NAMES ON THE USWORTH MEMORIAL, WITH REGIMENT AND DATE OF DEATH
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JOSEPH AFFLECK – Northumberland Fusiliers - 1.7.16
was a scoutmaster and lay preacher, lived in 18 Richardson Terrace (Poppy House) was married to Jeannie and had 4 children. He served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed on 1 July 1916 and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Joseph’s son, Joseph Arthur, enlisted at the same time, under age, was discharged but rejoined and blew the Last Post when Usworth Memorial was unveiled, his father’s name being first on the memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS HENRY ALEXANDER – Northumberland Fusiliers - 27.10.18
served in 11 NF until his death, aged 20, on 27 October 1918; he was buried in Giavera Cemetery, Italy. Son of Thomas and Jane, he lived at 15 Pump Row and worked at Usworth Colliery. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Giavera. His brother, William, was also killed.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER – Durham Light Infantry - 14.12.15
was born in 1893, served in 10 DLI and was killed on 14 December 1915, almost certainly in heavy shelling that also took the life of Bertie Walton, also of Usworth. His name appears on the Menin Gate and on the Usworth Top Club Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
JOHN ASKEW – Durham Light Infantry – 5.11.15
who served in 1/9 DLI, was presumed killed on 5 November 1916 in the fighting around the Butte de Warlencourt. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. John, a miner at F Pit, lived at 13 House Terrace (Poppy House) when he enlisted and was married with 2 children.
JOSEPH BALL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 6.2.16
died at home, aged 33, in 1 Northern General Hospital and was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Cemetery. He was married to Sarah Anne and they lived in 45 Douglas Terrace with their three children. Joseph served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers. No photo of him, have visited Usworth Cemetery.
FRED BALMER – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 8.7.16
was born at High Spen in 1889 and married to Lilian, lived at 4 Coronation Terrace. He served in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and died at home, in Suffolk Hospital, of wounds, on 8 July 1916. He was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Usworth Cemetery.
ALEXANDER JAMES BARTLETT BEGG MM – Northumberland Fusiliers - 21.3.18.
was the son of the Rector of Usworth Holy Trinity (Rectory is a Poppy House) Having attended Darlington Grammar School and Christ’s Hospital School he won a scholarship to Peterhouse, Cambridge but did not take it up, preferring to become 2nd Lt in 22 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) and was listed as missing, aged 21, from 21 March 1918. His name appears on the Arras Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
GEORGE BLACK – Northumberland Fusiliers – 11.4.18
was born in Penshaw, enlisted in Sunderland but was living in Fatfield in 1911 with his parents, George and Jane. He became a Private in 1/6 Northumberland Fusiliers and was listed as missing, aged 18, on 11 April 1918. He is commemorated on Ploegsteert Memorial and also in All Saints Church and on Shiney Row Memorial. He attended Fatfield Council School. No photo but have visited Ploegsteert.
ROBERT ANDREW BLAND – Durham Light Infantry – 7.10.16
was a Private in 13 DLI was reported missing on 7 October 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Robert, 31 when he died, was married to Euphemia with a son, David. He had once lost his stripe for striking a superior officer. Born in Yorkshire Robert and Effie lived at various times at 3 Douglas Terrace and 29 Hawthorn Terrace (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Thiepval
RICHARD BOYLE - DCM – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.4.17
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was presumed dead from 28 April 1917 although his body must have been found because he is buried in Agny Cemetery, near Arras. Son of Patrick and Mary Boyle of Pump Row, Richard was born in 1891. A family story is that Patrick shook hands with Buffalo Bill on Newcastle Town Moor in 1911; perhaps Richard went along as well. Photo of him and have visited Agny Cemetery.
JOHN BRADSHAW – Royal Naval Division – 17.2.17
was born in Stockton in 1890, served as an Able Seaman, Tyneside Z/298, Howe Battalion of the Royal Naval Division until his death on 17 February 1917. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. John lived with his wife, Mary, at 2 High Row (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
MICHAEL BROWN- Yorkshire Regiment – 22.8.15
of the 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment was posted missing at Helles on 22 August 1915 and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. Son of Michael and Ann Brown and father of two, he was 37 when killed and was husband to Margaret Ann Brown of 3 Dorcas Terrace (Poppy House). He is also commemorated on the memorial for Washington’s Roman Catholics and in Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
WILLIAM BROWN – Royal Naval Division – 20.4.17
Son of Hannah Graham of Turnbull Terrace, Springwell, he served in the Hood Battalion of the Royal Naval Division until his death, aged 30 on 20 April 1917. He was buried in Roclincourt Valley Cemetery, near Arras. He was a coal miner. No photo but have visited Roclincourt Valley.
DANIEL CAMPBELL – Royal Engineers 23.10.16
A sapper in the Royal Engineers when he died of wounds, aged 29, on 23 October 1916. He was buried in Carnoy Cemetery, close to Albert. CWGC identifies him as son of Peter and Jane Campbell and husband of Mary Jane of Dorcas Terrace. He is also commemorated in Usworth Top Club and on the list of Washington Roman Catholics. Photo of him and have visited Carnoy.
R WILLIAM CLARK – Grenadier Guards – 25.9.16
This appears to be William Clark(e) of 4 Grenadier Guards who was killed in action on 25 September 1916 in heavy fighting in Trones Wood. 444 men of his battalion were casualties that day. RW is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Though his will left his estate to Harold Clarke of Cheshire it appears that his father, William, was paid the War Gratuity. No photo but have visited Thiepval.
ARTHUR COSGROVE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 27.3.16
Son of Patrick and Mary of 3 High Row (Poppy House), was only 17 when reported as wounded on 27 March 1916. However, his body was never found and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate, as well as in Usworth Top Club and on the list of Washington Roman Catholics. He served in 1 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in an attack near Vormezeele. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
MATTHEW SCOTT COULSON – Royal Marine Light Infantry – 13.7.15
Born in 1895 he was serving in the Portsmouth Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry, when reported wounded and missing on 13 July 1915. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. Son of William and Isabella Coulson of Front Street, Great Usworth, he was brother of Robert, also killed. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ROBERT COULSON – Durham Light Infantry – 24.1.16
Son of Rennison (who also joined up) and Sarah, he served in 15 DLI before being killed by German artillery, near Armentieres, on 24 January 1916. He was buried in Cite Bonjean Cemetery in Armentieres. Robert was a miner at Usworth Colliery and was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Armentieres.
WILLIAM COULSON - King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 27.7.17
Served in 1/4 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and was killed, possibly by gas, on 27 July 1917. He was buried in Coxyde Cemetery. William’s father, also William and his mother, Elizabeth, received payments from the army after his death – the mother being named as Elizabeth raising the question of whether this was, indeed, Matthew’s brother. No photo of him but have visited Coxyde.
JOHN DAWSON – Durham Light Infantry - 22.7.18
2nd Lieutenant of 9 DLI, was killed in action on 22 July 1918 and buried in Sezanne Communal Cemetery. The son of James and Hannah and husband to Hilda of 9 Woodland Terrace (they were married by Rev Begg in November 1914) John, the son of a coal miner, rose through the ranks to earn his commission. Rev Begg described him as a faithful churchman and a member of the Dramatic Society. No photo of him but have visited Sezanne.
ROBERT DEVLIN – Royal Field Artillery – 17.8.18
Of 29 Old Rows served as a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery until his death, aged 25, of wounds, on 17 August 1918. He was buried in Abbeville Cemetery. He left a wife, Ellen, and a son, James. He was a stone shifter and a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Abbeville.
MATTHEW DOBSON – Royal Engineers – 2.5.18
Aged 25 and husband to Dorothy of 18 High Row (Poppy House) served in the Royal Engineers until his death, of wounds, in Keighley War Hospital on 2 May 1918. His body was returned to Washington and buried in Washington (Our Lady Immaculate) Roman Catholic Churchyard. Matthew was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Our Lady Churchyard.
ALFRED ERNEST DODD – Durham Light Infantry – 17.6.19
Of the10 DLI, was gassed in 1916, discharged from the army and died at home on 17 June 1919. He was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard. Alfred, a miner at F Pit (on the F Pit Memorial as Alfred Dodds, sic) was born in Sunderland in 1893 to Arthurina Dodd and her husband. Photo of him and have visited Usworth Churchyard.
JAMES DRUMMOND – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
Born in Shadforth in 1880 was a Private in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers, (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. Married to Georgina (who later remarried and became Georgina Clark), he was father of 4 sons and lived at 35 Douglas Terrace. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HERBERT DUNN – Northumberland Fusiliers - 24.4.17
Son of Samuel and Sarah, was born in Hebburn in 1896 but the family were living in Usworth by 1901, at Old Row and then later at Cross Rows. He served in 1/4 Northumberland Fusiliers until killed in action on 24 April 1917, near Wancourt. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
PETER DUNN – Royal Field Artillery 22.8.15
Served as a Private in 1 Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He arrived in Gallipoli on 7 July 1915 and died of wounds, aged 21, on 22 August. His name appears on the Helles Memorial and on the F Pit Memorial. Born in Sunderland, a son of William and Margaret, he was living at New Rows in 1911. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
LIDDLE BOLTON ELLIOT – Royal Engineers – 8.5.18
A Royal Engineer, aged 22, was killed by shellfire, while engaged in wiring, on 8 May 1918 and buried in Duisans Cemetery. He was son of Joseph and Margaret, the former a photographer and Assistant Overseer of Front St, New Washington. No photo of him but have visited Duisans.
TURNER ELLISON – Royal Field Artillery – 7.10.17 – also on Washington
A driver in the Royal Field Artillery, was killed by German shellfire near Langemarck, on 7 October 1917 and buried in Cement House Cemetery, near Ypres. He was married to Catherine (a witness at his marriage being Isaac Ellwood, see above) and had 2 sons, Tuner and Thomas. He is also listed on the F Pit Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Cement House.
ISAAC ELLWOOD – Royal Naval Division – 4.6.15
An Able Seaman in the Collingwood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, was killed at Gallipoli on 4 June 1915. His name appears on the Helles Memorial and the F Pit Memorial. Son of Robert and Mary, husband to Margaret Ann (later Reid) and father of 2 girls, they lived at various addresses in Springwell, including 3 Stone Cellars (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Helles.
GEORGE GIBSON - Tank Corps – 23.7.18
Gibson was killed on 23 July 1918 while acting as a stretcher bearer in 9 Battalion, Royal Tank Corps. He was buried in Roye New British Cemetery and is named on the memorial plaque in Usworth Top Club. Married to Minnie, George was father of Joseph and lived at 7 Douglas Terrace (Poppy House). The parents of an officer in the same battalion visited his grave in 1920, corresponded with Minnie and sent her a photo of his grave. Photo of him and have visited Roye.
JOSEPH GIBSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 18.6.17
He and his parents, William and Elizabeth moved into Springwell sometime between 1911 and 1914. He died of wounds, aged 21, on 18 June 1917 and was buried in Grevillers Cemetery. He lived at 40 Johnson Terrace (Poppy House). He served in 12 Northumberland Fusiliers. Photo of him and have been to Grevillers.
