Men from North Northumberland Killed, Wounded and taken Prisoner in the Great War

Private Andrew Allcorn Wounded.

 Writing to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. Allcorn, Sea View Cottages, Alnwick,  Private Andrew Allcorn, 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, says-

"I am keeping quite well, in fact all the boys are in the best of spirits. We have had it a bit rough, but you cannot expect anything else here. It will be nothing but hard work for a good while yet. We are in Belgium now, and doing very well with the language. I think we will pick it up easy. The Soldiers help us all they can. I am not allowed to name the place where we are. I wish I could. You would be surprised. We have not put off much time since we left Cambois. We have travelled a long way in a short time with very little sleep. I am a sound sleeper. Last night the noise was awful from the guns, but it did not annoy me. It is cold a bit at night, but after you fall asleep it's all right. I will certainly tell you a story when we come home. Don’t forget to send me some cigarettes, as the ones out here are not nice, matches are also scarce. It is just like a continuous thunderstorm here. We got a good send-off from Cambois, nearly all the people were crying."

Writing later from the Warren Hospital, Hayes, Kent, Private Allcorn in a letter received by his parents at Alnwick on Saturday morning says- "My wound is not very bad, It is just a bullet wound in my left heel. I expect to be home shortly for a time. Well I have not been away very long, but I've seen a great deal, things I will never forget. No one but those who have been in the line can have any idea of what things are like. They talk of hell let loose. I think hell would be a pleasure to the battle I went through. The fellows who have been out from the start say this was the worst they ever seen. I have not told you the name of the battle yet. Well, it was St. Julian where I fell. I have lost everything except the clothes I stand in. Don’t worry, as I am all right, they are very kind here, don’t send anything, but don’t forget the “Gazette”. With best love, will tell you all when I come home."  08/05/1915

Sergeant James Allison.

 7^th N.F. who is a mason, was employed by the N.E.R. Company at Alnwick. He  is a younger son of Mr James Allison, Centre Terrace Alnwick. He joined the above regiment in September, and left for foreign service on April 20^th. Sergeant James Allison was very popular in Alnwick among the Homing Pigeon Societies, and had some good birds himself. He was married to Miss Farr, Duke Street, and had a little daughter. 08/05/1915

Private J.P. Anderson,

7^th N.F., second son of Mr. Thos. Anderson, town’s waterman, Alnwick. Enlisted into the 7^th Batt. About three years ago, and went out to the front with them on April 20^th. He is wounded and is at present in Manchester hospital. 08/05/1915

Private William Angus,

second son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Angus, Union Court, Alnwick, enlisted into the 7^th Batt. Northumberland Fusiliers at the beginning of the war. He was wounded and is a present in Dellaney’s Hospital, Crumpsall, Manchester.  08/05/1915

Local Soldiers Wounded,

- many of the men in the Rothbury Company of the 7^th N.F. have been in the battle line in France, and have been wounded. General sympathy is felt by the residents for the parents and friends of those sons and relatives that are wounded. Amongst those reported are the Hon. Wm. Watson Armstrong (Lieutenant), Cragside, who has been wounded in the chest, second- Lieutenant T. Ord Donkin, son of Mr. R. Donkin, auctioneer, wounded in the foot and now in Guy’s Hospital, London, Sergt. Best (postman), second-lieutenant Fenwicke Clennell, Harbottle Castle, second son of Mr. T.C.Fenwicke Clennell, Corpl, Wm Bell, son of Mr T, Bell (grocer), Privates J. Soulsby, wounded badly in the face, Leslie Hounam, G. Ainslie, wounded in the back, Joseph Mowitt, son of Mr. Wm Mowitt, draper, Fred Hood, — Potts (Lee)  — Foreman (Alwinton), C. Wood (Thropton) Lieut. Redpath, stepson of Supt, Taylor, who once resided in Rothbury, we regret to say has been killed. Nurse Webber, of the Cottage Hospital, Rothbury, has volunteered for Red Cross work in France. She has how left here with that object in view.  01/05/1915

Sergeant R.J. Best,

 7^th N.F. age 39, postman at Rothbury Post Office, husband of Mrs A. Best, 2 Addycombe Cottages, Rothbury, has written to his wife saying he is in hospital in Folkestone. He joined in May 1913, and left for foreign service on April 20^th. He was wounded by a shot from a sniper, the bullet going through his waist belt. He went through the Boer War, being a corporal in the Royal Scots. 08/05/1915

Lance Corporal T. Blagburn,

 youngest son of Mrs Blagburn, Chapel Lane, and the late Mr T. Blagburn, Alnwick, has been wounded in action. Writing to his mother from in hospital in Versailles, under date of May 27^th, he says that he has received a bullet wound in the left knee. Lance Corporal Blagburn, who is only 20 years of age, served as apprenticeship with Messrs. Michie and Co., Nurseryman, Alnwick, and shortly after war was declared he enlisted into the 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He was drafted out to France with his battalion and has gone through 2 or 3 battles out there. Out on the battlefield he met with his elder brother, Trooper William Blagburn who was serving in the Northumberland Hussars. A remarkable coincidence was that they met on their birthday 13 May, both brothers having been born on that date, but with 4 years intervening, and they had not seen each other since Christmas Day 1913. Trooper W. Blagburn went out to the front with his regiment in September.

Lance Corporal Blagburn’s brother-in-law Private Hugh Miles, who went out in the same draft, has not been heard of since the 1^st battle, nor has he been reported amongst the missing. The young man, who was a native of Gateshead, was sometime employed by Mr Archibald, boot and shoemaker, Alnwick, and when war was declared he enlisted into the 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He married Victoria, younger daughter of Mrs T. Blagburn Chapel Lane.  05/06/1915

Private Thos. Bradford,

 of the 7^th N.F., hedger, employed by the Duke of Northumberland, is seriously wounded. Mr T. Bradford, Duke Street, Alnwick, the father, received a telegram to that effect on Wednesday morning. 08/05/1915

Private William Calvert in Hospital in France.

