilian 18, William 17 showman assistant, John 14, James 8, George 3, Caroline 1, Jane 10 and Joseph Shields 23 showman’s assistant. Places of birth Dundee, Gateshead 2, Benton Square Nd, Choppington, Leaning Lane Yorks, West Burton Yorks, HLS, Gateshead, Grangetown D, Gateshead.
John Cummings 9 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 771046 35th D.A.C. R.F.A. War and Victory medals – also noted as Driver RFA (T) 2800. In 1911 at 9 Pelaw Grange – William Cummings 46 stoneman, married for 25 years with 8 children, 5 still alive to Jane Ann 46 – Robert William 21 hewer, John 16 onsetter, Eliz 13 and Hannah Isabell 10. Places of birth Durham City, HLS, Lumley Thicks 2 and Sherburn Hill 2.
Patrick Dalton 24 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 217398 Gnr. R.G.A. PR – Pelaw Grange, aged 27, miner, single, father Patrick. Enlisted 2/3/16 and posted 6/6/18. Rheumatism from 1913 but now suffering shortness of breath and pains in the feet. Discharged 14/12/18, no award or payment. Can’t locate him in Census.
James Douglas Pictree Marine Engineer
James Gascoigne 9 Pelaw Grange Terrace 207792 R.G.A. War and Victory medals, Base Details. In 1911 at 8 Pelaw Grange – William Robert Gascoigne 44 hewer, married to Mary Jane 40 for 21 years with 8 children, 7 still alive – Ralph William 21 putter, John deleted, Maria Ann dauinlaw 20 married, John 19 putter , Alexander 18 putter, James deleted, Isabella 14, James 12, Thomas 10 and Norman 5. Places of birth Shincliffe, Nova Scotia (Durham) 2 Pelton Fell 2, CLS 2, blank, Ouston, Perkinsville, CLS and Fatfield.
Henry Gibons 2 Peels Houses 52967 K.O.Y.L.I.
George William Gibson Pelaw Hill Farm. 25300 Duke of Wellington started as 44746 6th Yorks then 25300 2/4th West Riding (Duke of Boots) to Reserve 18/10/19. War and Victory medals, enlisted 22/5/16 and discharged 31/7/18, wounds, aged 20. SR aged 18, on 22/5/16 when he attested, agricultural horseman, b Pelaw Hill, father George. Posted to W Riding 15/8/17. Wounded, right thigh, 5/12/17 and discharged 31/7/18. D Coy, honest, sober and hard worker. Pension ledger says b 1898 and physically unfit attributable to service. Pelaw Hill Farm. 20% for 8- from 31/3/20 until April 1925 and then 15-19% for 7/6d for 156 weeks plus gratuity of £40. In 1911 at Pelaw Hill Farm – George Gibson 54 farmer, married to Margaret 43 for 21 years and 6 children – Anne 20 dairy worker, Margaret Edith 18 dairy worker, Thomas Richard 16 farm worker, George Wm 14, Eliz Isabella 11 and John Robert 6. Places of birth Whalton ND, Dinnington, Ponteland 6.
Matthew Grass Harraton Lodge. 24737 K.O.Y.L.I., was born in Ecclestone, Cheshire, enlisted at Birtley and was resident at 7, Rickleton. He served as Private 24737, 1st Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, until he died on Tuesday, 8th October 1918.
The 1st KOYLIs were part of the 83rd Brigade, 28th Division until July 1918, at which point they became part of 151st Brigade serving with the 50th (Northern) Division.
Private Grass is listed on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Panel 8, the St George’s Roll of Honour as Grass M – killed, Pictree and on the Harraton Memorial as Grass M. The name M Grass is one of those on the plaque in St Barnabas’ Church, Burnmoor, probably Matthew since he worked on the Lambton Estate.We have no evidence as to when Private Grass enlisted or was conscripted but his Regiment were in Salonica from December 1915 to June 1918 and he may have been with them for part of that time. The Regiment arrived in France as part of the 50th (North) Division in July 1918 and took part in the battles for the Hindenburg Line, known as the 100 Days Offensive. Tanks were being used more regularly and the Germans were being pushed back rapidly; the end of the war was approaching but the Germans continued to fight determinedly. Private Grass seems likely to have died in the fighting around Cambrai.