GEORGE GOULDBURN – Border Regiment – 4.2.17
served in 1 Battalion Border Regiment having enlisted on 25 September 1914. His first taste of war was in Salonica where he earned the Serv(b)ian Medal and from where he returned to England in a hospital ship. He went to France in October 1916 and, after being wounded in the leg in January 1917, he died of wounds on 4 February and was buried in Grove Town Cemetery, close to Albert. His name is included on the Top Club Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Grove Town.
MICHAEL GRAFTON – Durham Light Infantry – 21.9.14
2 DLI was killed on 21 September 1914, the first man from Washington to die. Michael, 26 when he died, had been a regular from 1906 and so was recalled to the colours, dying in action near Troyon and being commemorated on the memorial at La Ferte Sous Jouarre. Michael’s disciplinary record was far from perfect and he was estranged from his father, who was called Fitzpatrick. No photo of him but have visited La Ferte, on the Marne.
THOMAS HALL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) was one of the thousands killed on 1 July 1916. Born at Gateshead in 1882, he was married to Mary Ann (nee Walters) and father of four. He worked at F Pit and is listed on that memorial and on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
MATTHEW HANNAH – Durham Light Infantry – 31.7.15
Born in Usworth in 1893, son of William and Jane. He lived at Cross Row and had his pay deducted, 4d per day, by the army (he served in 10 DLI) to support an illegitimate child. He was killed on 31 July 1915 near Sanctuary Wood, Ypres and his name appears on the Menin Gate. He is also commemorated in Usworth Top Club and on the memorial to Roman Catholics of Washington. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
JOHN HARBIN - Royal Scots – 27.7.18
Born in Springwell, served in 13 Royal Scots and was killed on 27 July 1918, aged 19. John was a carrier. His grave is in Buzancy Cemetery. John’s father, Jared, was a bookmaker and the family lived at 9 Rock Terrace. His possessions were returned to the family in February 1919. Photo of him and have visited Buzancy.
THOMAS T HAYTON - Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
Attested at the National School, Washington in September 1914 and served in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers before being killed on 1 July 1916, aged 21. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial and is also listed on the Top Club memorial. In 1923 Thomas’ medals were returned to the War Department. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES HEPPLEWHITE – East Yorkshire Regiment – 27.9.16
served in 1/4Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment until he was killed n action on 27 September 1916. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. James, Susannah and their 2 sons lived at 8 Elliott Terrace. He worked at F Pit and was a member of the Westwood Club, appearing on the memorials in those clubs. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN THOMAS HETHERINGTON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 18.6.18
having survived the Gallipoli campaign was killed, aged 25, not far from Ypres on 18 June 1916 and buried in Elzenwalle Brasserie Cemetery. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. John, a miner, lived with his widowed mother at 11 High Row (Poppy House). He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Elzenwalle.
RALPH HODGSON – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 27.8.18
was born in Langley Moor in 1885. By 1911 he was living in Usworth with his wife, Jane Ann (nee Kelly). He served in 2/4 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and was killed in action on 27 August 1918 and buried in HAC Cemetery at Ecoust-St Mien. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo but have been to HAC Cemetery.
RALPH JAMES HOPSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
born in Usworth, served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916, aged 19. Ralph is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He lived in 16 Shafto Terrace and his first job was as an errand boy at the pit. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
CHARLES HOLLAND – East Yorkshire Regiment - 22.5.15
was born in Wigan in 1894. When the family moved to the North East his parents settled in Beatrice Terrace but his widow’s address was given as Poplar Cottage, Usworth. Charles married Gertrude Huddart in 1914 and they had at least one child. Private Holland, 2 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, died of wounds in hospital in Rouen on 14 May 1915 and was buried in St Sever Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited St Sever.
JOHN ARTHUR HORNSBY – Royal Engineers – 12.5.17
Royal Engineers, was killed on 12 May 1917 and buried in St Nicolas Cemetery, near Arras. Born in Normanby in 1896, he was son of George and Elizabeth Hornsby (Wright) and there is a stone to that effect in Usworth churchyard. John was a Wesleyan Methodist, one of several for whom an In Memoriam Service was held in September 1918. Photo of him and have visited St Nicolas.
COLLINGWOOD HUNTER - Northumberland Hussars – 22.8.18
son of Collingwood and Isabella was born at Eighton Banks in 1888 and, for a time lived at 6 Victoria Terrace Springwell (Poppy House). Marriage lists seem to suggest he married in 1908 but it was his father who received his war gratuity of £16.10sh after his death on 22 August 1918. Collingwood was in the Northumberland Hussars and was buried in Bray Military Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Bray.
JOHN MADDISON HUNTER – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
15 DLI, was killed on 1 July 1916, aged 23, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Born at Springwell to Andrew and Elizabeth Hunter, he lived at Laurel House (Poppy House) and was a hairdresser. There are a couple of documents in his record which indicate that his parents tried to find out details of his death and his name is on a stone in Usworth churchyard that indicate that his mother died in 1919 and his father in 1942. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN PERCIVAL HUTCHINSON – Lancashire Fusiliers – 11.11.17
He may not have been well known in Usworth. Born near Bishop Auckland, he was living in Coundon in 1911 and the first mention of him in Usworth comes from his marriage to Mary Ann Scott in July 1916, his residence stated to be Coundon Grange. John served in the 2/7 Lancashire Fusiliers and was one of seven men from his battalion killed on 11 November 1917, his name then added to the Tyne Cot Memorial. Thomas (sic) Hutchinson is listed on the Top Club Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
JOSEPH JAMES - Lancashire Fusiliers – 9.10.17
born in 1888 (location disputed) married Edith Coleman (she died in 1960) in 1912 and had 2 sons, one born six months after his death in action, near Ypres on 9 October 1917. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial in the section devoted to men of 2/8 Lancashire Fusiliers. Joseph and Edith lived in Springwell and he worked as a greengrocery cartman for the Coop. No photo but have visited Tyne Cot.
THOMAS JEFFREY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served as a Private in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916, his name being one of those on the Thiepval Memorial. Thomas married Eleanor Bottoms, their son Leslie being baptised in 1915, and they lived in 42 New Rows. Mrs Jeffrey received a war gratuity of £6.10sh but her husband died owing the army £2.9.10d. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS JOHNSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 27.9.15
served in 7 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, was killed near Ypres on 27 September 1917, aged 28, and was buried in Bedford House Cemetery. Thomas was married to Ellen (Kelly), had at least one child and lived at 41 Douglas Terrace. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Bedford House.
ARCHIBALD JOHN JOHNSTON – Durham Light Infantry - 28.7.16
was known as Kenty John, having been born in Lewisham, but married Margaret Ann Dixon at Windy Nook in 1910 and they were living, with their 2 children, living at 4 Coronation Terrace, Springwell in 1911. He joined 13 DLI and was reported missing on 28 July 1916. He is listed on the Thiepval Memorial and also on the F Pit Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES KELLY – Durham Light Infantry – 26.3.18
a Private in 22 DLI, was killed on 26 March 1918, aged 41. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial and the Roman Catholic Memorial for Washington Parish. James was married with 3 children but, for some reason, his war gratuity was paid to a sister, Winifred Naisbitt. James lived at 29 Johnson Terrace, Usworth (Poppy House) and was a member of the Top Club. Photo of him and have been to Pozieres.
THOMAS 'GINGER' KENNY – York and Lancaster Regiment – 4.10.18
enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers but was serving in 2/4 York and Lancaster Regiment when he died of wounds, aged 26, on 26 October 1918. He was buried in Grevillers Cemetery. Thomas, a miner, lived with his parents at 55 Edith Avenue and was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Grevillers.
AUSTIN KING – Durham Light Infantry – 17.7.16
born in Jarrow in 1892 was living with 2 siblings in Jarrow Workhouse in 1901. Having spent some time at Walbottle, he married Abigail Hall in Usworth Church in 1906 and they moved into 31 Gladstone Terrace, Usworth (Poppy House). Austin was killed, probably by shelling, on 17 July 1916 while serving in 15 DLI and he was buried in Bazentin-le-Petit Military Cemetery. He worked at F Pit and so appears on that memorial too. Photo of him and have visited Bazentin-le-Petit.
JOHN EDWARD LEE – Durham Light Infantry – 24.5.16
served in 13 DLI, was killed on 24 May 1916, possibly in the gas attack recorded in the battalion war diary for that day, and was buried in Bois de Noulette Cemetery, not far from Arras. John was 22 and son of Edward and Hannah. He was unmarried but the army stopped 4d a day from his pay to go to the mother of his illegitimate child. No photo but have been to Bois de Noulette.
THOMAS LENNON – Durham Light Infantry – 16.9.16
15 DLI, was killed in action on 16 September 1916, aged 26. Married to Catherine (Lowes) he had one son and lived in Speculation Place. He was a miner at Usworth Colliery. Thomas is commemorated on the memorials at Thiepval, in Usworth Top Club and for the Roman Catholic Parish of Washington. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HENRY LEWINS – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Old Penshaw in 1895. He served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His grave is in Ovillers Cemetery. Henry was married to Elizabeth who received a war gratuity of £6.10sh from the army in October 1919. Henry, a miner was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Ovillers.
JOSEPH ROPER LIGHTBURN – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.10.16
was born in Maryport in 1889 but was living in Usworth by the time of the 1901 Census. He served in 8 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and was killed (possibly by shellfire from his own guns) on 5 October 1916, close to Contalmaison. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. He was unmarried (his sweetheart Elizabeth Winter put an In Memoriam notice in the paper) and living at home at 4 Pensher View (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS WHITECROSS LONSDALE – Royal Engineers – 17.2.17
served as a Royal Engineer and was wounded while consolidating the lip of a mine crater. He died of wounds on 17 February 1917 and was buried in Bethune Town Cemetery. Thomas was married to Sarah E (Parnell) and they had a son, John. Sarah’s address was given by CWGC as Penistone, Yorkshire. Thomas was a Wesleyan Methodist and an In Memoriam service was held in late 1918 for him and 4 other Wesleyans from Usworth who’d been killed. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Bethune.
DANIEL LOWDEN – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 15.8.15
a Private in 5 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, arrived in Gallipoli in July 1915 and was posted as missing, aged 19, on 15 August 1915. His name appears on the Helles Memorial. Son of Joseph and Margaret of 18 Penshaw View, he was a coal miner and a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Helles.
JOHN LOWES – Durham Light Infantry – 20.1.16
of 8 Linden Terrace (Poppy House), was the son of John Lowes, a widower. John Jr was 21 when killed on 20 January 1916 near Ypres. He served in 10 DLI and was buried in Essex Farm Cemetery. John was a quarryman. Photo of him and have visited
ROBERT WILIIAM LUMSDEN – Machine Gun Corps – 26.7.17
His name is one of those on the Menin Gate. He was killed, aged 22, while serving in 123 Machine Gun Company on 26 July 1917. His widowed mother, Jane (she later re-married and became Mrs Nesbitt) lived at 8 High Row (Poppy House). Robert was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo and have visited Menin Gate.
HENRY MARRINER/MARINER – Border Regiment – 1.7.16
as a Private in 1 Battalion Border Regiment and was killed on 1 July 1916, his name being one of the 72,000 on the Thiepval Memorial. Henry and his widowed mother, Anne Jane, lived at 14 High Row (Poppy House). Henry was 38. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WILLIAM MATTHEWS – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.10.17
Matthews was born in Lumley, enlisted in Washington and served in 1/7 West Yorkshires until his death, aged 24, on 9 October 1917. ‘Presumed dead,’ he was listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Son of Fred and Hannah, William lived with them in 371/2 Douglas Terrace and was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo but have been to Tyne Cot.