Mr. and Mrs. John Calvert, Upper Howick Street Alnwick, have received a letter from their second son, Private William Calvert, 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, who went out to the fighting line with his Battalion on April 20^th. He states-

"I was wounded in the thigh by a bullet on April 26^th, but I am glad to say that I don’t think it is much, thought I can hardly walk with the pains in my legs through lying out in the rain with my wet clothes on and drying on me. A lot of our lads have been wounded by shell fire. I am quite happy here. The sisters are very nice and kind. When the air raids were on in England, the people got a fright, but they should be out here and see towns in ruins, and churches on fire and men and horses lying dead all around, and shells flying about. Yesterday a shell struck the hospital, killing two sisters and wounding a lot of others. If the enemy would only fight fair the war would soon be done. We have been fighting in the worst part of the fighting line, at a certain hill which you will no doubt have read about in the papers, hundreds killed and wounded nearly every day. Our battalion has had hard luck. Only at the front a week and lost a lot of men. But never mind the second line will make up for it when they come out here from England. It is hoped they will have better luck than we have had. " 08/05/1915

Private Andrew Carr,

 7^th N.F. age 20, miner at Shilbottle, is the son of Mr and Mrs. Carr, Gas Cottages, Alnwick. He joined the Battalion three years ago, and left for foreign service on April 20^th. A card received says that he was shot through the eye, and is at Lincoln Hospital, progressing favourably.

Private William Carr,

 7^th N.F., son of Mr Carr, Porter at Glanton Station, arrived home on Saturday from the Front. He is badly wounded in one arm. 29/05/1915

Private J.D.Charlton.

7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, son of Mr. Joseph Charlton, miner, Chevington Drift. Wounded in the hip....08/05/1915

James Connell,

 of the 6^th Batt, Northumberland Fusiliers, age 22, labourer, employed by Messrs, Green Bros, contractors. And son of Mrs Connell, Blythe's Yard, Alnwick, has been wounded. He left for foreign service on the 19^th April. He attended St. John’s R.C. School, Alnwick.  1/05/1915

Private James Connell,

of the 7^th N.F.  sends a letter to his parents. Mr and Mrs. James Connell, 3 Tower Lane, Alnwick- I have been wounded, and I am on my way to Dublin. It is not much, just a hole through my right arm. I got hit at Ypres on Monday afternoon, April 26^th, Jim Davidson and I are together, and a lot more Alnwick lads. We have not been long away but we have seen a lot. We were in both of the charges made by the Canadians on Sunday and Monday. I have lost my kit, and almost everything. On April 30^th we arrived at Dublin, It is great being in a ship with a lot of wounded soldiers. The men with two hands wash the faces of the men with one hand. 08/05/1915

Private G.E. Darling,

7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, age 20, A grocer employed by Mr. Proctor, Morpeth and son of Mr. Thos. Darling, 12 King Street, Alnwick, is wounded. He joined the above regiment on Sept 6^th and left for foreign service on April 20^th. He writes “ I got wounded on Wednesday morning but am progressing A1. A 'Jack Johnson' burst and caught eight of us. At the time I was on duty for Major Joicey, taking his wallet. They took me Boulogne on Friday. I was brought over to England and I am in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary". ..08/05/1915

Private Alexander Davidson,

 In a letter to his sister in Lisburn Street, Alnwick says “ I got shot at--- on Sunday (April) 25^th . One bullet went through my thigh and one through the top of my ankle. Both went right through for a good job. I am going on famous” the message was sent from the new Central Branch of the Manchester Infirmary. 08/05/1915

Private James Davison,

7^th N.F., employed by Ashington Coal Co., the second son of Mr. John Davison, 66, Clayport St. Alnwick, is wounded in the right hand, and is now in the British Red Cross Hospital in Dublin. He left for foreign service on April 20^th.  08/05/1915

News from Sergeant George Dodds.

On the a postcard written to his aunt, Miss J Dodds, 2 Lisburn Street, Alnwick Sergeant George Dodds, under date of the 29^th May, informs her that he was wounded on Monday the 21^st instant, by shrapnel above the eye. The piece was taking out on the 27^th, and he was going on well. He was sorry to say he would not get home — hard luck. A good lot of ours have been lost, and his only hope was that the war would soon be over.

Sergeant George Dodds is the elder son of Mr George Dodds, formerly manager of the Alnwick working men’s club, and enlisted into the 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers early in September he is a Duke’s School scholar. 05/06/1915

Second-Lieut. Donkin,

of the 7^th N.F. age 20, is an auctioneer with Messrs. J. Thornborrow & Co, of Penrith, and the son of Mr. R. Donkin, of Rothbury.  He joined on December 1914, and left for foreign service on 19^th April. He has been wounded in the right foot by shrapnel, and is now in Guy’s Hospital, London. Lieut, Donkin is a Corchester School and Sedbergh College boy.  08/05/1915

 Lance-Corpl. P. Edridge,

 7^th N.F. age 20, warehouseman with Messrs, Graham & Henderson, residing with his relative, Mrs. Hook, at the Summit, Alnwick Moor, joined on the 7^th September 1914, and left for foreign service on April 20^th. On May the 3^rd a postcard was received saying he was wounded in the right shoulder. He is in hospital. Lance-Corporal Edridge attended the National School Alnwick, and is a member of the Oddfellows Lodge. Mrs. Hook has two sons serving in the 7^th, one in France and one at home.

Lance Corporal Edridge, of Alnwick, on Strange Coincidence.