The 1901 Census has Matthew’s family at Balderton in Dodlestone, Cheshire. John W Grass (50), widower, a gamekeeper, born Norfolk, was father to Emily F (25), Matthew (15), Louisa A (13), Henry C (11) and Elsie A (5). By 1911 Matthew was living at Bowes Houses, Fencehouses, with his wife of three years, Maud Ellen (21, nee Shuttleworth), born in Rainford, Lancashire. Their children - Henry (2) and Richard (1) - had been born in Burnmoor and Fred and John came along in 1911 and 1914 and Matthew in 1916. Matthew was working as a gamekeeper on Lord Lambton’s Estate.
Matthew’s family were awarded the Victory Medal and War Medal. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that Maud E, Michael’s’ widow received £20.13.7d on 24/2/19, including a war gratuity of £13.10. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
Pension card states that Matthew Grass 24737 5 children under 16, 24737 KOYLI his widow Maude Ellen (born 1886) from 13/12/20 would get £1.6.8 as widows pension and £1.18.6 for the children.
A Dependant’s card states that Pte Matthew Grass 24737 KOYLI was kina 8/10/18 in France and that his death was notified on 31/10/18. His wife Maud E (born 13/2/90) lived at Harraton Lodge, Picktree and had 5 children – Harry 4/12/08, Richard 3/4/10, Fred 14/11/11, John 26/12/13 and Matthew 17/4/16. Mrs Grass was awarded a grant of £10 on 16/12/18 and a pension of 37/11d per week from 5/5/19. Maud Ellen Grass died April 1978.
Albert Graham 11 West View. 78532 Pte. 4th Res. N.F. 1/7th NF then 1st NF. War and Victory medals. Can’t find him in 1911 Census.
Isaac Hutchinson Pelaw Grange Terrace. 100532 180th Hy. Bty. R.G.A. A/Sgt alternative number 37421, Base Details. War and Victory medals. (See below)
William Hutchinson 23 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 765603 Driver. 250 Bde. R.F.A. War and Victory medals, previously 2931 RFA (T). In 1911 at 37 A St, New Town Birtley – William Hutchinson 48 hewer, married 24 years to Isabella 42 with 11 children , 8 still alive – Joseph 21 tub filler, Isaac 19 putter, Annie 14, William 11, Ellen 9, Isabella 7, Harry 5 and Violet 2. Places of birth Twizell, Birtley 9.
Arthur Harrison Rickleton House. D/13802 1st Dragoons, previously GS/9912, 1st Dragoons, War and Victory medals. To Reserve 23/3/19. Can’t find him in 1911 census.
Keith Heatherington Ouston Villa. R.A.F. 161746. Born 3/1/95 in Westmoreland. CofE. Enlisted 23/4/18, draughtsman, father Gill at Ouston Villa. To Reserve 26/1/19. Classed as a rigger in 51 TDS. In 1911 the Census shows the family living at 1, The Avenue, Birtley, a house with 7 rooms. Mr Heatherington, born in Maxwelltown, Dumfries, was a coal and colliery stores inspector while Arnold and Keith were, respectively a mining student and an engineering student. Mr and Mrs Heatherington had been married 22 years and had three boys, Arnold, Keith and Eric, killed 4/5/17, a 2nd Lt in the Royal Warwickshires.
John James Hodgson 8 Portobello. 16904 6th Yorks. Regt. Enlisted 12/8/14. To Balkans 14/7/15, 1915 War and War and Victory medals. To Reserve 26/1/19. PR. Discharged to 9 Chapel Row, Portobello. Served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France. GSW left hand 29/9/18 and back. GSW right side 7/8/15 and then face and right eye 30/9/16. 6th Yorks, then 7th, then 6th. In 1911 at Cushey Cow Row, Portobello – Henry Hodgson 53 stoneman, married to Alice (Moore) 49 for 31 years and 8 children – Margaret 31, Stephen 21 colliery labourer, John James 17 apprentice, George 15 driver, Marta 12, Sally 10, William 8 and Henry 7. Places of birth Cox Green, Dairy House Hartley Nd, Trafalgar Row Dur, Portobello 7.
James Thompson Jackson 7 Ouston A Pit. 18891 A/Cpl 12th D.L.I. To France 25/8/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger. Discharged 9/2/19 with gastritis. 7 Ouston A Pit, single. Claim rejected. In 1911 at 9 Benson St, CLS – William Jackson 49 sawmill labourer, married to Mary (Bushby) 43 for 23 years and 8 children, 4 still alive – James Thompson Jackson, 17 carter at sawmill, Lily 9, Florance 4 and 4 boarders – George Urwin 25 married 4 years to Sarah Ann 22 with 2 children Jane 2 and Mary 2m. Places of birth Cotonstob Durham, blank, Staindrop, Ryhope, Birtley Ryhope, West Auckland and Birtley 2. James married Evangeline Appleton and died in 1974.