JAMES HENRY MAUGHAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.10.17
son of George and Mary Ellen of 12 Single Row, husband to Elizabeth (later Hodgson) and father of Margaret, was 27 when killed in action (probably in shellfire aimed at Polygon Wood) on 5 October 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. James was a hewer working at Usworth Colliery, a member of the Top Club and had become a Corporal in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
EDWARD MCDERMOTT – Northumberland Fusiliers – 5.1.17
was born in Washington in 1869 and by the time of his death was married to Ellen with 4 children. He died ‘at home’ (no reason given) at Netley, on 5 January 1917 and was brought home to be buried in Washington Our Lady Immaculate Churchyard. Edward worked at F Pit and lived at 42 New Rows North. He served in the Northumberland Fusiliers. Photo of him.
JOHN MCGIVERN – Connaught Rangers – 27.11.18
a Private in 5 Connaught Rangers, died at home on 27 November 1918, aged 29, having already been discharged from the army, perhaps falling under the category of ‘insane’ (probably what we’d call PTSD). He was buried in Washington Our Lady Immaculate Churchyard. John had served at Gallipoli but that is all we know. His father, Peter, was caretaker of the Miners’ Hall and the family lived a 23 Douglas Terrace. John worked at F Pit. Photo of him
JAMES MCTER(N)AN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 22.4.18
was born in Stockton in 1893 and served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers until he died of wounds on 22 April 1918. He was buried in Villers Bretonneux Cemetery (Australian National Cemetery). The family address was given as 1 Carlton Terrace, Springwell. Photo of him and have been to Villers Bretonneux.
DAVID MEEK – Durham Light Infantry – 21.3.18
served in 2DLI until his death, ‘missing presumed dead’ on 21 March 1918. He is listed on the Arras Memorial. David was married to Wilhelmina Ethel (Saxby) with four children. He was a member of Usworth Top Club and the family lived at 25 Single Row. No photo of him but have visited Arras. His brother George Robert was also killed.
GEORGE ROBERT MEEK – Royal Sussex Regiment – 9.4.18
He was 27 when he was killed on 9 April 1918. He was buried at Woburn Abbey Cemetery, near Guinchy. He served in 2 Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Despite evidence to show that he was married to Mary Ann (with a son, John Palmer Meek) his war gratuity was paid to his father, William, in December 1919. George was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Woburn Abbey.
THOMAS MORROW – Royal Garrison Artillery – 25.10.18
A Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, died of shell wounds to the abdomen in 99 Field Ambulance on 25 October 1918 and was buried in Inchy Cemetery. He was the grandson of Nicholas and Annie Morrow who lived at 2 The Fold and also, later, at 2 Boyne Terrace. Thomas was born in Sedgefield in 1895 and, pre-war, was a coal miner. No photo of him but have visited Inchy.
JOHN HENRY NESBITT – Yorkshire Regiment - 9.10.17
was born in Seaham Harbour in 1890. Married to Ada he was father of 2 daughters by the time of his death on 9 October 1917, their address given as 15 Willow Street. He served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. James was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
STEPHEN NESBITT – Royal Garrison Artillery – 26.4.19
born in Throckley in 1894 was a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and survived the war, only to die on 26 April 1919, at home in 42 Nelson Street, from a wound received in France. He was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard. He was a member of Usworth Top Club and his name is also on his parents’ memorial in the same Usworth Churchyard. Photo of him.
MATTHEW NEWTON – Durham Light Infantry – 3.3.16
a Private in 1/8 DLI was wounded at Hill 60, near Ypres on 2 March 1916 and died of those wounds, aged 23, the next day. He was buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery. Perhaps this was the same Matthew Newton, son of Henry and Ann Ellen of 6 Bowes Crescent, Springwell, who sang in a concert for Belgian Relief Funds at the Alexandra Theatre in November 1914, the programme for which event is in DCRO. No photo of him but have visited Railway Dugouts.
WILLIAM HENRY OGLE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.9.18
served as a Private in 6 Northumberland Fusiliers until his death on 28 September 1918. He was buried at Noyelles Sur L’Escaut Communal Cemetery Extension. Born in Deptford, he was the unmarried stepson of widowed Mary E Ogle and it was Mary who received the war gratuity due to the family. They lived at 11 Rock Terrace (Poppy House) and William was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Noyelles.
BOWMAN PATERSON – Border Regiment – 30.9.18
who died of wounds on 30 September 1918, aged 22, was the son of James and Alice of 4 Edward St, Springwell. James, having served in France, died in Salonica on the day that peace with Bulgaria was declared. He was buried in Mikra Cemetery, Kalamaria. No photo of him and have not yet visited Mikra.
JOHN GEORGE PEARSON – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
a Private in 11 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was killed on 1 July 1916, aged 25, and buried in Connaught Cemetery. John, a coal miner was living with his widowed mother at 8 Manor View East (Poppy House) when he enlisted in 1914. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Connaught Cemetery. His nephew, Jabez, was killed in WW2.
JOHN PEPPER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 30.6.16
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed 30 June 1916, almost certainly by the accidental explosion of a grenade issued that day. He was buried in Heilly Station Cemetery. John, born in Durham, was the husband of Elizabeth Ann, stepfather to her 4 children and father of 2 more. Aged 38 when he died, and a hewer at Usworth Colliery, he was also a step-grandfather. No photo of him but have visited Heilly Station.
ROBERT PESTELL – Durham Light Infantry – 23.10.18
of 11 House Terrace (Poppy House), served in 13 DLI until he was killed in action on 23 October 1918. He was buried in Pommereuil Cemetery. Robert, born in Usworth in 1888 was son of Walter and Jane, husband of Mary Jane and father to four children. He worked for Johnassen Gordon at Usworth Colliery and was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Pommereuil.
JAMES POSTLETHWAITE – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 15.2.17
was born in Ryhope in 1896 but by 1911 his family was living in 4 Westgarth Terrace (Poppy House). James was a Private in 11 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and served in the Balkans before France and Flanders. He died of wounds in February 1917 (different sources give different dates) and was buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. James’ first job was as a putter and he was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Bailleul.
ROBERT JOHNSON PREST – Durham Light Infantry – 31.3.18
1/8 DLI, was living at Oak Street when he attested in 1913. Born in Stockton, he was living as a boarder at Houghton-le-Spring in 1911 and working as a miner. He married Violet Campbell in February 1918 but was killed on 31 March (along with 91 others from his battalion) near a place that the war diary calls Gatelles (though can’t find such a place on a map of France). He is listed on the Pozieres Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Pozieres.
WILLIAM GARDINER PRETSELL (SOMETIMES PRESTELL) MC - King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 20.7.18
Graduate of Worcester College, Oxford was born in Edinburgh but, by the time of his attestation in 1915, the family were living at Sugarwell Cottage (Poppy House). William’s father was a doctor and William an apprentice electrical engineer. William first served in Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry but was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 20 July 1918 and his grave is in Courmas Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Courmas.
JOHN ROBERT PUNSHON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 14.11.16
served in 5 Northumberland Fusiliers and was one of 243 from that regiment killed in action in the fighting for control of Warlencourt Butte on 14 November 1916. He was buried in Warlencourt Cemetery. John’s parents, William and Mary Jane, lived at 6 Wingrove Terrace (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Warlencourt.
RICHARD PURVIS – Royal Engineers – 11.5.16
He was born in Murton in 1891, served in 170 Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers and was killed in mining and counter-mining operations on 11 May 1916. His name appears on the Loos Memorial. Son of Thomas and Mary, he married Jane (Dixon) in Usworth Holy Trinity Church in 1912. No photo of him but have visited Loos.
PHILIP GALBRAITH RAMSEY – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 30.7.17
born in Wrekenton in 1898, enlisted in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers but was transferred to1/4 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry before dying of wounds (the battalion reported a number of gas cases around that time) in 2 Canadian General Hospital on 30 July 1917. He was buried in Mont Huon Cemetery overlooking the Channel. Philip lived at 6 Westfield Crescent, Springwell (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Mont Huon.
RICHARD HORNOD RICHINGS – Durham Light Infantry – 7.6.17
was born in Leadgate in 1893 and in 1911 the family were living in Lamesley. A coal miner and son of John and Margaret Ann, he joined 12 DLI and was killed, probably by shelling, near Zillebeke, on 7 June 1917. His name is on the Menin Gate. Photo of him and have visited the Menin Gate.
WILLIAM RIDDLE – Durham Light Infantry – 18.9.16
who served in 14 DLI was killed in action on 18 September 1916, aged 24. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of Robert and Elizabeth of 14 Hutt’s Terrace, Springwell, William was a coal miner and had fair hair and brown eyes. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES RITCHIE – Durham Light Infantry – 21.4.16
served in 1/8 DLI until he died of wounds in No2 Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul on 21 April 1916. He was buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Andrew and Ann, he was born in 1896 and the family lived at 4 Makepeace Terrace, Springwell (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Bailleul. James’ brothers, Alexander and Andrew also served, indeed they may have joined up on the same day. Photo of him and have visited Bailleul.
GEORGE ROBERTSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 16.4.18
son of Alexander and Ann of 6 Lismore Terrace, Springwell served in 1 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. George married Jane Dickenson in 1916, her daughter having been born in 1913. It seems that George had an illegitimate child for whose support the army docked his pay by 3 shillings per week. George was killed on 16 April 1916, near Wyteschaete, a day that saw a ferocious German bombardment of the line. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
JAMES ROBINSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 3.7.16
was born in Waterloo, Usworth and served in 12 Northumberland Fusiliers until his death on 3 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. A member of Usworth Top Club, his photo was printed in the Illustrated Chronicle but, as yet, it isn’t possible to be certain of his family details.
JAMES W ROBINSON – Durham Light Infantry - 24.6.17
was born in East Boldon in 1898 and served in 1/8 DLI until he was killed in action on 24 June 1917 and buried in Wancourt Cemetery. By 1911 his family, headed by Thomas and Mary Jane family was living at 11, Stone Cellars Usworth. No photo of him but have visited Wancourt.
WILLIAM KNOX ROPER – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.7.16 - also on Washington
born in Sedgefield in 1893, was son of Frederick and Maggie and husband of Catherine (Craig) whom he’d married in 1916. William served in 7 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, was wounded on 1 July 1916, near Fricourt, and died at Etaples on 5 July. His grave is in Etaples Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Etaples.
THOMAS SANDERSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.10.18
was born at Eighton Banks and lived at Springwell. He was only 20 when he died of wounds on 28 October 1918, near the Piave River in Northern Italy. He was buried in Giavera Cemetery. Thomas served in 11 Northumberland Fusiliers and was son of Robert and Kate. No photo of him but have visited Giavera.
HENRY SHIELDS – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
enlisted in 9 Inniskilling Fusiliers (probably in 64 Grey St, Newcastle where the regiment had a recruiting station) and was killed in action, aged 25, on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Henry’s great niece still has the letter (not written until 25 July because of the appalling casualty lists) from his commanding officer. Son of Matthew and Mary, Henry was a miner. Photo of him as a boy and have visited Thiepval.