An interesting letter has been received by Messrs. Graham and Henderson from one of their employees now serving at the front “somewhere in France,” viz., Lance Corporal Edridge, 1^st/7^th N.F., of the Summit, Alnwick Moor. He expresses thanks for pipe and tobacco and cigarettes, and says that he shared that kindness amongst his friends. Of the fighting he reports that the had taken some machine guns. He says: — although we lost heavily, the enemy lost more. In the charge alone “the Kilties” lost only ten so that will tell you. Do not think that we have lost heavily, only some killed and a few injured. It was an awful day of bombarding, from 3 a.m. till 5 — 1 continual bark of our guns, then a whistle, then quietness — only for a second — and after that the explosion. You see trenches, men, guns, and sandbags flying in all directions. Then there is the charge, but they cannot face our steel. About turn, double! — And they do run! I wrote to you about two weeks ago. I expect you got my letter. I see Mr J. Godfrey has lost a brother killed in action. He was on the 1^st Canadians. There are rumours going here that we are coming back again to England; but it is too good to be true. One has no idea of the state of things here. War is war, but this is not. The enemy is very treacherous, especially to our wounded when they find them; but we are steadily gaining ground… [continues]  26/06/1915

Stirring Narrative by an Alnwick Terrier.

Private George W. Egdell. Of the 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, writes from Castle Hospital, Dublin, to Mr. John Archbold, draper, Fenkle Street, Alnwick, as follows:- You will perhaps think by now that I have forgot all about writing, but I have never had the chance to let you know how I was getting on or where I was. I will tell you as much as I can now. You will know we left Cambois on Tuesday, 20^th April, at 1pm, and were in France by 3-30 the next morning- a very quick bit of work. If the train had gone a few yards further it would have gone into the sea. We got on to the boat, and were off in 15 minutes, and crossed the Channel in one hour and twenty minutes… That night (Wednesday) we marched about 12 miles to the station. And then what a ride in cattle trucks, about 70 in each, hardly room to stand, never mind sleep, for we were all tired and hungry. We travelled six hours this way, and then had to march about another 15 miles. We landed about 8pm, on Thursday, and cooked our food and slept in a wood with one blanket. A good job it was a warm night. We were by this time just behind the firing line. And could hear the guns and rifles going all night- in fact half of our battalion were put in the reserve trenches. We got up the next morning to find they put a big gun in the same field as us, and it was doing some good work, as our aircraft was directing its shooting. The aeroplanes here were like flies, three our four in the air at once. We moved off again at night, (we were now in Belgium), and marched until we came to Ypres. There was, we were told about 10,000 on that march, and we were near the end. We got into the middle of the town and then stopped. We had just stood ten minutes, when a shell burst beside us, and then they came like hailstones, setting fire to a good few houses quiet close to us. Then one burst above us. It hit the lad next to me and wounded four of our lads. We now went towards the firing line with shells coming at us like hailstones- and it was raining. We got there about four on Sunday morning and had to lie down waiting for orders. We now made a charge of about a mile and a half and lost a good many. We fell back a bit for the night and made another attack on Monday afternoon. It started about 3-30, and what a sight. I got right up to them and was hit with a big shell. I crawled up a ditch. It was full of dead. So after my brother dressed my wounds. I shook hands with him and ran as fast as I could across the field. I went about four miles and got dressed. The shell had caught my left cheek and a bit of my nose and upper lip, and had split the back of my left hand, but I think they will mend all right. Tell me if you can how the other lads are going on. But I hope I will be with you all soon, and also the tailors as well. I will tell you more the next time I write. I was 60 hours on the water, and just got off the boat last night, and have just got this writing paper from the hospital. I can eat all right, in fact it seems to have made me eat more. They have had the X-Rays on my hand, and the second finger joint is not much hurt.  08/05/1915

Private Oliver Farr,

 7^th N.F. age 19, apprentice engineer with the Alnwick Foundry, is the son of Mr. and Mrs John Farr, 16 Duke Street Alnwick. He joined on the 3^rd of September, and left for foreign service on April 20^th. A postcard states that he is in the Canadian Hospital with shrapnel wounds to the head. Private Farr attended the Duke’s School Alnwick.

Private John Fife of Alnwick.

Private A. Goodfellow,

of the 7^th N.F.. was a pitman employed by the Shilbottle Coal Company, and a son of Mr Adam Goodfellow, Clayport Street, Alnwick. He left for foreign service on 20^th April. His wife received a telegram on Tuesday saying he had been wounded on the left leg and was in hospital, but was going on well. Private Goodfellow joined the above regiment a good many years ago. .. 08/05/1915

Private Adam Goodfellow,

 1^st 7^th N.F. third son of Mr, Adam Goodfellow,  Clayport, Alnwick. He enlisted into the 7^th N.F. about 8 years ago and went on foreign service on April 20^th. He was wounded in the left leg by shrapnel, but says not seriously. He is at present in hospital at Clitheroe, Lancashire. He is employed at Shilbottle Colliery. He is married and has a family.  08/05/1915

Lance-Corpl. Robt. Green,

 7^th N.F., draper, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Green Fenkle Street and Paikes Street. Alnwick is wounded. He joined the above regiment on September 11^th, and left for foreign service on April 20^th. Lance-Corpl. Green was a prominent member of the Alnwick Cricket Club, and being a good bass singer, was connected with the musical societies in Alnwick. He frequently appeared in concerts in the town and was much appraised. He attended the Duke’s School, Alnwick. 08/05/1915

Private James Hedley, Alnwick.

Official information was received on Monday by Quartermaster Sergeant T.R. Hedley, Dodds Lane, Alnwick that his son Private James Hedley, 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, had been killed in action on 29^th April.

Lieutenant Colonel G. Scott Jackson, commanding the 7^th N.F., writing to the parents of the deceased soldier, says: — “I am very sorry to inform you that your worst fears are correct. Your poor son was killed in action by the bursting of the shell. He was properly buried. He died the soldier’s death, and was a very good soldier too. I deeply regret his loss, and you have my most heartfelt sympathy.”

Further confirmation of Private James Hedley’s death is given in a letter received from Company Quartermaster Sergeant Cutler, and further that his remains were buried at St Julien.