Norman Lawton 7 Portobello. 18856 11th D.L.I. War and Victory medals. To France 20/7/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 7 Chapel Row Portobello – Frederick W Lawton 53 colliery labourer, married to Susannah 50 for 30 years with 11 children, 5 still alive – John 26, James 22, Hannah Bland dau 19 married for 1 year to Thomas Bland 21 with Thos Fred L Bland 1, Norman 16, Frederick 11 and William Taylor boarder 42 colliery labourer. Places of birth – all County Durham.
Michael E. Lawton (Army has Michael E Lowton 98819, Sgt RFA) 10 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 192395 Sergt. R.G.A. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 10 Pelaw Grange – Thomas Emery 67 retired miner, married to Maria (Lawton) 64 for 46 years with 16 children, 11 still alive – Thomas 28 stone man, Michael 23 stoneman. Places of birth Durham City and CLS 3.
William Laytton (Army has Layton) 3 Pictree 432881 Pte. 487 Agricl. Coy. Previously 18074 13th DLI. War and Victory medals. To France 25/8/15 so 1915 Star. Discharged 7/3/19. Pension ledger b 1895. Address 3 Picktree, enteritis, single man, 5% for 5/6d from 10/9/19 to 15/12/20. In 1911 at 3 Picktree – Jacob Peart Layton 53 cow man, married 30 years to Eleanor Jane (Anderson) for 30 years, 8 children, 7 still alive – Percival 25 cartman on farm, William 16 carter on farm, Aliza 13 and Maggie 9. Places of birth Chilton, Langley, Cocken, Harraton, Vigo 2.
George Legg 8 Pictree. 74084 4th D.L.I. Not under that number. 18 in 1911. In 1911 at 34 Castle St Fatfield – Robert Legg 56 stoneman,married to Mary Ann 53 for 31 years with 10 children, 5 still alive – Albert Joseph 31 shifter, George 18 runrider, Eliza 15 and Emma 13. Places of birth Dawlish Somerset, Witton le Wear, Middleton Moor and Binchester 3.
Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale 8 Ouston A Pit 50465 16th Lancs. Fus. Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale (no Military Record) served as Private 50465, 16th Lancashire Fusiliers until he died of wounds on 5th October 1918. He was buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery, V.D.30. His death was reported in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle of 1/11/18 as ‘T.N. Lonsdale of Ouston’. That fits with the Electoral Rolls of 1914 and 1915 which both record
John Lonsdale (probably his father) at 8, Ouston A Pit and James Lonsdale at 12, Ouston A Pit. The 1918 Absent Voters List has Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale of 8, Ouston A Pit, 50465, 6th (sic) Lancashire Fusiliers as not yet returned and also Joseph Lonsdale of 8, Wormhill Terrace, 76997, 114th Brigade, RFA.
The War Diary of the 16th Lancashire Fusiliers states that the Battalion was at Ramicourt about 10-12 km north of St Quentin in October 1918. The 16th Lancs attacked Ramicourt on 2nd October and were sufficiently badly knocked about, losing 24 other ranks killed, 134 wounded and 18 missing, to be withdrawn the same night. Private Lonsdale may have been one of those wounded because the records state that he died of wounds on October 5th and that would have given time for him to be evacuated from the battlefield. His grave, at Tincourt, is about 15km south west of Ramicourt.
On 26/9/19 The CLS Chronicle carried In Memoriam Lonsdale, in loving memory of Pte Thomas H(sic) Lonsdale 16th Lancs Fus of Ouston A Pit who died of wounds received on 5/10/18. We loved him, ah no tongue can tell, How much we loved him or how well. God loved him too and thought it best to take him to his Heavenly rest. Ever remembered by his father, mother, brother and sisters. Also of Driver T Morrow (cousin of above, RGA listed on Usworth memorial) died of wounds on 25th October 1918. Ever remembered by his grandmother and grandfather.
On 8/10/20 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle carried an “In memoriam … Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale, Lancs Fusiliers, youngest son of John Thomas and Ellen Lonsdale of Ouston A Pit.”