RICHARD SHIPLEY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 16.6.15
served as Robert Smith (no known reason) in 1 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Son of Richard and Margaret, he was born in 1887 and married Elizabeth Jane Usher in 1909 and they had a son, Michael. Richard went to France on 16 March 1915 and was killed on 16 June 1915. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. No photo but have been to Menin Gate.
JOHN HENRY SIMPSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.4.17
was born to Stephen and Margaret in Boldon in 1896. After a spell in Blyth, the family had moved to 611/2 Douglas Terrace, Usworth by 1911 and John had become a pony driver. He served in either 2 or 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (sources differ) and was killed on 9 April 1917, first day of the Battle of Arras. His grave (‘believed to be buried’) is in Wancourt Cemetery. John was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Wancourt. John’s widow, Margaret, received his war gratuity.
ANDREW SMITH – Royal Engineers – 15.7.18
was born in Usworth in 1889, son of Thomas and Mary Ann. He married Sarah Ellen Lonsdale and they lived, at different times, at 10 Pensher View and 7 Douglas Terrace. Andrew became a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and was killed on 15 July 1918 and buried at Hagle Dump Cemetery. Andrew was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Hagle Dump.
ALEXANDER STEPHENSON – Durham Light Infantry – 7.10.16
served in 12 DLI until his death, ‘presumed’, on 7 October 1916, aged 24. His battalion were fighting around Le Sars on that date. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. When his mother, Mary, completed the form for his medals she stated that the whereabouts of his father, George, were ‘unknown’. A relation states that his brother, George, deserted but then went back to fight under the name of Thomas Mould. The family lived at 37 Douglas Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES WILLIAM RAY STEPHENSON – Machine Gun Corps – 19.7.17
served first in the DLI but by the time of his death, 19 July 1917, he was a Sergeant in 97 Machine Gun Company. He was buried in Ramscapelle Rd Cemetery. Born in 1887 in Washington, James married Mary Ritson at Usworth Holy Trinity in 1909. He was a coal miner at F Pit. No photo of him but have visited Ramscapelle Rd
WILLIAM STOREY – Royal Engineers – 23.10.19
Storey was 43 when he died in Gosforth War Hospital on 23 October 1919. A Royal Engineer, he was buried in Washington Cemetery but does not appear to have the normal military headstone. William married Ada (Collins) on 4 July 1900 and had three children. He was a club steward and a member of the Westwood Club (perhaps steward of that Club?) Photo of him.
HENRY TAIT – Yorkshire Regiment – 6.10.17
son of Isaac and Margaret Ritson, served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment until his death, of wounds, aged 34, in 11 Casualty Clearing Station on 6 October 1917. It seems likely from a reading of the battalion war diary that he was wounded in shelling near Polygon Wood. He was buried in Godwaersvelde British Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Godwaersvelde.
WILLIAM TAPPENDEN – Durham Light Infantry – 10.9.18
was son of William and Jane of 7 Dorcas Terrace (Poppy House). William was 21, a Private in 12 DLI when he was killed on 10 September 1918 and his name is one of those on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. His name also appears on the memorials to men from Usworth Top Club and Washington’s Roman Catholics. Photo of him and have visited Vis-en-Artois.
ROBERT TAYLOR – Royal Garrison Artillery – 13.8.17
born in Prudhoe, was 25 years old and serving in the Royal Field Artillery (8th Ammunition Column) when he was killed on 13 August 1917, near Poperinghe. He was buried in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery. A coal miner at F Pit, Robert was son of William (who died in 1904, aged 50 and was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard) and Mary, who died in 1951 and was buried in the same churchyard. The family lived at 5 Rock Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Vlamertinghe.
ROBERT WILLIAM TAYLOR – Durham Light Infantry – 2.6.17
was a Sergeant in 13 DLI when killed in action on the night of 2 June 1917. A raiding party had been prepared but extremely heavy German shelling killed and wounded a total of 3 officers and 30 other ranks. Sergeant Taylor is one of the names on the Menin Gate. Robert’s effects were sent home to his father, John. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
JOSEPH DOBINSON THOMPSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 10.8.17
was born in Earsdon in 1895, son of William and Martha. He served in 18 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 10 August 1917 while building a light railway near Ypres He was buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery. Pre-war, Joseph worked for the Coop as a clerk in the fruit department; the family lived at 10 Manor View (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Bard Cottage.
JOHN GEORGE THORNTON – Royal Garrison Artillery – 30.4.18
was a Gunner in 86 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds in 47 Casualty Clearing Station on 30 April 1918 and was buried in Crouy British Cemetery. Born in 1894, he was a son of John and Mary and the family lived at 6 Edith Avenue. John was single and a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Crouy.
WILLIAM TINDALL/TINDLE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 17.8.16
lived at 1 Blackberry Cottages, Springwell (PoppyHouse) a son of Ernest Algernon and Anabella. Bugler Tindall, 1 Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed on 17 August 1916 and buried in Dantzig Alley Cemetery. His grandparents ran the Perseverance Arms. William was probably killed by German shelling at Carnoy, east of Albert. Photo of him and have visited Dantzig Alley. The current occupants of Blackberry Cottages believe that William’s ghost is still present in the house.
DANIEL TODD – Northumberland Fusiliers – 19.8.17
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) until he died of wounds in 107 Field Ambulance on 19 August 1917, aged 26. He was buried in Villers-Faucon Cemetery. Son of Daniel and Mary, husband of Hannah (Evans) and father of at least 2 children, he lived at 56 Douglas Terrace and was commemorated on both the Top Club and Roman Catholic Memorials. Photo of him and have visited Villers-Faucon.
DANIEL TODD – Northumberland Fusiliers - 6.2.16
served in 9 Northumberland Fusiliers, died of wounds in 8 Casualty Clearing Station on 9 February 1916 and was buried in Bailleul Cemetery. Born in Ryhope in 1886 to John and Marion he had married Rachel by 1911 and they were listed in the Census, with 2 children, at Felling. The war diary for 9 NF notes that Private Todd was attached to 182 Coy Royal Engineers at the time of his death. No photo but have been to Bailleul.
JOHN TODD – Dorsetshire Regiment – 12.4.17
son of Daniel and Mary, (and brother of Daniel of 24 NF) served in 6 Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment and was killed in the Battle of Arras on 12 April 1917, aged 33. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He was a member of Usworth Top Club and we have a photo of him and have visited Arras.
THOMAS TODD – Irish Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Landith, Cumberland in about 1895. The 1911 Census lists him with his mother, Marion, and stepfather, Thomas Rippon, at 16 Cross Rows, Waterloo, Usworth. Thomas joined 9 Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. We have a photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
DAVID TROTTER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 22 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) and was killed on 1 July 1916, near La Boiselle. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of John and Mary, David was born in 1895 and was a coal miner. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH TROTTER – Royal Engineers – 1.6.16
son of John and Elizabeth, married Martha Jane (Boyd) in 1909 and, by the time of his death was father to John and Alexander. Joseph died ‘at home’, in hospital in Barnsley on 1 June 1916. His body was returned to Washington for burial in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard. He served in the Royal Engineers and lived at 31 Johnson Terrace (Poppy House) No photo.
WILLIAM TROUPE – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Tudhoe in 1897, moved to Washington sometime between 1901 and 1911 and, when war began, enlisted in 9 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was killed in action on 1 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. His widower father received a war gratuity of £4 but no other payment since William had been killed owing the army 7/9d. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
BERTIE WALTON – Durham Light Infantry – 14.12.15
was born in Silverdale, Lancashire; by 1911 the family had moved to Springwell and Bertie joined 10 DLI August 1914. He was killed on 14 December 1915, probably by shellfire or trench mortar and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
MATTHEW WARDLE – Army Service Corps – 20.12.17
was born in Pelton Fell (a different source states Coxhoe) but moved to Usworth and one source gives his address as 16 Peareth Place. Matthew was married to Isabella with three children, one of whom, Margaret Selina, gave birth to her own child a mere 8 months before Matthew died of wounds. That was in December 1917 and he was buried in Dunkirk Town Cemetery. He was a driver in the Army Service Corps. Photo of him and have visited Dunkirk.
ARTHUR CLAUDE WEBB – Royal Naval Division – 17.2.17
served in the Howe Battalion of the Royal Naval Division, was killed on 17 February 1917 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of Arthur and Eleanor of Seldom Seen, Usworth, he was born in 1894 and was a coal miner. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WILLIAM CHARLES WEBB – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 12.3.18
(cousin of Arthur Claude) was born in Usworth and served, first, in the Border Regiment and then in 5 Inniskilling Fusiliers until his death, of wounds, in 66 Casualty Clearing Station, Syria, on 12 March 1918. He was buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery. William was son of William and Margaret Webb; his brother lived at 13 Underhill Terrace and also served. No photo of him and have not visited Jerusalem.
JOHN WHITTAKER – Australian Imperial Force - 29.7.17
was serving in 35 Battalion Australian Imperial Forces when he was killed on 29 July 1917 and buried in Bethlehem Farm West Cemetery. He was the son of James Whittaker of 7 Single Row, Usworth and, while the UK Census states that he was born in Usworth, John claimed that he’d been born in Kurri Kurri when he enlisted. It seems that a sister had also gone to Australia, his file including a letter from her asking about his pension, but his effects and medals were sent to his father. Photo of him and have visited Bethlehem Farm.
JAMES W WILLIAMS – Durham Light Infantry – 25.3.18
served in 19 DLI until killed on 25 March, 1918; his name appears on the Pozieres Memorial. He had married Mary Ethel (Bailey) in Usworth in 1907, one of the witnesses being Isaac Ellwood (see above). Their child, Thomas Verdun Alfred was baptised in 1916. Photo of him and have visited Pozieres.
JAMES WILSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 12.5.18
was born in Sunderland and enlisted in Gateshead; a James Wilson married Sarah Errington in November 1916, perhaps this man. James was serving in 6 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and it seems that he was one of 17 casualties (he died of wounds on 12 May) in a trench raid on the night of 9 May 1918 because his grave is in Phalempin Cemetery and the Germans held Phalempin during almost all of the war. He may have died in a German hospital or dressing station. No photo of him but have been to Phalempin.
THOMAS WILLIAM WITTS – Durham Light Infantry – 9.11.18
a Lance Corporal in 15 DLI died of wounds two days before the Armistice that ended the war. He was buried in Caudry Cemetery. Born in 1895 his family were living at Light Pipe Row in 1911 but he gave his address, when enlisting, as 70 Eldon Terrace, Cardiff;he had married Beatrice in 1915 and they had 2 sons before he went to war. Thomas, according to a letter to the army from his wife, was on leave from 5 August 1915 and she was pregnant with his third child when he was killed. No photo of him but have visited Caudry
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JOSEPH AFFLECK – Northumberland Fusiliers - 1.7.16
was a scoutmaster and lay preacher, lived in 18 Richardson Terrace (Poppy House) was married to Jeannie and had 4 children. He served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed on 1 July 1916 and is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Joseph’s son, Joseph Arthur, enlisted at the same time, under age, was discharged but rejoined and blew the Last Post when Usworth Memorial was unveiled, his father’s name being first on the memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS HENRY ALEXANDER – Northumberland Fusiliers - 27.10.18
served in 11 NF until his death, aged 20, on 27 October 1918; he was buried in Giavera Cemetery, Italy. Son of Thomas and Jane, he lived at 15 Pump Row and worked at Usworth Colliery. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Giavera. His brother, William, was also killed.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER – Durham Light Infantry - 14.12.15
was born in 1893, served in 10 DLI and was killed on 14 December 1915, almost certainly in heavy shelling that also took the life of Bertie Walton, also of Usworth. His name appears on the Menin Gate and on the Usworth Top Club Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
JOHN ASKEW – Durham Light Infantry – 5.11.15
who served in 1/9 DLI, was presumed killed on 5 November 1916 in the fighting around the Butte de Warlencourt. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. John, a miner at F Pit, lived at 13 House Terrace (Poppy House) when he enlisted and was married with 2 children.
