Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland War Graves updated 02 June 2021 15:03
Welcome to Alnwick Cemetery
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s first ever War Graves Week
A Week to Remember 21st – 28th May 2021
A Week to Shine a Light on the work and the people who keep remembrance of our war dead alive. The South Road Cemetery opened in 1856, its beauty is enhanced by the many mature trees that have been planted here. There are wonderful examples of family grave stones and Victorian monuments remembering loved ones. Alnwick Town Council owns and manages the cemetery, being supported by the residents of Alnwick . In the United Kingdom the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the CWWGC, has 300,000 graves in 13,000 locations which are to be found in parish churchyards and cemeteries. Alnwick Cemetery is one of these locations where thirty six casualties of war are buried in individual graves, two of whom are non-commonwealth soldiers from Poland. This cemetery has a higher number than most of war graves. You will find them scattered around the grounds with the majority marked by an official CWWGC gravestone.
Families of the casualties were able to choose this memorial or to have a private memorial or mention their loved one on a family stone.
A large group of the CWWG headstones are off the main driveway opposite the tap and to the far right in Section 31 B and Section 26 nearby and below.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 1
Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland War Graves updated 02 June 2021 15:03
War Graves Week - Alnwick Cemetery - The Commemorated
Sergeant ALLISON James 1st/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Sierzant BABICKI Stanislaw 9. Komp. Zaop. Polish Army WW2 Private BELL Thomas 621st MY Coy. Army Service Corps WW1 Ordinary Seaman BELL Thomas Frederick HMS Drake, Royal Navy WW2 Guardsman BURNETT Elias 1st Bn Coldstream Guards WW1 Private CROSBY Tho. Stephenson 2nd/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Private DAVIES Herbert Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) WW1 Air Mechanic 1st Class DAVISON Jno Hutchinson 11th Irish Wing RAF WW1 Gunner DUNN John Robert Royal Artillery A A Brigade WW2 Private ELLIOTT John Hilton 7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Lance Corporal ELVIDGE Alfred 1st Bn. Duke of Wellington's, W.Riding Rgt. WW2 Private FIFE John 2nd/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Lance Corporal FRANCIS Hugh Raymond Durham Light Infantry Engineer WW2 Rifleman HANNAH Charles 9th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) WW2 Aircraftman 2nd Class HARDY Alan RAF Volunteer Reserve WW2 Private HYNES James H 8th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Private LAVIOLETTE Mike 87th Bn. Canadian Infantry WW1 Lance Sergeant LEE Frederick Joseph 611 Field Sqn. Royal Engineers WW2 Gunner LEE Joseph 2nd/3rd Siege Artillery Reserve Bde. WW1 Private LIDDELL Jack Adams Royal Army Medical Corps 8th Coy. WW1 Flight Sergeant LILLICO Charles William 78 Sqdn, RAF Volunteer Reserve WW2 Private OAKES A (John William) 14th Bn. West Yorkshire Regt. WW1 Private PATON William Kennedy Depot Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Private ROBSON Thomas 3rd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Captain ROPNER Cuthb’t Maurice King's Own Scottish Borderers WW2 Lance Corporal SCOTT John 3rd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Gunner SHEARER Francis William 102 (Northumb. Hussars) AA/AT Regt. WW2 Corporal SIMM Denis RAF WW2 Lance Corporal STRAFFEN Thomas 3rd Bn. E Yorkshire Regt WW1 Lieutenant STRAUGHAN Tho’s Arthur Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Private THOMPSON Bartholomew 3rd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers WW1 Gunner THOMPSON Cecil 149 Bty, 27 Lt A A Regt. Royal Artillery WW2 Podorucznik WIERZBOWSKI Zdzislaw 3 Dyon.Poc.Pnc Polish Army WW2 Sergeant WILKINSON George RAF Volunteer Reserve WW2 Sapper WOLSTENHOLME John ALF 1 Forestry Coy. Royal Australian Eng. WW2 Flight Sergeant WOOD William Eric 131 Sqdn. RAF VR WW2