TN did not appear on the St George’s Roll of Honour but he was on the Harraton Memorial as Lonsdale T. His War Medal and Victory Medal were sent out on 13/2/22. Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale appears on the plaque in Holy Trinity Church, Pelton. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that John, Thomas’ father, received £12.12.10d on 28/2/19 and a further war gratuity of £6.10 on 6/1/20. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
A dependant’s card for Lonsdale Thomas N is listed as 50462, despite the number on the card being 50465. It shows he was Pte, Lancs Fusiliers and died of wounds on 5/10/18. His father was John (d Oct 1950) of 8 Ouston A Pit and he was awarded 12/6d per week from 15/4/19. Ellen died July 1955.
The 1911 Census has John Lonsdale (40,) and his wife of 17 years, Ellen, living at 8, Ouston A Pit with their children - Annie Beatrice (16), John William (14), Thomas (12) and Margaret (5). John was born in Ripon, Ellen in Stockton, the three older children in Sedgefield and the youngest in Ouston. John was a cartman and John William and Thomas were attending school.
In 1901 the family were living at Bondgate, Ripon. John was a ‘groom (not domestic)’.
Anthony Miller 6 Portobello. Gunner 217193 R.G.A. War and Victory medals. Base Details. In 1911 at 2 Low Chapel Row, Fatfield – Anthony Miller 25 timber drawer in mine, Eliz Jane (Clough) 25, married 4 years no children and Robert Clough gateway man,visitor, 30 married to Sarah 28. Places of birth Spennymoor, South Hetton, South Hetton and Murton. In 1939 he and Eliz were at Office Row, Harraton and he was a Special Constable.
William Norman Noble 14 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 751046 R.F.A. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 14 Pelaw Grange – James Huntley Noble 46 deputy overman, married to Margaret Ellen 39 for 20 years with 8 children, 7 still alive – Norah 16, Norman 14 pony driver, Ernest 10, Selina 8, Arthur 6, Walter 3 and Hilda 5m. Places of birth Newcastle, Sherburn, CLS 7.
Arthur Place 13 Ouston A Pit. Sgt M2/076043 M.T. A.S.C. To France 16/4/15, discharged 23/6/19. 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 17 Ouston A Pit – William Place 44, horse shoer, married to Eliz 44 for 22 years with 7 children, 5 still alive – Arthur Sidney Harrison Loraine P 21 student blacksmith, Elsie May 18, Gertrude Adeline 15 assistant milliner, Olive Mabel 10 and Frank Raymond 8. Places of birth CLS 5, Bewick Main and Ouston. He married Gwendolen Julia Louisa Stoeger in 1921 and died in 1929
Septimus Reay 3 Ouston New Winning. 510418 L.Cpl. 949 Co. Lab. Co. Previously 24070 DLI. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 255 South St, Ouston – Clarke Chapman Reay 60 shaftman, married for 39 years to Mary 63 with 9 children – Luke Stoddart R 22 hewer, John Teasdale R 20 hewer, Septimus 18 putter and Isobel Gordon Maughan servant 15. Places of birth North Hylton, Monkwearmoth Harton, Ouston 2 and Monkwearmouth.
Christopher B. Bowe 7 Pelaw Grange. 102364 Sapper. R.E.
Michael Ruddy 15 Pelaw Grange Terrace. Q.M.S. Officer’s Cadet Bat. Territorial Force medal. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 32 Pelaw Grange aged 32. In 1911 at 15 Pelaw Grange – Michael Ruddy 32 hewer, married for 10 years to Ethel (Roper) 32 with 4 children, 3 still alive – Ernest Redvers R 10, Marguerite Muriel 6 and Una Adelaide 4. Places of birth Birtley, Gilesgate and CLS 3. SR shows that he joined the DLI 20/2/99 and then the Northern Cyclists Bn of 8th DLI, from 31 Poplar ST CLS aged 30, a miner for Harraton Colliery. That was 10/4/08 and he had re-enlisted in 1909 and 1913 rejoined 5/8/14 as Colour Sgt 83702. Ended the war as CQMS in MGC and discharged 26/5/19.
James Scalling (Army has James Scollins) To France 14/12/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. 3 Pelaw Grange Terrace. Bombardier 106951 att. 61st C.C.S. R.F.A. Pension ledger b 1888, discharged 7/2/19 to 22 Oakwellgate, Gateshead. Chest trouble, claim rejected. In 1911 at 34 Dale St, Ushaw Moor – Thomas Gough 52 hewer , married to Mary Ann 52 for 33 years with 10 children, 7 still alive – John Gough 26 hewer, Nelly 13, James Scollins boarder 22 putter, Robert Pattison married boarder 26 with Bridget Pattison married 1 year and Thos Pattison 9m. Places of birth Winlaton, Sacriston, Gateshead, Littleburn, Old Esh, South Hylton, Newcastler and Ushaw Moor. He married Harriet Webb in 1913 and died in Gateshead in 1960.