Private James Hedley had served three years in the D. Company (Alnwick) 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, and was drafted with his battalion to the front on April 20. He was an employment of Messrs. Hardy Bros., Fishing rod and tackle manufacturers. Private Hedley’s father, Quartermaster Sergeant T.R. Hedley is an old campaigner and is still serving with the colours he joined the King’s Own Scottish Borderers when a young man and with this regiment he fought in the Nile expedition. He holds the Egyptian Medal and the Khedive’s Star. He subsequently came to Alnwick as a reservist, and when the South African war broke out he was called up to join the colours and was garrisoned at Edinburgh Castle. On again returning to Alnwick he was employed by Messrs. Hardy Bros. Keen for soldering, when the National Reserve was formed in the town he enrolled as a member and served in that unit until the present war was declared, when he volunteered as a National Guard. He was stationed at Wallsend Slipway, and it was not long before he was promoted Sergeant. Quite recently he was raised to the higher rank of quartermaster Sergeant. After hearing of the death of his boy he volunteered for active service at the front and was accepted, and on Tuesday last he departed for France with the draft from the Northumberland Fusiliers. 29/05/1915

Private Adam Henderson,

of the 7^th N.F. age 19 a gardener employed at Branton, and nephew of Mr. J Thain of Grey Croft, Alnwick, who joined in September, and left for foreign service on the 19^th April, has been wounded in the hand and is in hospital in Belfast. He attended Ingram School. 08/05/1915

Private Harry Hetherington Killed.

Official news was received on Tuesday night by his parents, Mr and Mrs T. Hetherington, Alnwick Moor, that private Henry Hetherington, their 3^rd son, had been killed in action on 15th May. The deceased leaves a widow and 5 young children. He enlisted into the 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Line), at the beginning of the war, and went out with his battalion to the front on the 20^th April. The father of the deceased was for many years a member of the Common Council of the Borough of Alnwick, and in the early years of the 2^nd Northumberland (Percy) Volunteer Artillery was one of the bandsman of the brigade. 05/06/1915

Private Harry Hetherington,

7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, who was killed in action on the 15^th May, was the fourth son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Hetherington, Alnwick Moor, and enlisted into the 7^th Battalion at the beginning of the war. Private Harry Hetherington was 33 years of age, and for 9 years was employed under the Duke of Northumberland prior to enlistment. Mr and Mrs Hetherington have other two sons at the front, the eldest, Cpl Saddler John T. Hetherington, and Sergeant Tom Hetherington their second son. Both are in the 13^th Hussars, and went through the Boer War together. 12/06/1915

Private William Hogg, second son of Mr James Hogg, flour dealer, returned home to Alnwick on Saturday night, wounded. Shortly after the war was declared, he enlisted into the 7^th N.F., and was drafted out with his battalion to the front on the 20th April. He was on the signalling detachment, and was struck by a bullet, wounding his left hand, on April 25^th. He was first treated in the Canadian Hospital in France and was thence transferred to a hospital in North Wales. He is going on very well 29/05/1915

Private R.C.Knox, of Alnwick,

 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers has received word from his brother, Cpl Hargrave Knox, of the 2^nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, who has been missing, that he is a prisoner of war in Germany, and was Wounded on May 8^th but is going on all right. 05/06/1915

The War has been brought home to us all more forcibly since the news arrived that our local Terriers had gone right into the fighting line in France, taking part in a great battle near Ypres. Fortunately we have not heard of any Wooler men in the casualty list, although the death of Brigadier-General Riddell (who was a native of Wooler) has been received with deep regret by those who are old enough to remember the family when they resided at St, Ninian’s and were extremely popular. We learn that Thos. Wright, a son of Mr B. Wright. Akeld Station, has received a flesh wound and is in Hospital. He joined the Queen Victoria Rifles, London, and has been at the Front for some time. He was in the light at Hill 50, and came out without a scratch, but received a bullet wound in the calf of the leg shortly after. He is now lying at the Red Cross Hospital, Manchester. We also understand Captain John Lambton, son of the Hon. F. W. Lambton, Fenton House, is wounded. Let us hope that both the above will have a speedy recovery. A son of Colonel and Mrs. Anderson, of The Thirling, is reported to be wounded.  01/05/1915

Second Lieutenant R. Lord missing.

 The following officer, previously reported missing, is now reported wounded and not missing: — Lord, Second Lieutenant, R. , 3^rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, attached 2^nd Battalion. 12/06/1915

Private McGowan, of Amble.

The pluck of the North Country Terriers, even when wounded is very well demonstrated by a letter which has been received at Cambois from Private Lawrence McGowan, 7^th Batt. N.F. who belongs to Amble. He says- “I am leaving tonight for England. I am writing this is the trenches. The big guns are going strong. I am wounded but getting on fine. The Germans are getting some stick. I am still as happy as ever”. ...08/05/1915

Private A. Mattison,

 of the 7^th N.F. age 24, painter, employed by Messrs, Adam Robertson and son, is the son-in-law of Mr. J. Thain, Grey Place. He joined in September and left for foreign service on the 19^th April. His left hand is injured. He is now in Leeds Hospital, He attended the Borough School Alnwick.  08/05/1915

Alnwick Soldier Among the Missing.

The latest list of casualties contends the name of another well known North country athlete. H. Miles, of the 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, who has been missing since April 29. And native of Gateshead, Miles as a member of the Gateshead A.S.C., twice swam into second place in the Northumberland and Durham breaststroke championship. He was a member of the St Mary’s Harriers, and when this organisation became defunct he joined the Congers, among whom he was recognised as a powerful and courageous distance runner. Only 25 years of age, he had been married several months, and his relatives trust that anyone who may have any knowledge of this soldier’s whereabouts, or of his fate, will communicate with his parents at 19 Rectory Road, Gateshead. He was married to Miss Victoria Blagburn Chapel Lane, Alnwick daughter of Mrs Blagburn and the late Mr Thomas Blagburn. He was employed as a shoemaker with Mr A. Archibald, Clayport. 12/06/1915 [See BLAGBURN]

Two Amble Brave.

Captain Merivale Reports on Sergeant Mossman.