ANGUS John, Geo., Thos WW1 2nd Lieutenant COMMON Henry Alder King’s Own Scottish Borderers WW1 Private DAVISON George William 21st Canadian Expeditionary Force WW2 Gunner ELLIOTT James William 102 Northumberland Hussars Anti Tank WW2 Private FORSTER Joseph N’land Fusiliers 3rd Tyneside Scottish WW2 Private HUDSON George 7th Battalion Black Watch Royal Highlanders WW2 Reverend MARSHALL George Herb’t Chaplain to the armed forces WW1 Private MOLE Joseph Northumberland Fusiliers WW2 Fusilier MORTON Ronald 9th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers WW2 Second Lieutenant SIMPSON John P.N. 9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers WW2 Navigator STOREY John 61 Squadron, RAF Bomber Command WW2
These notes have been compiled as accurately as possible. We wish to thank Ian Hopper, Superintendent, for his help and Janet Pidworth from Alnwick Town Council.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 2
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Name Gnr Name Gnr Name Gnr ALLISON James 435 FIFE J 1084 PATON William 1149 ANGUS Thomas - FORSTER Joseph - ROBSON T 392 BABICKI Stanislaw 597 FRANCIS Hugh Raymond 3 ROPNER Cuth’t Maurice 61 BELL Thomas 1157 HANNAH Charles 1 SCOTT John 452 BELL Thomas Frederick 70 HARDY Alan 1070 SHEARER Francis W’m 903 BURNETT E 1181 HUDSON George - SIMM Denis 635 COMMON Henry Alder - HYNES J H 452 SIMPSON JPN - CROSBY Thomas Steph’n 1200 LAVIOLETTE M 448 STOREY John - DAVIES Herbert 429 LEE Frederick Joseph 596 STRAFFEN T 1082 DAVISON George Wm - LEE Joseph 454 STRAUGHAN Thos Art’r 303 DAVISON John Hutch’n 638 LIDDELL Jack Adams 444 THOMPSON Barth’mew 489 DUNN John Robert 642 LILLICO Charles William 767 THOMPSON Cecil 694 ELLIOTT James William - MARSHALL Rev George - WIERZBOWSKI Zdzislaw 595 ELLIOTT John Hilton 1118 MOLE Joseph - WILKINSON George 2 ELVIDGE Alfred 742 MORTON Robert - WOLSTENHOLME John 1 OAKES A 1143 WOOD William Eric 691
ALLISON James Top 435 A U WW1 P-3244 James Allison d.23-9-1915 @75 Annie Allison wo.James d.13-6-1934 @84
James Allison 2so.above d.30-3-1917 @31 315383 Sergeant 1st/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
In Loving Memory of JAMES, the dearly beloved husband of ANNIE ALLISON who died Sept.23.1915, aged 75 years. Also of Sergt JAMES ALLISON 7th N.F. their second son and dearly beloved husband of MARY ALLISON who died at the Royal Infirmary Newcastle March 30.1917 aged 31 years from wounds received in action in France April 1915. Also of the above ANNIE ALLISON
who died June 13.1934 aged 84 years,
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 3
Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland War Graves updated 02 June 2021 15:03
Son of James and Annie Allison, husband of Mary Allison, of Denwick, Alnwick, James was born in 1886 Alnwick, married to Mary, lived at 13 Market Street and worked as a stone mason on the railway before joining the Northumberland Fusiliers Expeditionary force on 8th September 1914. Sergeant Allison previously No.2217 left for France in April 1915 and on 27th April at the Battle of St Julien sustained a gunshot wound to the head. He was treated in the field and transferred to a base hospital at Rouen. He was returned to England in June 1915 to a military and VAD in York for further treatment. A portion of his skull was removed and he was treated at several hospitals for this injury. Despite this in November 1916 he was transferred to light duties with 21st Battalion and 35th Battalion, driving trains in Newcastle. By March 1917 he was experiencing severe pain and after being admitted to Newcastle Infirmary where he died of a brain abscess caused by shrapnel. He was buried with full military honours attended by a large number of mourners and military personnel. He received the 1914 -1915 Star, British War medal and Victory Medal.