James Simpson 6 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 102362 Sapper. 258th R.E. Pension ledger Discharged 14/12/18. 6 Pelaw Grange. No grounds for appeal. France 10/6/15, 1915 Star and war and Victory medals.
George William Smith Pelaw Grange Saw Mills. M/298626 60 Steam Co. A.S.C. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Pelaw Grange Sawmill – Joseph Smith 53 widower timber merchant employer, Eliz 25 housekeeper, Mary Jane 22 assisting in business, Hannah 18, George Wm 17 labourer in timber yard, Mary Jane S grdau 4, Thomas Smith brother 38 married, sawyer and Thomas Cork Appleby labourer, boarder 41. No mention of Thos Smith’s wife. Places of birth – Northumberland, Haydon Nd 3, Birtley 2 Haydon 2.
Henry Spoors 6 High Rickleton. 22nd D.L.I. 22/224 War and Victory medals. 22nd DLI then 1/7th DLI. In 1911 at 23 Glebe Cres – Henry Spoors 27, bricklayer, married to Jane (Davison) 25 for 4 years with 2 children – Greta 3 and Nora 1. Places of birth Fatfield, Harraton, Fatfield and Washington.
Frederick Charles Spurgeon 1 High Rickleton 25685 R.D.C. In 1911 at 1 High Rickleton – Frederick Spurgeon 46 gas stoker at Birtley gasworks b Braintree, married for 13 years to Annie (Aitchinson) 48 b Picktree – no children. Listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Pictree.
George Shields Waggott15 Ouston A Pit. 11934. 2nd D.L.I. To France 21/5/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. MM. Previously 10th DLI. Discharged 31/3/19. In 1911 at E Pit Cottages Birtley – Ernest Patterson 33 horsekeeper at colliery, married to Annie 30 for 8 years and 4 children – William 8, Fred 4, George 2 and Margaret Ann 1 and Joseph Waggott wife’s father 60 widower, retired miner and George Shield Waggott wife’s brother 19 hewer. Places of birth Shadforth, Bewick Main, Low Urpeth, Bewick Main 3, Causey Arch and Low Urpeth.
Gerald Minto Walton 2 Ouston New Winning. R.A.F. PR Born 12/12/94 at Leadgate, enlisted 3/12/15 as 14144, father George. Discharged 28/2/19 to Urpeth. Pension ledger. Sgt RAF 14144 single at 1 North View Urpeth, GSW right leg and weak chest and heart. 1-5% for 8/6d for 35 weeks from 20/7/21. Started as 8/1701 Cpl DLI then re-enlisted in RAF 2/12/15, to France 20/4/15. 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Low Ayton Gateshead, in 6 rooms, – George Walton 46 colliery engineer , married to Eliz 45 for 23 years and 7 children – Bella 22, Herbert 19 apprentice colliery engineer, Gerald also app engineer, Arthur 7, Esther 10, Bertha 14 and Eliz 5. Places of birth Medomsley, Leadgate 4, Lamesley 2, Leadgate and Lamesley. Gerald married Harriet Winifred Murthwaite in Middlesex in 1923 and died in Gateshead in 1971.
Joseph Williamson 3 Portobello 19/521 19th N.F. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 222 Ouston Square, near Birtley – Joseph Williamson 31 married timber drawer born Tow Law and Mary Ann 21, married under a year; she was born at Pelton
John James Hodgson 8 Portobello. 16904 6th Yorks. Regt. Enlisted 12/8/14. To Balkans 14/7/15, 1915 War and War and Victory medals. To Reserve 26/1/19. PR. Discharged to 9 Chapel Row, Portobello. Served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France. GSW left hand 29/9/18 and back. GSW right side 7/8/15 and then face and right eye 30/9/16. 6th Yorks, then 7th, then 6th. In 1911 at Cushey Cow Row, Portobello – Henry Hodgson 53 stoneman, married to Alice (Moore) 49 for 31 years and 8 children – Margaret 31, Stephen 21 colliery labourer, John James 17 apprentice, George 15 driver, Marta 12, Sally 10, William 8 and Henry 7. Places of birth Cox Green, Dairy House Hartley Nd, Trafalgar Row Dur, Portobello 7.