Sergeant R.S. Mossman, according to a letter from Captain Vernon Merivale, who speaks very highly of him, was last seen on Monday, April 26th. He had apparently been slightly wounded and was making his way to the dressing station. In the ordinary course of events he would have been taken from the dressing station to some hospital. Not having heard of him since, the Captain is afraid he must have been shot on the way back. The Captain describes Sergeant Mossman as being most popular as a man, and as a soldier. His rapid promotion speaks for itself. Sergeant Mossman is the son of Mr Robert Mossman of Wellwood Street, Amble, and grandson of Mr William Scott, of Alnwick. He joined the territorials about 7 years ago. At the outbreak of the war he went to Blyth, to Gosforth and then to Cambois for training, and in April to the front. He got through without a scratch, and had a few days rest out of the trenches. He went back into action on the 26^th, and has not been seen again alive. Sergeant Mossman was employed for many years with the Amble Cooperative Society and was well known in Amble. It is very interesting to record that Mr and Mrs Mossman have another two sons fighting for their country. 12/06/1915

Private R. Nicholson, of Broomhill.

Private R. Nicholson, 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, of Broomhill, who has been wounded in France, writing to his friends at Bedlington says: “ We were rushed straight into the biggest battle in the history of mankind- the battle of Ypres. We had heavy losses, although we did some good work. We advanced for two days”.  08/05/1915 [See P. Nicholson above; probably the same man]

Private James R. Oliver,

 enlisted into the 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers in January, and went to the front on April 20th. In an engagement on April 26th he was wounded in the leg by a bullet, and is now in a convalescent home in Birmingham. He is a son of the late Mr James Oliver, Stoup Hill, Alnwick Moor. 29/05/1915

Private John Oliver, of Stamford Crossing,

7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, son of Mr James Oliver, platelayer, who went out to the front on April 20th, has been wounded by a bullet which is embedded in his thigh. He was in the desperate fighting near Ypres amongst his comrade in the 7^th, and he was only 2 days in the trenches when he was hit. He lay for an hour and a half, and then managed to struggle over a mile, when he was picked up by a stretcher bearer. He was taken to a field hospital and after his wounds were dressed he was taken to the Duchess of Sutherland’s Hospital at Dunkirk. Her Grace herself wrote the first letter on his behalf to his parents at Stamford Crossing, Rennington. When the Germans began to shell Dunkirk the wounded were removed and he was taken with others to the Army Nursing Home, Folkestone, where he now lies. He has gone through an operation, but the bullet has not been extracted. Private Oliver was employed at Little Mill Quarry and went to Rennington School. 29/05/1915

Private Thomas Patterson, Coldstream Guards, a son of Mr. John Patterson of Wooden Crossing, Alnmouth Station is at present living in the Northern Military Hospital in Lincolnshire, incapacitated by a wound caused by a shrapnel shell in an engagement on the Aisne.

When War was declared he was called up, and went with the first drift of his regiment to France, and went through the fighting in which the Coldstreams were engaged until he received his wound.

When interviewed in hospital he was very cheerful, and did not seem to worry about his nasty shell wound. “I got it” he said, “on a Friday I was lying in the trenches and they started with lyddite shell. We had got very near to them then. At any rate shells were dropping 200 yards ahead of us. Four or five shells burst practically together one just over our heads, and from that one I got my little lot. We were lying full length with our heads and bodies under cover and our legs out.”

  “The enemy’s big difficulty was finding our artillery. Their aeroplanes have been cruising about but our guns were hidden and they could not locate them.  They made a few night attacks and we always found a heap of their dead in the morning. In our last advance we passed through a village just evacuated by the Germans and the streets were stewn with bottles.”

    Mr. John Patterson has another son John Wesley Patterson in the Coldstream Guards, who is also engaged at the front. Both were Reservists of the regiment and when called up were serving on the constabulary. Tom at Scotswood and John Wesley at Whitley Bay. A third son, Ralph, is with the Territorials (7^th Northumberland Fusiliers) at Gosforth Park. 10/10/14

Sergeant  J.C. Pigg,

 7^th N.F., age 21, plumber, employed by Messrs. Wilkin and Co., is the son of Mr. C. Pigg, ex-policeman, Walkergate, Alnwick. He joined the above regiment three years ago and left foreign service on April 20^th. He was shot in the arm, and is now being treated in Hospital at Dublin. He attended the Duke’s School, Alnwick.

Private Wilfrid Ritchie,

7^th N.F.. is wounded in a hospital in Boulogne, suffering from a shot wound through the thigh. He is reported to be going on very favourably. He was employed in the firm Messrs. Hardy Brothers, fishing rod and tackle manufacturers. 08/05/1915

How Brigadier- General Riddell Died

 Lieutenant-Colonel G.R.B. Spain, commanding the first line 6^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, writing from somewhere in Belgium, under date 28^th April, to Lieut-Colonel Kayll, commanding second line 6^th Battalion, with reference to the operations in which this battalion along with the rest of the Northumberland Brigade (i.e. 4^th, 5^th and 7^th) were engaged on the 27^th April, speaking of a certain phase says-

“Up the rise we began to meet machine guns, bullets in streams, rifle bullets from every angle, and the the high explosive coalboxes or Jack Johnsons.” The corps still pushed forward losing terribly, but behaving in a way that has been admired by all who saw the fight. The 7^th N.F. joined us and with great dash, surged up to the outskirts of the village, where the ground was covered with dead Germans weeks old. Here we were pinned to the ground absolutely by the intense fire.

After a description of the terrible time through which the Brigade then passed, Colonel Spain refers to the death of the Brigadier saying- “Brigadier-General Riddell came up the road past me, and I explained the situation to him. He then ran forward, leaving me and saying, “Well done the 6^th, Push forward men”, and instantly fell shot through the head”.

There is one further item with reference to the same occasion, in Colonel Spain’s letter, which is permissible to publish and of which the Northumberlands may be proud. He says- General Hull, commanding the 1^st Canadian Division published the following order to his command next day- “Headquarters Commander wishes to congratulate the Northumberland Infantry Brigade on the excellent manner in which they carried out the attack on” —

Lieutenants Tom Robertson and J. Parker Simpson Wounded.