BABICKI Stanislaw Top 597 33A RCU WW2 P-3234
Stanislaw Babicki d.13-9-1947 @59
Sierzant 9. Komp. Zaop Polish Army
Sierzant Stanislaw Babicki, born in 1888 in Poland, was a Sergeant in Polish Army.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 4
Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland War Graves updated 02 June 2021 15:03
After the fall of France in 1940 Serg Stanislaw most probably was mobilized to Scotland along with 20,000 to 30,000 Polish troops . There was a great fear that the coast line of Great Britain was unprotected against Germany invasion. The 1st Polish Armoured Divisions, known as "The Black Devils", duties were to build coastal defences and guard the coastline against attack. Stanislaw is recorded as being with the 9 Komp Zaop in 1946 at the end of the war. This was a Polish resettlement camp at Brunton Airfield Chathill and Supply Company. After the war many Polish military personnel chose not to return to Poland and were resettle. The government as a way of thanking them for their contribution allowed them to keep their National Identity hence the grave stone inscription is in Polish. He died at Little Mill Station Howick. This was originally a private train station for the Grey family but had closed in 1941.
BELL Thomas Top 1157 C C WW1 P-3149
Thomas Bell d.13-1-1916
M2/149214 Private 621st M.T. Coy. Army Service Corps
Thomas Bell was born in Horsham Sussex in 1884 and enlisted in London where he had been previously employed as a motor mechanic in 1911. Before this he had been a footman so may have acquired experience whilst working at a large house. He probably held the rank of Sergeant due to his being a mechanic. Whilst stationed at Alnwick he had taken on his own initiative and without orders an ambulance to drive to a social event on the 12th January 1916. He crashed the motor ambulance into a wall, was thrown clear but sustained fractures to the thighs, jaw and skull. The other occupant survived to give evidence at an inquest that ruled the crash was due to reckless driving and Thomas being intoxicated. Thomas received a full military funeral at Alnwick cemetery which was reported in the local newspaper.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 5
Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland War Graves updated 02 June 2021 15:03
BELL Thomas Frederick Top 70 31B C WW2 P-3202
Thomas Frederick Bell d.21-12-1945 @35
D/JX 257137 Ordinary Seaman HMS Drake, Royal Navy
Son of Thomas and Lucy Florence Bell, husband of Elsie Bell, of Alnwick. Known as Freddy to family and friends he was born 13th January 1910 in Whitworth, Spennymoor, Co Durham. The family moved soon after to Alnwick in 1911 where they were recorded as living in Narrowgate. His father’s occupation was given as shop assistant. Freddy married Elsie in 1932 and they lived at Lisburn Street where he was recorded in 1939 records as a painter and decorator. During WW2 he joined the navy and was based at HMS Drake down in Devonport . Little more is known of his service or cause of death.