James Thompson Jackson 7 Ouston A Pit. 18891 A/Cpl 12th D.L.I. To France 25/8/15 so 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. Pension ledger. Discharged 9/2/19 with gastritis. 7 Ouston A Pit, single. Claim rejected. In 1911 at 9 Benson St, CLS – William Jackson 49 sawmill labourer, married to Mary (Bushby) 43 for 23 years and 8 children, 4 still alive – James Thompson Jackson, 17 carter at sawmill, Lily 9, Florance 4 and 4 boarders – George Urwin 25 married 4 years to Sarah Ann 22 with 2 children Jane 2 and Mary 2m. Places of birth Cotonstob Durham, blank, Staindrop, Ryhope, Birtley Ryhope, West Auckland and Birtley 2. James married Evangeline Appleton and died in 1974.
Norman Lawton 7 Portobello. 18856 11th D.L.I. War and Victory medals. To France 20/7/15 so 1915 Star. In 1911 at 7 Chapel Row Portobello – Frederick W Lawton 53 colliery labourer, married to Susannah 50 for 30 years with 11 children, 5 still alive – John 26, James 22, Hannah Bland dau 19 married for 1 year to Thomas Bland 21 with Thos Fred L Bland 1, Norman 16, Frederick 11 and William Taylor boarder 42 colliery labourer. Places of birth – all County Durham.
Michael E. Lawton (Army has Michael E Lowton 98819, Sgt RFA) 10 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 192395 Sergt. R.G.A. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 10 Pelaw Grange – Thomas Emery 67 retired miner, married to Maria (Lawton) 64 for 46 years with 16 children, 11 still alive – Thomas 28 stone man, Michael 23 stoneman. Places of birth Durham City and CLS 3.
William Laytton (Army has Layton) 3 Pictree 432881 Pte. 487 Agricl. Coy. Previously 18074 13th DLI. War and Victory medals. To France 25/8/15 so 1915 Star. Discharged 7/3/19. Pension ledger b 1895. Address 3 Picktree, enteritis, single man, 5% for 5/6d from 10/9/19 to 15/12/20. In 1911 at 3 Picktree – Jacob Peart Layton 53 cow man, married 30 years to Eleanor Jane (Anderson) for 30 years, 8 children, 7 still alive – Percival 25 cartman on farm, William 16 carter on farm, Aliza 13 and Maggie 9. Places of birth Chilton, Langley, Cocken, Harraton, Vigo 2.
George Legg 8 Pictree. 74084 4th D.L.I. Not under that number. 18 in 1911. In 1911 at 34 Castle St Fatfield – Robert Legg 56 stoneman,married to Mary Ann 53 for 31 years with 10 children, 5 still alive – Albert Joseph 31 shifter, George 18 runrider, Eliza 15 and Emma 13. Places of birth Dawlish Somerset, Witton le Wear, Middleton Moor and Binchester 3.
Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale 8 Ouston A Pit 50465 16th Lancs. Fus. Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale (no Military Record) served as Private 50465, 16th Lancashire Fusiliers until he died of wounds on 5th October 1918. He was buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery, V.D.30. His death was reported in the Chester-le-Street Chronicle of 1/11/18 as ‘T.N. Lonsdale of Ouston’. That fits with the Electoral Rolls of 1914 and 1915 which both record
John Lonsdale (probably his father) at 8, Ouston A Pit and James Lonsdale at 12, Ouston A Pit. The 1918 Absent Voters List has Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale of 8, Ouston A Pit, 50465, 6th (sic) Lancashire Fusiliers as not yet returned and also Joseph Lonsdale of 8, Wormhill Terrace, 76997, 114th Brigade, RFA.
The War Diary of the 16th Lancashire Fusiliers states that the Battalion was at Ramicourt about 10-12 km north of St Quentin in October 1918. The 16th Lancs attacked Ramicourt on 2nd October and were sufficiently badly knocked about, losing 24 other ranks killed, 134 wounded and 18 missing, to be withdrawn the same night. Private Lonsdale may have been one of those wounded because the records state that he died of wounds on October 5th and that would have given time for him to be evacuated from the battlefield. His grave, at Tincourt, is about 15km south west of Ramicourt.
On 26/9/19 The CLS Chronicle carried In Memoriam Lonsdale, in loving memory of Pte Thomas H(sic) Lonsdale 16th Lancs Fus of Ouston A Pit who died of wounds received on 5/10/18. We loved him, ah no tongue can tell, How much we loved him or how well. God loved him too and thought it best to take him to his Heavenly rest. Ever remembered by his father, mother, brother and sisters. Also of Driver T Morrow (cousin of above, RGA listed on Usworth memorial) died of wounds on 25th October 1918. Ever remembered by his grandmother and grandfather.