Official information was received on Saturday by his relatives in Alnwick at 2^nd Lieutenant T. Robertson, Royal Fusiliers, was missing since the 25^th May. In a telegraphic message received by them the next day (Sunday) it was stated that 2^nd Lieutenant T. Robertson, previously reported as missing was wounded and missing. Second Lieutenant Thomas Robertson is a younger son of Mr William Robertson, of Alnwick and Alnmouth and who previous to the disbandment of the 2^nd Northumberland (Percy) Volunteer Artillery held the rank of Major. A telegraphic message was also received on Friday morning last week by Mrs J.P. Simpson Ravensmede, that her younger son, 2^nd Lieutenant J. Parker N. Simpson, of the 3^rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, had been wounded in action. Both he and 2^nd Lt T Robertson enlisted in the Public Schools administration of the Army, and subsequently they both took Subaltern commissions in the 5^th Royal Fusiliers at Dover, they were then sent out to the front with a draft of their Battalion. 05/06/1915

Private C.R. Robson,

7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, son of Mr. Robson, insurance agent, Glanton. Wounded in the legs and is in Hospital. 08/05/1915

Lesbury Wounded.  Lance-Corpl, J.E. Skinner,

of the 7th N.F., age 26, gardener with Mrs Watson, of Adderstone Hall, Belford, is the son of Mrs. Skinner, Lesbury. He joined the above regiment in September and left for foreign service on April 18th. A field card has been received saying he is wounded. He attended Lesbury School, and was a member of the Alnwick Castle Lodge of Oddfellows. He has a brother in the 4th Tyneside Scottish.  08/05/1915

Private John Smiles,

1/8^th Durham L.I. age 20, a student at Bede College, Durham, joined the regiment on September, 1913, and left for foreign service on 19^th April 1915. Police Constable Wm. Smiles and Mrs. Smiles, his parents, Alnwick, received information that their son had been admitted into the general hospital at Rouen on the 29^th April, seriously wounded by a gun shot in the leg which had necessitated amputation. Private Smiles was educated at the Duke’s School.

A letter received by his parents on Thursday has conveyed to them the very sad news that Private John Smile’s left leg has been amputated at the knee. He is also wounded in the right thigh and ankle. Private Smiles was some miles distant from the firing line when a shrapnel shell burst almost at his feet and inflicted the  injuries. 08/05/1915

Local Soldier at the Front.

Acklington man’s story of the fighting on the Aisne.

Private Snowball, Acklington, has recently returned from the front, having received two severe wounds in the engagement at the Aisne.  He enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry eleven years ago, and was on the reserve when called up at the beginning of the war. He was at the time employed as a porter at Acklington railway station on the North Eastern Railway, and resided with Mr T. Steel in the village, where he is now, after being discharged from the military hospital at Stobhill, Glasgow.

In an interview, he told how we went out with his regiment at beginning of August to France. They had two marches of 30 miles and one of 28 miles, and went direct into the trenches at Aisne. They had not been in the trenches for more than half an hour before firing from the enemy opened, and was kept up incessantly, with the results that his battalion suffered severe loss. The trenches were filled with water up to their waists, and the a had a most distressing time for the got little or nothing to eat. There were hundreds of dead soldiers. They could not get out to this bury them, for every attempt that was made they were fired upon by the enemy, and had to retire again under cover. He (Private Snowball) received a bullet from a Maxim gun which penetrated right through his left wrist, injuring the bone in its passage. He was subsequently shot in the leg by a bullet from shrapnel shell, from the effects of which he was rendered unconscious for 24 hours. For 3 days and nights he rode in a railway train to the base, and his wounds were not dressed till he arrived there. Private Snowball states that the English soldiers were well treated in France by the French people.  11/1914

Lance Corporal H. Stewart,

 of Shilbottle, 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, was wounded last week, and is in 4^th General Hospital, France. He is a son of Mr Storey Stewart, of Shilbottle, and was employed at the Colliery. He went to Shilbottle School. He joined the territorials some months before the war. He was a member of the Shilbottle Boy Scouts under Mr F. Stone, and was on the football team. He states he is not seriously wounded. 29/05/1915

Private J.B. Stewart,

Private G. Lewis, late of Alnwick Castle Gardens, has received a postcard from Private J.B. Stewart, of the 7^th Batt. N.F. also late of Alnwick Castle Gardens, saying he is wounded in hospital, and hopes to be discharged soon.  08/05/1915

Private Stewart of Radcliffe and the Snipers.

An interesting letter from Private J.T. Stewart (Radcliffe), 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, who was wounded at the front, has been received by his parents at Radcliffe Colliery. Private Stewart describes leaving Blyth and a voyage and journey to the region where gun firing was first heard. When Private Stewart and his company were on the lookout an Uhlan patrol of 12 men went past and they never saw them come back again. He had been on duty all night and was consequently very tired in the morning. In the long march which followed they passed some fine places amongst which was a town called Poperinghe, which the Germans were engaged in shelling and which was in flames; so they had a touch of war there. He had to run through the town and along a road, being shelled all the time. It was then dark and raining very heavily and they were put into some fields, where they lay down for four hours. When they got onto the road again they thought they were getting near the trenches, for they could hear rifle firing. They passed over into Belgium and saw some fine buildings which had been devastated by the Germans. The Germans had done some awful things here. When you are passing the Belgians they give the Britishers many things, and shouted “Good English.” Night fell, finding them still on the march, but at daybreak they came within sight of the trenches. They marched as near as possible to them and had some tea in a wood. Some 20 of them were on the lookout. There were some German snipers about and the bullets were coming very near their heads. But the boys got a rest and at night, says Private Stewart, we were marched into the trenches — that was Friday. We stayed in the trenches all night, and in the morning advanced a little further, the Canadians having driven the enemy a good way back. At midnight however the Canadians retired and we took their places. We were then in the hottest of the battle, and many lay on all sides dead. On the Saturday we got plenty of fighting at night. We could see Ypres on fire. We got the order to cease fire, in order to carry the dead out of the trenches. The boys brought down an aeroplane and were mighty  pleased with that bit of work. Some of the Germans wear khaki and have just old clothes. They come out and shout for us to come up; but the British officers are too knowing for them. The “Jack Johnsons” are awful, then knock the place to pieces. We saw a bayonet charge by the Canadians which took 300 men and 30 officers. On Monday it rained all day we were an awful sight with mud, and the battle went on as hard as ever. We lay down in the trenches but the Germans had got some awful gas fumes. They throw them in the air, and the wind blew them on to our men. Once anyone got a dose he was done for. There has been a lot of Canadians knocked out with this awful stuff. At night we heard that the French had taken to trenches…[continues]... 22/5/1915