JOSEPH BALL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 6.2.16
died at home, aged 33, in 1 Northern General Hospital and was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Cemetery. He was married to Sarah Anne and they lived in 45 Douglas Terrace with their three children. Joseph served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers. No photo of him, have visited Usworth Cemetery.
FRED BALMER – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 8.7.16
was born at High Spen in 1889 and married to Lilian, lived at 4 Coronation Terrace. He served in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and died at home, in Suffolk Hospital, of wounds, on 8 July 1916. He was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Usworth Cemetery.
ALEXANDER JAMES BARTLETT BEGG MM – Northumberland Fusiliers - 21.3.18.
was the son of the Rector of Usworth Holy Trinity (Rectory is a Poppy House) Having attended Darlington Grammar School and Christ’s Hospital School he won a scholarship to Peterhouse, Cambridge but did not take it up, preferring to become 2nd Lt in 22 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) and was listed as missing, aged 21, from 21 March 1918. His name appears on the Arras Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
GEORGE BLACK – Northumberland Fusiliers – 11.4.18
was born in Penshaw, enlisted in Sunderland but was living in Fatfield in 1911 with his parents, George and Jane. He became a Private in 1/6 Northumberland Fusiliers and was listed as missing, aged 18, on 11 April 1918. He is commemorated on Ploegsteert Memorial and also in All Saints Church and on Shiney Row Memorial. He attended Fatfield Council School. No photo but have visited Ploegsteert.
ROBERT ANDREW BLAND – Durham Light Infantry – 7.10.16
was a Private in 13 DLI was reported missing on 7 October 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial. Robert, 31 when he died, was married to Euphemia with a son, David. He had once lost his stripe for striking a superior officer. Born in Yorkshire Robert and Effie lived at various times at 3 Douglas Terrace and 29 Hawthorn Terrace (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Thiepval
RICHARD BOYLE - DCM – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.4.17
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was presumed dead from 28 April 1917 although his body must have been found because he is buried in Agny Cemetery, near Arras. Son of Patrick and Mary Boyle of Pump Row, Richard was born in 1891. A family story is that Patrick shook hands with Buffalo Bill on Newcastle Town Moor in 1911; perhaps Richard went along as well. Photo of him and have visited Agny Cemetery.
JOHN BRADSHAW – Royal Naval Division – 17.2.17
was born in Stockton in 1890, served as an Able Seaman, Tyneside Z/298, Howe Battalion of the Royal Naval Division until his death on 17 February 1917. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. John lived with his wife, Mary, at 2 High Row (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
MICHAEL BROWN- Yorkshire Regiment – 22.8.15
of the 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment was posted missing at Helles on 22 August 1915 and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. Son of Michael and Ann Brown and father of two, he was 37 when killed and was husband to Margaret Ann Brown of 3 Dorcas Terrace (Poppy House). He is also commemorated on the memorial for Washington’s Roman Catholics and in Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
WILLIAM BROWN – Royal Naval Division – 20.4.17
Son of Hannah Graham of Turnbull Terrace, Springwell, he served in the Hood Battalion of the Royal Naval Division until his death, aged 30 on 20 April 1917. He was buried in Roclincourt Valley Cemetery, near Arras. He was a coal miner. No photo but have visited Roclincourt Valley.
DANIEL CAMPBELL – Royal Engineers 23.10.16
A sapper in the Royal Engineers when he died of wounds, aged 29, on 23 October 1916. He was buried in Carnoy Cemetery, close to Albert. CWGC identifies him as son of Peter and Jane Campbell and husband of Mary Jane of Dorcas Terrace. He is also commemorated in Usworth Top Club and on the list of Washington Roman Catholics. Photo of him and have visited Carnoy.
R WILLIAM CLARK – Grenadier Guards – 25.9.16
This appears to be William Clark(e) of 4 Grenadier Guards who was killed in action on 25 September 1916 in heavy fighting in Trones Wood. 444 men of his battalion were casualties that day. RW is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Though his will left his estate to Harold Clarke of Cheshire it appears that his father, William, was paid the War Gratuity. No photo but have visited Thiepval.
ARTHUR COSGROVE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 27.3.16
Son of Patrick and Mary of 3 High Row (Poppy House), was only 17 when reported as wounded on 27 March 1916. However, his body was never found and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate, as well as in Usworth Top Club and on the list of Washington Roman Catholics. He served in 1 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in an attack near Vormezeele. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
MATTHEW SCOTT COULSON – Royal Marine Light Infantry – 13.7.15
Born in 1895 he was serving in the Portsmouth Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry, when reported wounded and missing on 13 July 1915. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. Son of William and Isabella Coulson of Front Street, Great Usworth, he was brother of Robert, also killed. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
ROBERT COULSON – Durham Light Infantry – 24.1.16
Son of Rennison (who also joined up) and Sarah, he served in 15 DLI before being killed by German artillery, near Armentieres, on 24 January 1916. He was buried in Cite Bonjean Cemetery in Armentieres. Robert was a miner at Usworth Colliery and was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Armentieres.
WILLIAM COULSON - King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 27.7.17
Served in 1/4 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and was killed, possibly by gas, on 27 July 1917. He was buried in Coxyde Cemetery. William’s father, also William and his mother, Elizabeth, received payments from the army after his death – the mother being named as Elizabeth raising the question of whether this was, indeed, Matthew’s brother. No photo of him but have visited Coxyde.
JOHN DAWSON – Durham Light Infantry - 22.7.18
2nd Lieutenant of 9 DLI, was killed in action on 22 July 1918 and buried in Sezanne Communal Cemetery. The son of James and Hannah and husband to Hilda of 9 Woodland Terrace (they were married by Rev Begg in November 1914) John, the son of a coal miner, rose through the ranks to earn his commission. Rev Begg described him as a faithful churchman and a member of the Dramatic Society. No photo of him but have visited Sezanne.
ROBERT DEVLIN – Royal Field Artillery – 17.8.18
Of 29 Old Rows served as a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery until his death, aged 25, of wounds, on 17 August 1918. He was buried in Abbeville Cemetery. He left a wife, Ellen, and a son, James. He was a stone shifter and a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Abbeville.
MATTHEW DOBSON – Royal Engineers – 2.5.18
Aged 25 and husband to Dorothy of 18 High Row (Poppy House) served in the Royal Engineers until his death, of wounds, in Keighley War Hospital on 2 May 1918. His body was returned to Washington and buried in Washington (Our Lady Immaculate) Roman Catholic Churchyard. Matthew was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Our Lady Churchyard.
ALFRED ERNEST DODD – Durham Light Infantry – 17.6.19
Of the10 DLI, was gassed in 1916, discharged from the army and died at home on 17 June 1919. He was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard. Alfred, a miner at F Pit (on the F Pit Memorial as Alfred Dodds, sic) was born in Sunderland in 1893 to Arthurina Dodd and her husband. Photo of him and have visited Usworth Churchyard.
JAMES DRUMMOND – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
Born in Shadforth in 1880 was a Private in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers, (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. Married to Georgina (who later remarried and became Georgina Clark), he was father of 4 sons and lived at 35 Douglas Terrace. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HERBERT DUNN – Northumberland Fusiliers - 24.4.17
Son of Samuel and Sarah, was born in Hebburn in 1896 but the family were living in Usworth by 1901, at Old Row and then later at Cross Rows. He served in 1/4 Northumberland Fusiliers until killed in action on 24 April 1917, near Wancourt. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Arras.
PETER DUNN – Royal Field Artillery 22.8.15
Served as a Private in 1 Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He arrived in Gallipoli on 7 July 1915 and died of wounds, aged 21, on 22 August. His name appears on the Helles Memorial and on the F Pit Memorial. Born in Sunderland, a son of William and Margaret, he was living at New Rows in 1911. Photo of him and have visited Helles.
LIDDLE BOLTON ELLIOT – Royal Engineers – 8.5.18
A Royal Engineer, aged 22, was killed by shellfire, while engaged in wiring, on 8 May 1918 and buried in Duisans Cemetery. He was son of Joseph and Margaret, the former a photographer and Assistant Overseer of Front St, New Washington. No photo of him but have visited Duisans.
TURNER ELLISON – Royal Field Artillery – 7.10.17 – also on Washington
A driver in the Royal Field Artillery, was killed by German shellfire near Langemarck, on 7 October 1917 and buried in Cement House Cemetery, near Ypres. He was married to Catherine (a witness at his marriage being Isaac Ellwood, see above) and had 2 sons, Tuner and Thomas. He is also listed on the F Pit Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Cement House.
ISAAC ELLWOOD – Royal Naval Division – 4.6.15
An Able Seaman in the Collingwood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, was killed at Gallipoli on 4 June 1915. His name appears on the Helles Memorial and the F Pit Memorial. Son of Robert and Mary, husband to Margaret Ann (later Reid) and father of 2 girls, they lived at various addresses in Springwell, including 3 Stone Cellars (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Helles.
GEORGE GIBSON - Tank Corps – 23.7.18
Gibson was killed on 23 July 1918 while acting as a stretcher bearer in 9 Battalion, Royal Tank Corps. He was buried in Roye New British Cemetery and is named on the memorial plaque in Usworth Top Club. Married to Minnie, George was father of Joseph and lived at 7 Douglas Terrace (Poppy House). The parents of an officer in the same battalion visited his grave in 1920, corresponded with Minnie and sent her a photo of his grave. Photo of him and have visited Roye.
JOSEPH GIBSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 18.6.17
He and his parents, William and Elizabeth moved into Springwell sometime between 1911 and 1914. He died of wounds, aged 21, on 18 June 1917 and was buried in Grevillers Cemetery. He lived at 40 Johnson Terrace (Poppy House). He served in 12 Northumberland Fusiliers. Photo of him and have been to Grevillers.
GEORGE GOULDBURN – Border Regiment – 4.2.17
served in 1 Battalion Border Regiment having enlisted on 25 September 1914. His first taste of war was in Salonica where he earned the Serv(b)ian Medal and from where he returned to England in a hospital ship. He went to France in October 1916 and, after being wounded in the leg in January 1917, he died of wounds on 4 February and was buried in Grove Town Cemetery, close to Albert. His name is included on the Top Club Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Grove Town.
MICHAEL GRAFTON – Durham Light Infantry – 21.9.14
2 DLI was killed on 21 September 1914, the first man from Washington to die. Michael, 26 when he died, had been a regular from 1906 and so was recalled to the colours, dying in action near Troyon and being commemorated on the memorial at La Ferte Sous Jouarre. Michael’s disciplinary record was far from perfect and he was estranged from his father, who was called Fitzpatrick. No photo of him but have visited La Ferte, on the Marne.