BURNETT Elias Top 41 C C WW1 P-3151
E Burnett d.1-6-1918 @41
3430 Guardsman 1st Bn. Coldstream Guards
Son of Elias and Margaret Burnett. Born at Alnwick. Private Elias Burnet No.3430 of the Foot Guards, Coldstream Guards, 1st Battalion. Local Memorials: Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland, Alnwick War Memorial, Alnwick, Roll of Honour in Northumberland Hall, Alnwick, Roll of Honour in St. Michael's Church. Private Burnett first joined the Coldstream Guards on 13 March 1900, he was already a member of 2nd Northumberland Voluntary Artillery at that time. He fought in South Africa (Boer War) from 7 February to 6 October 1902, for which he was awarded the South African War Medal 1902 with clasps for Cape Colony South Africa 1902. He was transferred to the Reserve on 12 March 1903 and discharged on 12 March1912. Burnett re-enlisted at Alnwick on 5 September 1914 and joined the Coldstream Guards at Windsor, three days later. He was posted to France on 7 October 1914. He was reported 'Missing' between 29 October to 2 November 1914. Later, it was established he was a prisoner of war in Germany from 3 November 1914. He was transferred to Switzerland from Germany and on 10 September 1916 it was reported that he was interned at Berne, having arrived there on 12 August 1916. On 2 December 1917 he was repatriated to England.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 6
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On 19 December 1977 a Medical Board recommended that he be discharged as physically unfit because of Pulmonary Tuberculosis which had originated in Germany in March 1915. Sanatorium treatment was recommended and he moved to Woodside Military Hospital, Darlington. He was discharged on 9 January 1918. Burnett's military character was recorded as 'Very good', and he was said to be a steady, reliable man Born in 1878, at Alnwick, Northumberland, the son of Elias and Margaret Burnett. When he first enlisted in 1900 Burnett was just over 5 ft 8 in with brown hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. He had been working as a Labourer. His father was given as next of kin, living at Clayport Street, Alnwick. On his re-enlistment his next of kin was given as his brother, George Burnett, living at Hoods Yard, Clayport Street, Alnwick. When discharged his address was Shields Yard, Alnwick. 'Tribute to the Fallen, !974-!920: Men of Alnwick, Amble, Rothbury and Wooler districts’
CROSBY Thomas Stephenson Top 1200 C C WW1 p-3230
Thomas Stephenson Crosby b.1879 Bamburgh d.25-12-1914 @35
2555 Private 2nd/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
In loving memory of
Thomas STEPHENSON beloved husband of Sarah Crosby who died Dec 25 1914 aged 34 years Robert H Crosby Also ROBERT H. CROSBY their son d.28-2-1914 @1y7m who died Feb 28 1911 aged 1 year & 7 months Sarah Crosby wo.TS Also of the above SARAH CROSBY d.2-4-1958 @80 who died April 2 1958 aged 80 years Elizabeth Reed do.abv Also their daughter ELIZABETH REED d.6-8-1968 @57 who died Aug 6 1968 aged 57 years Thomas Stephenson Also their son THOMAS STEPHENSON CROSBY Crosby so.TS who died Oct 14 1993 aged 89 years d.14-10-1993 @89
Husband of Sarah Crosby, of 5, Alexandria Rd., Ashington, Northumberland. Private Thomas Crosby was born in Chesterhill, Bamburgh 1879 and married Sarah neé Wilson. Before enlisting in the Northumberland Fusiliers he was a Coal Hewer living in at 5 Alexandria Road Ashington. The 7th battalion was formed on 26th September 1914 and was based for training in Fenkle Street Alnwick at the Drill Hall as part of the Northumberland Brigade Tyne Defences. Thomas was billeted at an address on Clayport Street. He died less than seven weeks after enlisting, the cause is unknown, before the Battalion moved off to France. His death and Military funeral was reported in local paper. Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 7
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DAVIES Herbert Top 429 A C WW1 P-3215
Herbert Davies d.5-11-1918
108661 Private Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Parents Herbert and Annie Davies from Wavertree, Merseyside. Born in St Helens, Private Herbert Davies enlisted in Liverpool into the South Lancashire Regiment No 204114. He then joined the machine Gun Corp (Infantry) where he fought on the Western Front in France and Flanders. The Machine Gun Corp was initiated in 1915 to meet the needs of fighting on the Western Front with trained gunners at Grantham and France. The infantry was the largest part of the MGC and were known for their bravery and heroism in the front line. A special memorial of David stands in their memory in London. Often exposed when engaged in firing at the enemy they took heavy casualties and were named the "Suicide Club". Certainly the harsh conditions at the end of the war would have contributed to Herbert's pneumonia. Herbert is Honoured in his home town of St Helens on the War Memorial. Herbert died at Alnwick Infirmary just six days before the war ended of pneumonia. He left a widow behind.