Private C. Straughan, of Alnwick,

7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, age 21, reel maker, was employed by Messrs, Hardy Bros, Alnwick. Mrs. Straughan, his mother resides at 8. Howick Street, Alnwick. He joined the 7^th when war was declared, and left for foreign service on April 20^th.  A card from the Red Cross Society states that he is lying wounded in the Scottish Hospital, Aberdeen. 08/05/15

Shilbottle Trooper’s Letters.

William Straughan, of Shilbottle who is now in an English hospital, with bullet wounds in both legs, gives a sketch of the movements of the Yeomanry Hussars, in a letter to the vicar. He writes: —

“We had rather a rough time of it out there. Constantly on the move. We were at such a number of places, I could not remember them. So the main places were Ghent, Ostend, and Ypres and many more. Ypres was our last big place I was at. As a sample: we were billeted two nights there, and one night we had got our horses all fastened up for the night, and we got into our billets and were busy getting tea, when we got the order to move. So we had to saddle up and travel to seek another billet, which we found about 5 miles away. Then, through the day when we were out amongst the enemy our transport got shelled by the Germans and had to move. When we came back to the same place at night to billet we did not know our transport had moved, and we had just got into the field, with our horses, when the shells began dropping right beside us. So we got orders to get a move on at once, and so we shifted our billet back to Ypres again for the night. We have been always on the move since, round about.” 11/1914

Lance-Corpl. Matthew W. Taylor,

writing to Mr. and Mrs. W. Taylor, Bondgate Alnwick, says- “I am writing from a rest camp, I have been in the front firing line for five days and took part in the great reinforcement advance. Words cannot describe the scenes, I have had some narrow escapes, but got off without injury. One day I was under fire of two machine guns, and one afternoon under the fire of snipers not less than four times in the open country. One of our chaps got wounded about four hundred yards from our trenches. I volunteered to help carry him back along with the help of a stretcher bearer of the 5^th Yorks. How we got back I know not, for their shells were busting all around us, whilst the snipers spat there wicked bullets all over. But we hung on to the improvised stretcher and at last we got back with our wounded friend. I was over the same country shortly after looking for a fallen aeroplane. I am on the machine guns, having got parted from my battalion.”

In a subsequent message, Lance-Corporal Taylor says “ I have seen Drummer Alford, who told me my brother George was shot through the right lung and had been taken to hospital,”

Lance-Corporal Taylor and Private George Taylor were both musicians on the Corn Exchange orchestra at Alnwick. 08/05/1915

Alnwick Soldier Dies of Wounds.

Official news was received on Thursday morning by Mrs Taylor, Pottergate, Alnwick, that her son, Private Richard Taylor, had died on the 11^th May from wounds received in action.

Private Richard Taylor, who was 32 years of age, was the only son of Mrs Taylor and the late Mr Richard Taylor, who died several years ago. “Dicky Taylor,” by which name he was familiarly known in Alnwick, was educated at the Duke’s School, after which he was employed as a clerk in some business houses in the town. Eventually he enlisted into the York and Lancaster Regiment (2^nd Battalion), and served for some years with the colours leaving “on the Reserve.” When war was declared, he was called up to join his regiment, he being then employed as a male attendant at the Coxlodge Asylum, Newcastle upon Tyne. While in Alnwick he attained to some reputation as a football player. Many who knew him and still remain in Alnwick, will regret his all to untimely end 29/05/1915

A good looking dead man from Bamburgh. [same man?]

Private J.T. Thompson, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, son of Mr M Thompson, of the Hermitage, Bamburgh, writes home from the front: — we have been in the trenches since last Friday. On Wednesday we were sent into the 1st line trenches, where we stayed 24 hours, and by jove it was quite long enough, as part here is a proper death trap. An attack was made on our left, by the “kilts.” Our artillery prepared the way, and bombarded for two hours before the attack. Then, when it finished, we open a rapid fire with our rifles, which we kept up for another two hours. Our rifles were red-hot. The “kilts” did not half makes the Germans run, chasing them right across the fields. They took some prisoners, dressed in civilian clothes. In the morning the Germans gave us a taste of their artillery. It was awful! The line just here is horseshoe shape, so we get bullets and shells from three sides, so to speak. Our trench was just thirty yards from the German trenches. The German infantry is not up to much, but they make up for it with their artillery. There is one place, where they had a château and we had the stables close by, only being a few yards apart. I am hardly in my right senses yet. It seems just like a dream. I’m sending you a cutting from one of the papers where my name is posted as “missing, believed to be killed.” The chap who gave it to me said I was a good looking dead man. The reason they have me down as missing is, because when I was wounded I got mixed up with the Canadians, the “I guess” men, a fine lot of fellows. One of them put a bandage on for me, after which I was shelled out of two hospitals and sent on to Le Havre. You see when you have an attack like that, where I got my wound, you sometimes get the order “scatter boys, scatter.” And you have no idea where you are bound for. It is a queer thing running about looking for Germans in the open. It is not like going into the trenches, you know where you are going then. We must put our trust in God, and look forward to the happy meeting, after this terrible affair is over, which I hope will not belong. 26/06/1915

Private Trotter — a Little Cross Marks the Spot.