THOMAS HALL – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 27 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) was one of the thousands killed on 1 July 1916. Born at Gateshead in 1882, he was married to Mary Ann (nee Walters) and father of four. He worked at F Pit and is listed on that memorial and on the Thiepval Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
MATTHEW HANNAH – Durham Light Infantry – 31.7.15
Born in Usworth in 1893, son of William and Jane. He lived at Cross Row and had his pay deducted, 4d per day, by the army (he served in 10 DLI) to support an illegitimate child. He was killed on 31 July 1915 near Sanctuary Wood, Ypres and his name appears on the Menin Gate. He is also commemorated in Usworth Top Club and on the memorial to Roman Catholics of Washington. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
JOHN HARBIN - Royal Scots – 27.7.18
Born in Springwell, served in 13 Royal Scots and was killed on 27 July 1918, aged 19. John was a carrier. His grave is in Buzancy Cemetery. John’s father, Jared, was a bookmaker and the family lived at 9 Rock Terrace. His possessions were returned to the family in February 1919. Photo of him and have visited Buzancy.
THOMAS T HAYTON - Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
Attested at the National School, Washington in September 1914 and served in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers before being killed on 1 July 1916, aged 21. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial and is also listed on the Top Club memorial. In 1923 Thomas’ medals were returned to the War Department. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES HEPPLEWHITE – East Yorkshire Regiment – 27.9.16
served in 1/4Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment until he was killed n action on 27 September 1916. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. James, Susannah and their 2 sons lived at 8 Elliott Terrace. He worked at F Pit and was a member of the Westwood Club, appearing on the memorials in those clubs. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN THOMAS HETHERINGTON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 18.6.18
having survived the Gallipoli campaign was killed, aged 25, not far from Ypres on 18 June 1916 and buried in Elzenwalle Brasserie Cemetery. He served in 8 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. John, a miner, lived with his widowed mother at 11 High Row (Poppy House). He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Elzenwalle.
RALPH HODGSON – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 27.8.18
was born in Langley Moor in 1885. By 1911 he was living in Usworth with his wife, Jane Ann (nee Kelly). He served in 2/4 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and was killed in action on 27 August 1918 and buried in HAC Cemetery at Ecoust-St Mien. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo but have been to HAC Cemetery.
RALPH JAMES HOPSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
born in Usworth, served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916, aged 19. Ralph is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He lived in 16 Shafto Terrace and his first job was as an errand boy at the pit. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
CHARLES HOLLAND – East Yorkshire Regiment - 22.5.15
was born in Wigan in 1894. When the family moved to the North East his parents settled in Beatrice Terrace but his widow’s address was given as Poplar Cottage, Usworth. Charles married Gertrude Huddart in 1914 and they had at least one child. Private Holland, 2 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, died of wounds in hospital in Rouen on 14 May 1915 and was buried in St Sever Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited St Sever.
JOHN ARTHUR HORNSBY – Royal Engineers – 12.5.17
Royal Engineers, was killed on 12 May 1917 and buried in St Nicolas Cemetery, near Arras. Born in Normanby in 1896, he was son of George and Elizabeth Hornsby (Wright) and there is a stone to that effect in Usworth churchyard. John was a Wesleyan Methodist, one of several for whom an In Memoriam Service was held in September 1918. Photo of him and have visited St Nicolas.
COLLINGWOOD HUNTER - Northumberland Hussars – 22.8.18
son of Collingwood and Isabella was born at Eighton Banks in 1888 and, for a time lived at 6 Victoria Terrace Springwell (Poppy House). Marriage lists seem to suggest he married in 1908 but it was his father who received his war gratuity of £16.10sh after his death on 22 August 1918. Collingwood was in the Northumberland Hussars and was buried in Bray Military Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Bray.
JOHN MADDISON HUNTER – Durham Light Infantry – 1.7.16
15 DLI, was killed on 1 July 1916, aged 23, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Born at Springwell to Andrew and Elizabeth Hunter, he lived at Laurel House (Poppy House) and was a hairdresser. There are a couple of documents in his record which indicate that his parents tried to find out details of his death and his name is on a stone in Usworth churchyard that indicate that his mother died in 1919 and his father in 1942. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JOHN PERCIVAL HUTCHINSON – Lancashire Fusiliers – 11.11.17
He may not have been well known in Usworth. Born near Bishop Auckland, he was living in Coundon in 1911 and the first mention of him in Usworth comes from his marriage to Mary Ann Scott in July 1916, his residence stated to be Coundon Grange. John served in the 2/7 Lancashire Fusiliers and was one of seven men from his battalion killed on 11 November 1917, his name then added to the Tyne Cot Memorial. Thomas (sic) Hutchinson is listed on the Top Club Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
JOSEPH JAMES - Lancashire Fusiliers – 9.10.17
born in 1888 (location disputed) married Edith Coleman (she died in 1960) in 1912 and had 2 sons, one born six months after his death in action, near Ypres on 9 October 1917. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial in the section devoted to men of 2/8 Lancashire Fusiliers. Joseph and Edith lived in Springwell and he worked as a greengrocery cartman for the Coop. No photo but have visited Tyne Cot.
THOMAS JEFFREY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served as a Private in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916, his name being one of those on the Thiepval Memorial. Thomas married Eleanor Bottoms, their son Leslie being baptised in 1915, and they lived in 42 New Rows. Mrs Jeffrey received a war gratuity of £6.10sh but her husband died owing the army £2.9.10d. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS JOHNSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 27.9.15
served in 7 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, was killed near Ypres on 27 September 1917, aged 28, and was buried in Bedford House Cemetery. Thomas was married to Ellen (Kelly), had at least one child and lived at 41 Douglas Terrace. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Bedford House.
ARCHIBALD JOHN JOHNSTON – Durham Light Infantry - 28.7.16
was known as Kenty John, having been born in Lewisham, but married Margaret Ann Dixon at Windy Nook in 1910 and they were living, with their 2 children, living at 4 Coronation Terrace, Springwell in 1911. He joined 13 DLI and was reported missing on 28 July 1916. He is listed on the Thiepval Memorial and also on the F Pit Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES KELLY – Durham Light Infantry – 26.3.18
a Private in 22 DLI, was killed on 26 March 1918, aged 41. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial and the Roman Catholic Memorial for Washington Parish. James was married with 3 children but, for some reason, his war gratuity was paid to a sister, Winifred Naisbitt. James lived at 29 Johnson Terrace, Usworth (Poppy House) and was a member of the Top Club. Photo of him and have been to Pozieres.
THOMAS 'GINGER' KENNY – York and Lancaster Regiment – 4.10.18
enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers but was serving in 2/4 York and Lancaster Regiment when he died of wounds, aged 26, on 26 October 1918. He was buried in Grevillers Cemetery. Thomas, a miner, lived with his parents at 55 Edith Avenue and was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Grevillers.
AUSTIN KING – Durham Light Infantry – 17.7.16
born in Jarrow in 1892 was living with 2 siblings in Jarrow Workhouse in 1901. Having spent some time at Walbottle, he married Abigail Hall in Usworth Church in 1906 and they moved into 31 Gladstone Terrace, Usworth (Poppy House). Austin was killed, probably by shelling, on 17 July 1916 while serving in 15 DLI and he was buried in Bazentin-le-Petit Military Cemetery. He worked at F Pit and so appears on that memorial too. Photo of him and have visited Bazentin-le-Petit.
JOHN EDWARD LEE – Durham Light Infantry – 24.5.16
served in 13 DLI, was killed on 24 May 1916, possibly in the gas attack recorded in the battalion war diary for that day, and was buried in Bois de Noulette Cemetery, not far from Arras. John was 22 and son of Edward and Hannah. He was unmarried but the army stopped 4d a day from his pay to go to the mother of his illegitimate child. No photo but have been to Bois de Noulette.
THOMAS LENNON – Durham Light Infantry – 16.9.16
15 DLI, was killed in action on 16 September 1916, aged 26. Married to Catherine (Lowes) he had one son and lived in Speculation Place. He was a miner at Usworth Colliery. Thomas is commemorated on the memorials at Thiepval, in Usworth Top Club and for the Roman Catholic Parish of Washington. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
HENRY LEWINS – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Old Penshaw in 1895. He served in 26 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed on 1 July 1916. His grave is in Ovillers Cemetery. Henry was married to Elizabeth who received a war gratuity of £6.10sh from the army in October 1919. Henry, a miner was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Ovillers.
JOSEPH ROPER LIGHTBURN – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.10.16
was born in Maryport in 1889 but was living in Usworth by the time of the 1901 Census. He served in 8 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and was killed (possibly by shellfire from his own guns) on 5 October 1916, close to Contalmaison. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. He was unmarried (his sweetheart Elizabeth Winter put an In Memoriam notice in the paper) and living at home at 4 Pensher View (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
THOMAS WHITECROSS LONSDALE – Royal Engineers – 17.2.17
served as a Royal Engineer and was wounded while consolidating the lip of a mine crater. He died of wounds on 17 February 1917 and was buried in Bethune Town Cemetery. Thomas was married to Sarah E (Parnell) and they had a son, John. Sarah’s address was given by CWGC as Penistone, Yorkshire. Thomas was a Wesleyan Methodist and an In Memoriam service was held in late 1918 for him and 4 other Wesleyans from Usworth who’d been killed. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Bethune.
DANIEL LOWDEN – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 15.8.15
a Private in 5 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, arrived in Gallipoli in July 1915 and was posted as missing, aged 19, on 15 August 1915. His name appears on the Helles Memorial. Son of Joseph and Margaret of 18 Penshaw View, he was a coal miner and a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Helles.
JOHN LOWES – Durham Light Infantry – 20.1.16
of 8 Linden Terrace (Poppy House), was the son of John Lowes, a widower. John Jr was 21 when killed on 20 January 1916 near Ypres. He served in 10 DLI and was buried in Essex Farm Cemetery. John was a quarryman. Photo of him and have visited
ROBERT WILIIAM LUMSDEN – Machine Gun Corps – 26.7.17
His name is one of those on the Menin Gate. He was killed, aged 22, while serving in 123 Machine Gun Company on 26 July 1917. His widowed mother, Jane (she later re-married and became Mrs Nesbitt) lived at 8 High Row (Poppy House). Robert was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo and have visited Menin Gate.
HENRY MARRINER/MARINER – Border Regiment – 1.7.16
as a Private in 1 Battalion Border Regiment and was killed on 1 July 1916, his name being one of the 72,000 on the Thiepval Memorial. Henry and his widowed mother, Anne Jane, lived at 14 High Row (Poppy House). Henry was 38. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WILLIAM MATTHEWS – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.10.17
Matthews was born in Lumley, enlisted in Washington and served in 1/7 West Yorkshires until his death, aged 24, on 9 October 1917. ‘Presumed dead,’ he was listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. Son of Fred and Hannah, William lived with them in 371/2 Douglas Terrace and was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo but have been to Tyne Cot.
JAMES HENRY MAUGHAN – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.10.17
son of George and Mary Ellen of 12 Single Row, husband to Elizabeth (later Hodgson) and father of Margaret, was 27 when killed in action (probably in shellfire aimed at Polygon Wood) on 5 October 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. James was a hewer working at Usworth Colliery, a member of the Top Club and had become a Corporal in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Photo of him and have visited Tyne Cot.