On 8/10/20 the Chester-le-Street Chronicle carried an “In memoriam … Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale, Lancs Fusiliers, youngest son of John Thomas and Ellen Lonsdale of Ouston A Pit.”
TN did not appear on the St George’s Roll of Honour but he was on the Harraton Memorial as Lonsdale T. His War Medal and Victory Medal were sent out on 13/2/22. Thomas Nicholas Lonsdale appears on the plaque in Holy Trinity Church, Pelton. In the list of Soldiers’ effects the army noted that John, Thomas’ father, received £12.12.10d on 28/2/19 and a further war gratuity of £6.10 on 6/1/20. The average payment was £10.35, equivalent to £929 in today’s money.
A dependant’s card for Lonsdale Thomas N is listed as 50462, despite the number on the card being 50465. It shows he was Pte, Lancs Fusiliers and died of wounds on 5/10/18. His father was John (d Oct 1950) of 8 Ouston A Pit and he was awarded 12/6d per week from 15/4/19. Ellen died July 1955.
The 1911 Census has John Lonsdale (40,) and his wife of 17 years, Ellen, living at 8, Ouston A Pit with their children - Annie Beatrice (16), John William (14), Thomas (12) and Margaret (5). John was born in Ripon, Ellen in Stockton, the three older children in Sedgefield and the youngest in Ouston. John was a cartman and John William and Thomas were attending school.
In 1901 the family were living at Bondgate, Ripon. John was a ‘groom (not domestic)’.
Anthony Miller 6 Portobello. Gunner 217193 R.G.A. War and Victory medals. Base Details. In 1911 at 2 Low Chapel Row, Fatfield – Anthony Miller 25 timber drawer in mine, Eliz Jane (Clough) 25, married 4 years no children and Robert Clough gateway man,visitor, 30 married to Sarah 28. Places of birth Spennymoor, South Hetton, South Hetton and Murton. In 1939 he and Eliz were at Office Row, Harraton and he was a Special Constable.
William Norman Noble 14 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 751046 R.F.A. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 14 Pelaw Grange – James Huntley Noble 46 deputy overman, married to Margaret Ellen 39 for 20 years with 8 children, 7 still alive – Norah 16, Norman 14 pony driver, Ernest 10, Selina 8, Arthur 6, Walter 3 and Hilda 5m. Places of birth Newcastle, Sherburn, CLS 7.
Arthur Place 13 Ouston A Pit. Sgt M2/076043 M.T. A.S.C. To France 16/4/15, discharged 23/6/19. 1915 Star. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 17 Ouston A Pit – William Place 44, horse shoer, married to Eliz 44 for 22 years with 7 children, 5 still alive – Arthur Sidney Harrison Loraine P 21 student blacksmith, Elsie May 18, Gertrude Adeline 15 assistant milliner, Olive Mabel 10 and Frank Raymond 8. Places of birth CLS 5, Bewick Main and Ouston. He married Gwendolen Julia Louisa Stoeger in 1921 and died in 1929
Septimus Reay 3 Ouston New Winning. 510418 L.Cpl. 949 Co. Lab. Co. Previously 24070 DLI. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 255 South St, Ouston – Clarke Chapman Reay 60 shaftman, married for 39 years to Mary 63 with 9 children – Luke Stoddart R 22 hewer, John Teasdale R 20 hewer, Septimus 18 putter and Isobel Gordon Maughan servant 15. Places of birth North Hylton, Monkwearmoth Harton, Ouston 2 and Monkwearmouth.
Christopher B. Bowe 7 Pelaw Grange. 102364 Sapper. R.E.
Michael Ruddy 15 Pelaw Grange Terrace. Q.M.S. Officer’s Cadet Bat. Territorial Force medal. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 32 Pelaw Grange aged 32. In 1911 at 15 Pelaw Grange – Michael Ruddy 32 hewer, married for 10 years to Ethel (Roper) 32 with 4 children, 3 still alive – Ernest Redvers R 10, Marguerite Muriel 6 and Una Adelaide 4. Places of birth Birtley, Gilesgate and CLS 3. SR shows that he joined the DLI 20/2/99 and then the Northern Cyclists Bn of 8th DLI, from 31 Poplar ST CLS aged 30, a miner for Harraton Colliery. That was 10/4/08 and he had re-enlisted in 1909 and 1913 rejoined 5/8/14 as Colour Sgt 83702. Ended the war as CQMS in MGC and discharged 26/5/19.