Private G.H. Trotter, son of Mrs Trotter, of Hope Terrace, Amble, has also been reported killed. A letter from his officer, Capt H.R. Smail says: “it is with much regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Private G.H. Trotter, which took place on 29 May, at about 8 pm. In looking over the parapet of our trench a stray bullet struck him on the head and death was instantaneous. We laid him to rest alongside a friend of his, Private Glass, and conducted a short service and a little cross marks the spot. His deafness was a handicap to him, and that affliction had been made worse by a shell exploding near him a few days before. I was unaware he was deaf on leaving England, and had intended on coming out of the trenches, to see about his discharge. His effects will be sent home in due course, please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. — H.R. Smail, Captain 7^th N.F.” Private Trotter joins the 1^st 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers in November last. He first was billeted at Alnwick and then at Seghill. He went for a course of musketry instruction and then returned to Seghill. Whilst there, volunteers for the front were asked for and Private Trotter was one of those who gallantly stepped forward. He left Blyth only 7 weeks ago for the front. 12/06/1915

Military funeral of Lance Corporal James Weddell.

Lance Cpl James Weddell, aged 23 of North Seaton Village, formerly of Alnwick, who died at the V.A.D. Hospital, Aylesbury, was buried with military honours in the cemetery on Saturday week. Deceased was a member of the D company, 14^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. A contingent of that regiment journeyed from Chesham to Aylesbury, to pay the last tribute of respect to their comrade. Major Malone was also present. The cough and was covered with the Union Jack, upon which several beautiful wreaths were placed. The Aylesbury Fire Brigade manual engine was used as a conveyance on reaching the cemetery, the deceased’s comrades carried the remains to the grave, headed by a firing party and the buglers. The band of the 10^th Yorks. played the “Dead March.” A large number of soldiers billeted in Aylesbury were present. The Rev C.W.Pearson vicar of Walton who regularly conducts services at the V.A.D. Hospital, officiated 12/06/1915

Private Brian B. Weightman Killed.

Private Brian B Weightman, of Shilbottle, who went to the front with the 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers has been officially reported killed in action on April 26^th. 12/06/1915

Private Isaac Dixon Wilson,

 of the 8^th D.L.I. (Territorials), who hails from Seahouses, has been wounded. He is an old Duke’s School scholar. He joined the Durhams whilst at Bede College. He is down with a wound in the foot and is at present in hospital in Liverpool.  08/05/1915

Private Charles Wood,

 7^th N.F. age 23, tailor, employed by Messrs, R. Proudlock and Son, of Thropton, and nephew of Mr. James Wood, Thropton, and Mrs. R. Proudlock, Thropton, has written to his relatives, saying he was wounded in the battle of Ypres, being shot through the chin, on the 25^th April, and is now lying in the General Hospital. He is going on well. He is a member of the Oddfellows' Society.  08/05/1915

Private Samuel Woodland,

of the 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers, age 22, miner employed by Shilbottle Colliery, and nephew of Mrs. and the late Samuel Howard Baird, Walkergate, Alnwick, joined in August, 1914, and left for foreign service on April 20^th. A card was received on April 30^th from him saying, “ I have been admitted into hospital wounded, and am going on well. Hope to be discharged soon. I am being sent down to the base. Letter follows at first opportunity. 08/05/1915

 .......We learn that Thomas Wright, a son of Mr B. Wright, Akeld Station, has received a flesh wound and is in hospital. He joined the Queen Victoria rifles, London, and has been at the front for some time. He was in the fight at Hill 50, and came out without a scratch, but received a bullet wound in the calf of the leg shortly after. He is now lying at the Red Cross Hospital, Manchester....... 1/05/1915

Lance Corporal William Wright wounded. —

Mr William Wright, West Parade, Alnwick, has received a letter dated 23^rd of May, informing him that his grandson, Lance Corporal William Wright, and son of Mr William Wright, cabinetmaker, formerly of Alnwick, is lying wounded in the Armstrong Ward of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle. Lance Corporal William Wright is a soldier in the 1^st Manchester Regiment, and after being wounded at the front he was sent back home, being conveyed all away on a stretcher, his case been marked serious. He has had every attention on the road, and it took 2 days to travel. He was very cheerful when seen by his father on Saturday. His left arm was practically in a sling, and could hardly be moved. He was hit in the shoulder and his lung is pierced. The dastardly Germans, he said, were seen by him going about and bayonetting the wounded. He fortunately hid himself in a ditch after being wounded, where he remained for 6 hours, and the wonder is that he did not bleed to death. 29/05/1915

Alnwick Soldier Wounded by Sandbag.

Writing from Rouen Hospital, Private Jack Yeaman, informed his mother, Mrs Ed. Yeaman, 16 Clayport, Alnwick that he was wounded in the hand in the battle of 24th May. In a letter which followed, received by his mother on Wednesday morning, Private Yeaman says: — “I expect I will not be long before I am back home, my hand is going on fine. Last Monday we were sent to support the 1^st line. The lads have been attacked by the Germans. We were in a trench about a mile from the German trenches and were being shelled by their big guns. About 4 o’clock in the afternoon a shell burst in our trench destroying half of it. There were 5 of us in it and we were all buried in, when we were got out two of our lads were found to have been killed. David Baxter of Shilbottle, who was the second man to be taken out was deaf a considerable time, but was all right when I left him. I was the third to be taken out. I was not hit by the shell, but it blew the sandbags from the top of the trench and one fell onto the back of my hand, I think I was very lucky. The 4^th one extracted was — — I think he was hit by a piece of shell and he was killed. I expect death was instantaneous”. Referring to his relationship with the dead soldier, Private Yeaman says: — “I have never given way before, and I saw many awful sights. But this time — I have lost another of my best pals……… We had been pals, and almost since I came to France the nice things sent to us were shared between us. We were always together, and I can tell you it upset me a bit.”

Private Jack Yeaman is only 19 years of age, he is the eldest son of Mrs Yeaman and the late Mr Edward Yeaman, painter, etc. Keen for soldiering he enrolled into the 7^th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers (Territorials) when only 16 years of age, and went out to France with his battalion on the 20^th of April. Previous to being called up he was an assistant with Mr R. Turnbull, butcher, Clayport, and afterwards with Mr M.G.Blythe, butcher, Longhoughton and Alnmouth. 05/06/1915