EDWARD MCDERMOTT – Northumberland Fusiliers – 5.1.17
was born in Washington in 1869 and by the time of his death was married to Ellen with 4 children. He died ‘at home’ (no reason given) at Netley, on 5 January 1917 and was brought home to be buried in Washington Our Lady Immaculate Churchyard. Edward worked at F Pit and lived at 42 New Rows North. He served in the Northumberland Fusiliers. Photo of him.
JOHN MCGIVERN – Connaught Rangers – 27.11.18
a Private in 5 Connaught Rangers, died at home on 27 November 1918, aged 29, having already been discharged from the army, perhaps falling under the category of ‘insane’ (probably what we’d call PTSD). He was buried in Washington Our Lady Immaculate Churchyard. John had served at Gallipoli but that is all we know. His father, Peter, was caretaker of the Miners’ Hall and the family lived a 23 Douglas Terrace. John worked at F Pit. Photo of him
JAMES MCTER(N)AN – Northumberland Fusiliers – 22.4.18
was born in Stockton in 1893 and served in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers until he died of wounds on 22 April 1918. He was buried in Villers Bretonneux Cemetery (Australian National Cemetery). The family address was given as 1 Carlton Terrace, Springwell. Photo of him and have been to Villers Bretonneux.
DAVID MEEK – Durham Light Infantry – 21.3.18
served in 2DLI until his death, ‘missing presumed dead’ on 21 March 1918. He is listed on the Arras Memorial. David was married to Wilhelmina Ethel (Saxby) with four children. He was a member of Usworth Top Club and the family lived at 25 Single Row. No photo of him but have visited Arras. His brother George Robert was also killed.
GEORGE ROBERT MEEK – Royal Sussex Regiment – 9.4.18
He was 27 when he was killed on 9 April 1918. He was buried at Woburn Abbey Cemetery, near Guinchy. He served in 2 Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Despite evidence to show that he was married to Mary Ann (with a son, John Palmer Meek) his war gratuity was paid to his father, William, in December 1919. George was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Woburn Abbey.
THOMAS MORROW – Royal Garrison Artillery – 25.10.18
A Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, died of shell wounds to the abdomen in 99 Field Ambulance on 25 October 1918 and was buried in Inchy Cemetery. He was the grandson of Nicholas and Annie Morrow who lived at 2 The Fold and also, later, at 2 Boyne Terrace. Thomas was born in Sedgefield in 1895 and, pre-war, was a coal miner. No photo of him but have visited Inchy.
JOHN HENRY NESBITT – Yorkshire Regiment - 9.10.17
was born in Seaham Harbour in 1890. Married to Ada he was father of 2 daughters by the time of his death on 9 October 1917, their address given as 15 Willow Street. He served in 6 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment and was listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. James was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
STEPHEN NESBITT – Royal Garrison Artillery – 26.4.19
born in Throckley in 1894 was a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and survived the war, only to die on 26 April 1919, at home in 42 Nelson Street, from a wound received in France. He was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard. He was a member of Usworth Top Club and his name is also on his parents’ memorial in the same Usworth Churchyard. Photo of him.
MATTHEW NEWTON – Durham Light Infantry – 3.3.16
a Private in 1/8 DLI was wounded at Hill 60, near Ypres on 2 March 1916 and died of those wounds, aged 23, the next day. He was buried in Railway Dugouts Cemetery. Perhaps this was the same Matthew Newton, son of Henry and Ann Ellen of 6 Bowes Crescent, Springwell, who sang in a concert for Belgian Relief Funds at the Alexandra Theatre in November 1914, the programme for which event is in DCRO. No photo of him but have visited Railway Dugouts.
WILLIAM HENRY OGLE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.9.18
served as a Private in 6 Northumberland Fusiliers until his death on 28 September 1918. He was buried at Noyelles Sur L’Escaut Communal Cemetery Extension. Born in Deptford, he was the unmarried stepson of widowed Mary E Ogle and it was Mary who received the war gratuity due to the family. They lived at 11 Rock Terrace (Poppy House) and William was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Noyelles.
BOWMAN PATERSON – Border Regiment – 30.9.18
who died of wounds on 30 September 1918, aged 22, was the son of James and Alice of 4 Edward St, Springwell. James, having served in France, died in Salonica on the day that peace with Bulgaria was declared. He was buried in Mikra Cemetery, Kalamaria. No photo of him and have not yet visited Mikra.
JOHN GEORGE PEARSON – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
a Private in 11 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was killed on 1 July 1916, aged 25, and buried in Connaught Cemetery. John, a coal miner was living with his widowed mother at 8 Manor View East (Poppy House) when he enlisted in 1914. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Connaught Cemetery. His nephew, Jabez, was killed in WW2.
JOHN PEPPER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 30.6.16
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) and was killed 30 June 1916, almost certainly by the accidental explosion of a grenade issued that day. He was buried in Heilly Station Cemetery. John, born in Durham, was the husband of Elizabeth Ann, stepfather to her 4 children and father of 2 more. Aged 38 when he died, and a hewer at Usworth Colliery, he was also a step-grandfather. No photo of him but have visited Heilly Station.
ROBERT PESTELL – Durham Light Infantry – 23.10.18
of 11 House Terrace (Poppy House), served in 13 DLI until he was killed in action on 23 October 1918. He was buried in Pommereuil Cemetery. Robert, born in Usworth in 1888 was son of Walter and Jane, husband of Mary Jane and father to four children. He worked for Johnassen Gordon at Usworth Colliery and was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Pommereuil.
JAMES POSTLETHWAITE – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 15.2.17
was born in Ryhope in 1896 but by 1911 his family was living in 4 Westgarth Terrace (Poppy House). James was a Private in 11 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and served in the Balkans before France and Flanders. He died of wounds in February 1917 (different sources give different dates) and was buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. James’ first job was as a putter and he was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Bailleul.
ROBERT JOHNSON PREST – Durham Light Infantry – 31.3.18
1/8 DLI, was living at Oak Street when he attested in 1913. Born in Stockton, he was living as a boarder at Houghton-le-Spring in 1911 and working as a miner. He married Violet Campbell in February 1918 but was killed on 31 March (along with 91 others from his battalion) near a place that the war diary calls Gatelles (though can’t find such a place on a map of France). He is listed on the Pozieres Memorial. Photo of him and have visited Pozieres.
WILLIAM GARDINER PRETSELL (SOMETIMES PRESTELL) MC - King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 20.7.18
Graduate of Worcester College, Oxford was born in Edinburgh but, by the time of his attestation in 1915, the family were living at Sugarwell Cottage (Poppy House). William’s father was a doctor and William an apprentice electrical engineer. William first served in Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry but was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 20 July 1918 and his grave is in Courmas Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Courmas.
JOHN ROBERT PUNSHON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 14.11.16
served in 5 Northumberland Fusiliers and was one of 243 from that regiment killed in action in the fighting for control of Warlencourt Butte on 14 November 1916. He was buried in Warlencourt Cemetery. John’s parents, William and Mary Jane, lived at 6 Wingrove Terrace (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Warlencourt.
RICHARD PURVIS – Royal Engineers – 11.5.16
He was born in Murton in 1891, served in 170 Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers and was killed in mining and counter-mining operations on 11 May 1916. His name appears on the Loos Memorial. Son of Thomas and Mary, he married Jane (Dixon) in Usworth Holy Trinity Church in 1912. No photo of him but have visited Loos.
PHILIP GALBRAITH RAMSEY – King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – 30.7.17
born in Wrekenton in 1898, enlisted in 16 Northumberland Fusiliers but was transferred to1/4 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry before dying of wounds (the battalion reported a number of gas cases around that time) in 2 Canadian General Hospital on 30 July 1917. He was buried in Mont Huon Cemetery overlooking the Channel. Philip lived at 6 Westfield Crescent, Springwell (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Mont Huon.
RICHARD HORNOD RICHINGS – Durham Light Infantry – 7.6.17
was born in Leadgate in 1893 and in 1911 the family were living in Lamesley. A coal miner and son of John and Margaret Ann, he joined 12 DLI and was killed, probably by shelling, near Zillebeke, on 7 June 1917. His name is on the Menin Gate. Photo of him and have visited the Menin Gate.
WILLIAM RIDDLE – Durham Light Infantry – 18.9.16
who served in 14 DLI was killed in action on 18 September 1916, aged 24. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of Robert and Elizabeth of 14 Hutt’s Terrace, Springwell, William was a coal miner and had fair hair and brown eyes. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES RITCHIE – Durham Light Infantry – 21.4.16
served in 1/8 DLI until he died of wounds in No2 Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul on 21 April 1916. He was buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. Son of Andrew and Ann, he was born in 1896 and the family lived at 4 Makepeace Terrace, Springwell (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Bailleul. James’ brothers, Alexander and Andrew also served, indeed they may have joined up on the same day. Photo of him and have visited Bailleul.
GEORGE ROBERTSON – East Yorkshire Regiment – 16.4.18
son of Alexander and Ann of 6 Lismore Terrace, Springwell served in 1 Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. George married Jane Dickenson in 1916, her daughter having been born in 1913. It seems that George had an illegitimate child for whose support the army docked his pay by 3 shillings per week. George was killed on 16 April 1916, near Wyteschaete, a day that saw a ferocious German bombardment of the line. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. No photo of him but have visited Tyne Cot.
JAMES ROBINSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 3.7.16
was born in Waterloo, Usworth and served in 12 Northumberland Fusiliers until his death on 3 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. A member of Usworth Top Club, his photo was printed in the Illustrated Chronicle but, as yet, it isn’t possible to be certain of his family details.
JAMES W ROBINSON – Durham Light Infantry - 24.6.17
was born in East Boldon in 1898 and served in 1/8 DLI until he was killed in action on 24 June 1917 and buried in Wancourt Cemetery. By 1911 his family, headed by Thomas and Mary Jane family was living at 11, Stone Cellars Usworth. No photo of him but have visited Wancourt.
WILLIAM KNOX ROPER – Yorkshire Regiment – 5.7.16 - also on Washington
born in Sedgefield in 1893, was son of Frederick and Maggie and husband of Catherine (Craig) whom he’d married in 1916. William served in 7 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, was wounded on 1 July 1916, near Fricourt, and died at Etaples on 5 July. His grave is in Etaples Cemetery. Photo of him and have visited Etaples.
THOMAS SANDERSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 28.10.18
was born at Eighton Banks and lived at Springwell. He was only 20 when he died of wounds on 28 October 1918, near the Piave River in Northern Italy. He was buried in Giavera Cemetery. Thomas served in 11 Northumberland Fusiliers and was son of Robert and Kate. No photo of him but have visited Giavera.
HENRY SHIELDS – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
enlisted in 9 Inniskilling Fusiliers (probably in 64 Grey St, Newcastle where the regiment had a recruiting station) and was killed in action, aged 25, on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Henry’s great niece still has the letter (not written until 25 July because of the appalling casualty lists) from his commanding officer. Son of Matthew and Mary, Henry was a miner. Photo of him as a boy and have visited Thiepval.