James Scalling (Army has James Scollins) To France 14/12/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. 3 Pelaw Grange Terrace. Bombardier 106951 att. 61st C.C.S. R.F.A. Pension ledger b 1888, discharged 7/2/19 to 22 Oakwellgate, Gateshead. Chest trouble, claim rejected. In 1911 at 34 Dale St, Ushaw Moor – Thomas Gough 52 hewer , married to Mary Ann 52 for 33 years with 10 children, 7 still alive – John Gough 26 hewer, Nelly 13, James Scollins boarder 22 putter, Robert Pattison married boarder 26 with Bridget Pattison married 1 year and Thos Pattison 9m. Places of birth Winlaton, Sacriston, Gateshead, Littleburn, Old Esh, South Hylton, Newcastler and Ushaw Moor. He married Harriet Webb in 1913 and died in Gateshead in 1960.
James Simpson 6 Pelaw Grange Terrace. 102362 Sapper. 258th R.E. Pension ledger Discharged 14/12/18. 6 Pelaw Grange. No grounds for appeal. France 10/6/15, 1915 Star and war and Victory medals.
George William Smith Pelaw Grange Saw Mills. M/298626 60 Steam Co. A.S.C. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Pelaw Grange Sawmill – Joseph Smith 53 widower timber merchant employer, Eliz 25 housekeeper, Mary Jane 22 assisting in business, Hannah 18, George Wm 17 labourer in timber yard, Mary Jane S grdau 4, Thomas Smith brother 38 married, sawyer and Thomas Cork Appleby labourer, boarder 41. No mention of Thos Smith’s wife. Places of birth – Northumberland, Haydon Nd 3, Birtley 2 Haydon 2.
Henry Spoors 6 High Rickleton. 22nd D.L.I. 22/224 War and Victory medals. 22nd DLI then 1/7th DLI. In 1911 at 23 Glebe Cres – Henry Spoors 27, bricklayer, married to Jane (Davison) 25 for 4 years with 2 children – Greta 3 and Nora 1. Places of birth Fatfield, Harraton, Fatfield and Washington.
Frederick Charles Spurgeon 1 High Rickleton 25685 R.D.C. In 1911 at 1 High Rickleton – Frederick Spurgeon 46 gas stoker at Birtley gasworks b Braintree, married for 13 years to Annie (Aitchinson) 48 b Picktree – no children. Listed on the St George’s Roll of Honour as Pictree.
George Shields Waggott15 Ouston A Pit. 11934. 2nd D.L.I. To France 21/5/15 so 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. MM. Previously 10th DLI. Discharged 31/3/19. In 1911 at E Pit Cottages Birtley – Ernest Patterson 33 horsekeeper at colliery, married to Annie 30 for 8 years and 4 children – William 8, Fred 4, George 2 and Margaret Ann 1 and Joseph Waggott wife’s father 60 widower, retired miner and George Shield Waggott wife’s brother 19 hewer. Places of birth Shadforth, Bewick Main, Low Urpeth, Bewick Main 3, Causey Arch and Low Urpeth.
Gerald Minto Walton 2 Ouston New Winning. R.A.F. PR Born 12/12/94 at Leadgate, enlisted 3/12/15 as 14144, father George. Discharged 28/2/19 to Urpeth. Pension ledger. Sgt RAF 14144 single at 1 North View Urpeth, GSW right leg and weak chest and heart. 1-5% for 8/6d for 35 weeks from 20/7/21. Started as 8/1701 Cpl DLI then re-enlisted in RAF 2/12/15, to France 20/4/15. 1915 Star and War and Victory medals. In 1911 at Low Ayton Gateshead, in 6 rooms, – George Walton 46 colliery engineer , married to Eliz 45 for 23 years and 7 children – Bella 22, Herbert 19 apprentice colliery engineer, Gerald also app engineer, Arthur 7, Esther 10, Bertha 14 and Eliz 5. Places of birth Medomsley, Leadgate 4, Lamesley 2, Leadgate and Lamesley. Gerald married Harriet Winifred Murthwaite in Middlesex in 1923 and died in Gateshead in 1971.
Joseph Williamson 3 Portobello 19/521 19th N.F. War and Victory medals. In 1911 at 222 Ouston Square, near Birtley – Joseph Williamson 31 married timber drawer born Tow Law and Mary Ann 21, married under a year; she was born at Pelton