RICHARD SHIPLEY – Northumberland Fusiliers – 16.6.15
served as Robert Smith (no known reason) in 1 Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Son of Richard and Margaret, he was born in 1887 and married Elizabeth Jane Usher in 1909 and they had a son, Michael. Richard went to France on 16 March 1915 and was killed on 16 June 1915. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate. No photo but have been to Menin Gate.
JOHN HENRY SIMPSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 9.4.17
was born to Stephen and Margaret in Boldon in 1896. After a spell in Blyth, the family had moved to 611/2 Douglas Terrace, Usworth by 1911 and John had become a pony driver. He served in either 2 or 7 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (sources differ) and was killed on 9 April 1917, first day of the Battle of Arras. His grave (‘believed to be buried’) is in Wancourt Cemetery. John was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Wancourt. John’s widow, Margaret, received his war gratuity.
ANDREW SMITH – Royal Engineers – 15.7.18
was born in Usworth in 1889, son of Thomas and Mary Ann. He married Sarah Ellen Lonsdale and they lived, at different times, at 10 Pensher View and 7 Douglas Terrace. Andrew became a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and was killed on 15 July 1918 and buried at Hagle Dump Cemetery. Andrew was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Hagle Dump.
ALEXANDER STEPHENSON – Durham Light Infantry – 7.10.16
served in 12 DLI until his death, ‘presumed’, on 7 October 1916, aged 24. His battalion were fighting around Le Sars on that date. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. When his mother, Mary, completed the form for his medals she stated that the whereabouts of his father, George, were ‘unknown’. A relation states that his brother, George, deserted but then went back to fight under the name of Thomas Mould. The family lived at 37 Douglas Terrace. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
JAMES WILLIAM RAY STEPHENSON – Machine Gun Corps – 19.7.17
served first in the DLI but by the time of his death, 19 July 1917, he was a Sergeant in 97 Machine Gun Company. He was buried in Ramscapelle Rd Cemetery. Born in 1887 in Washington, James married Mary Ritson at Usworth Holy Trinity in 1909. He was a coal miner at F Pit. No photo of him but have visited Ramscapelle Rd
WILLIAM STOREY – Royal Engineers – 23.10.19
Storey was 43 when he died in Gosforth War Hospital on 23 October 1919. A Royal Engineer, he was buried in Washington Cemetery but does not appear to have the normal military headstone. William married Ada (Collins) on 4 July 1900 and had three children. He was a club steward and a member of the Westwood Club (perhaps steward of that Club?) Photo of him.
HENRY TAIT – Yorkshire Regiment – 6.10.17
son of Isaac and Margaret Ritson, served in 10 Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment until his death, of wounds, aged 34, in 11 Casualty Clearing Station on 6 October 1917. It seems likely from a reading of the battalion war diary that he was wounded in shelling near Polygon Wood. He was buried in Godwaersvelde British Cemetery. No photo of him but have visited Godwaersvelde.
WILLIAM TAPPENDEN – Durham Light Infantry – 10.9.18
was son of William and Jane of 7 Dorcas Terrace (Poppy House). William was 21, a Private in 12 DLI when he was killed on 10 September 1918 and his name is one of those on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. His name also appears on the memorials to men from Usworth Top Club and Washington’s Roman Catholics. Photo of him and have visited Vis-en-Artois.
ROBERT TAYLOR – Royal Garrison Artillery – 13.8.17
born in Prudhoe, was 25 years old and serving in the Royal Field Artillery (8th Ammunition Column) when he was killed on 13 August 1917, near Poperinghe. He was buried in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery. A coal miner at F Pit, Robert was son of William (who died in 1904, aged 50 and was buried in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard) and Mary, who died in 1951 and was buried in the same churchyard. The family lived at 5 Rock Terrace (Poppy House). No photo of him but have visited Vlamertinghe.
ROBERT WILLIAM TAYLOR – Durham Light Infantry – 2.6.17
was a Sergeant in 13 DLI when killed in action on the night of 2 June 1917. A raiding party had been prepared but extremely heavy German shelling killed and wounded a total of 3 officers and 30 other ranks. Sergeant Taylor is one of the names on the Menin Gate. Robert’s effects were sent home to his father, John. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
JOSEPH DOBINSON THOMPSON – Northumberland Fusiliers – 10.8.17
was born in Earsdon in 1895, son of William and Martha. He served in 18 Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed on 10 August 1917 while building a light railway near Ypres He was buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery. Pre-war, Joseph worked for the Coop as a clerk in the fruit department; the family lived at 10 Manor View (Poppy House). Photo of him and have visited Bard Cottage.
JOHN GEORGE THORNTON – Royal Garrison Artillery – 30.4.18
was a Gunner in 86 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, died of wounds in 47 Casualty Clearing Station on 30 April 1918 and was buried in Crouy British Cemetery. Born in 1894, he was a son of John and Mary and the family lived at 6 Edith Avenue. John was single and a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Crouy.
WILLIAM TINDALL/TINDLE – Northumberland Fusiliers – 17.8.16
lived at 1 Blackberry Cottages, Springwell (PoppyHouse) a son of Ernest Algernon and Anabella. Bugler Tindall, 1 Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed on 17 August 1916 and buried in Dantzig Alley Cemetery. His grandparents ran the Perseverance Arms. William was probably killed by German shelling at Carnoy, east of Albert. Photo of him and have visited Dantzig Alley. The current occupants of Blackberry Cottages believe that William’s ghost is still present in the house.
DANIEL TODD – Northumberland Fusiliers – 19.8.17
served in 24 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) until he died of wounds in 107 Field Ambulance on 19 August 1917, aged 26. He was buried in Villers-Faucon Cemetery. Son of Daniel and Mary, husband of Hannah (Evans) and father of at least 2 children, he lived at 56 Douglas Terrace and was commemorated on both the Top Club and Roman Catholic Memorials. Photo of him and have visited Villers-Faucon.
DANIEL TODD – Northumberland Fusiliers - 6.2.16
served in 9 Northumberland Fusiliers, died of wounds in 8 Casualty Clearing Station on 9 February 1916 and was buried in Bailleul Cemetery. Born in Ryhope in 1886 to John and Marion he had married Rachel by 1911 and they were listed in the Census, with 2 children, at Felling. The war diary for 9 NF notes that Private Todd was attached to 182 Coy Royal Engineers at the time of his death. No photo but have been to Bailleul.
JOHN TODD – Dorsetshire Regiment – 12.4.17
son of Daniel and Mary, (and brother of Daniel of 24 NF) served in 6 Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment and was killed in the Battle of Arras on 12 April 1917, aged 33. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He was a member of Usworth Top Club and we have a photo of him and have visited Arras.
THOMAS TODD – Irish Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Landith, Cumberland in about 1895. The 1911 Census lists him with his mother, Marion, and stepfather, Thomas Rippon, at 16 Cross Rows, Waterloo, Usworth. Thomas joined 9 Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed on 1 July 1916. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial and in Usworth Top Club. We have a photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
DAVID TROTTER – Northumberland Fusiliers – 1.7.16
served in 22 Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) and was killed on 1 July 1916, near La Boiselle. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of John and Mary, David was born in 1895 and was a coal miner. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. No photo of him but have visited Thiepval.
JOSEPH TROTTER – Royal Engineers – 1.6.16
son of John and Elizabeth, married Martha Jane (Boyd) in 1909 and, by the time of his death was father to John and Alexander. Joseph died ‘at home’, in hospital in Barnsley on 1 June 1916. His body was returned to Washington for burial in Usworth Holy Trinity Churchyard. He served in the Royal Engineers and lived at 31 Johnson Terrace (Poppy House) No photo.
WILLIAM TROUPE – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 1.7.16
was born in Tudhoe in 1897, moved to Washington sometime between 1901 and 1911 and, when war began, enlisted in 9 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was killed in action on 1 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. His widower father received a war gratuity of £4 but no other payment since William had been killed owing the army 7/9d. He was a member of Usworth Top Club. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
BERTIE WALTON – Durham Light Infantry – 14.12.15
was born in Silverdale, Lancashire; by 1911 the family had moved to Springwell and Bertie joined 10 DLI August 1914. He was killed on 14 December 1915, probably by shellfire or trench mortar and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Photo of him and have visited Menin Gate.
MATTHEW WARDLE – Army Service Corps – 20.12.17
was born in Pelton Fell (a different source states Coxhoe) but moved to Usworth and one source gives his address as 16 Peareth Place. Matthew was married to Isabella with three children, one of whom, Margaret Selina, gave birth to her own child a mere 8 months before Matthew died of wounds. That was in December 1917 and he was buried in Dunkirk Town Cemetery. He was a driver in the Army Service Corps. Photo of him and have visited Dunkirk.
ARTHUR CLAUDE WEBB – Royal Naval Division – 17.2.17
served in the Howe Battalion of the Royal Naval Division, was killed on 17 February 1917 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Son of Arthur and Eleanor of Seldom Seen, Usworth, he was born in 1894 and was a coal miner. Photo of him and have visited Thiepval.
WILLIAM CHARLES WEBB – Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – 12.3.18
(cousin of Arthur Claude) was born in Usworth and served, first, in the Border Regiment and then in 5 Inniskilling Fusiliers until his death, of wounds, in 66 Casualty Clearing Station, Syria, on 12 March 1918. He was buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery. William was son of William and Margaret Webb; his brother lived at 13 Underhill Terrace and also served. No photo of him and have not visited Jerusalem.
JOHN WHITTAKER – Australian Imperial Force - 29.7.17
was serving in 35 Battalion Australian Imperial Forces when he was killed on 29 July 1917 and buried in Bethlehem Farm West Cemetery. He was the son of James Whittaker of 7 Single Row, Usworth and, while the UK Census states that he was born in Usworth, John claimed that he’d been born in Kurri Kurri when he enlisted. It seems that a sister had also gone to Australia, his file including a letter from her asking about his pension, but his effects and medals were sent to his father. Photo of him and have visited Bethlehem Farm.
JAMES W WILLIAMS – Durham Light Infantry – 25.3.18
served in 19 DLI until killed on 25 March, 1918; his name appears on the Pozieres Memorial. He had married Mary Ethel (Bailey) in Usworth in 1907, one of the witnesses being Isaac Ellwood (see above). Their child, Thomas Verdun Alfred was baptised in 1916. Photo of him and have visited Pozieres.
JAMES WILSON – Yorkshire Regiment – 12.5.18
was born in Sunderland and enlisted in Gateshead; a James Wilson married Sarah Errington in November 1916, perhaps this man. James was serving in 6 Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and it seems that he was one of 17 casualties (he died of wounds on 12 May) in a trench raid on the night of 9 May 1918 because his grave is in Phalempin Cemetery and the Germans held Phalempin during almost all of the war. He may have died in a German hospital or dressing station. No photo of him but have been to Phalempin.
THOMAS WILLIAM WITTS – Durham Light Infantry – 9.11.18
a Lance Corporal in 15 DLI died of wounds two days before the Armistice that ended the war. He was buried in Caudry Cemetery. Born in 1895 his family were living at Light Pipe Row in 1911 but he gave his address, when enlisting, as 70 Eldon Terrace, Cardiff;he had married Beatrice in 1915 and they had 2 sons before he went to war. Thomas, according to a letter to the army from his wife, was on leave from 5 August 1915 and she was pregnant with his third child when he was killed. No photo of him but have visited Caudry