DAVISON John Hutchinson Top 638 B C WW1 P-3176
John Hutchinson Davison d.12-12-1920 @30
342352 Air Mechanic 1st Class 11th Irish Wing RAF
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 8
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Son of Walter William and Isabella Davison, born on 12th July 1890 at Howick Street, Alnwick. Air Mechanic Davison died after being hit by accident by a Crossley tender truck at Baldonnell Aerodrome, Dublin, where he was a mechanic. The aerodrome was first used in 1917 as part of RAF Ireland Command. The inquest into his death found that the driver of the truck was in no way to blame for the accident.
John was taken to King George V Hospital Dublin where he died of his injuries which were a fracture to the base of the spine. His body was returned to Alnwick for burial. His death was registered in Ireland.
King George V Hospital, Dublin
DUNN John Robert Top 642 33A U WW2 P-3166
John Robert Dunn b.1901 d.12-9-1946 @45
1148412 Gunner Royal Artillery AA Brigade
Born in 3rd August 1901 in Alnwick, son of John William and Cecilia Dunn; married Catherine neé Bailey, in the 1939 census John with his wife and daughter Winifred were living at 120 St. Thomas Close Alnwick. Before WW2 in this census he is described as a "heavy worker" which may explain his joining the Royal Artillery.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 9
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ELLIOTT John Hilton Top 1118 C C WW1 P-3150
John Hilton Elliott b.1888 Anwick d.7-12-1918
3247 Private 7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
Son of James and Elizabeth Elliott, neé Hilton. He worked as a butcher’s assistant in Shields Yard, Alnwick. Private Elliott, No.7/3247 attested on 12th April 1915 giving his occupation as cart man and went to France on the 13th October that year, 1915 with his regiment. During his four months there he was treated for severe bronchitis and returned home in January 1916 to hospital in Buckinghamshire. He received further treatment for bronchitis and Emphysema. In June 1916 he was finally discharged as unfit for duty, his time in the wet and cold trenches may have aggravated his condition. He was at home 29/1/1916. John was awarded the Star which recognised all those soldiers who had been in France right at the start. along with the Victory Medal and British war medal. His brother James Elliott also joined the Northumberland Fusiliers at the same time. He was wounded, gassed and sustained shell shock in 1916. He received the Silver Badge to prove his disability, survived the war but never recovered.
ELVIDGE Alfred Top 742 35A U WW2 P-3208
Alfred Elvidge d.14-5-1942 @32
4609678 Lance Corporal 1st Bn. Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Born in 1910 in Beverley, Yorkshire, son of Thomas and Caroline Elvidge; husband of Euphemia Elvidge neé Young, of 3 Dovecote Lane, Alnwick. His father Thomas was a farmer who had himself served in the Hussars before taking up farming. We know from Lance Corporal Alfred's medals and photo that came up for auction that he had served in India prior to WW2. A newspaper reported his death in Norfolk where he was stationed.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 10
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Lance Corporal Elvidge in India
Alfred was based in Cromer. He died from an accidental collision when cycling.
FIFE John Top 1084 C C WW1 P-3142
J Fife d.29-4-1919
1701 Private 2nd/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
John Fife born in 1892 at Wooperton, Northumberland, the eldest son of George and Eleanor Fife. Private Fife’s occupation before enlisting had been a colliery worker living in Patten's Yard, Alnwick. He served in France from April 1915 but within a month of his arrival he sustained significant injuries from shrapnel which were treated at Aberdeen Military Hospital. John wrote to his mother from hospital:
(A 'Jack Johnson' was the British nickname used to describe the impact of a heavy, black German 15-cm (6 inch) artillery shell.)
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 11
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This was the incident that caused him to be wounded by shrapnel in legs, arms, hips and shoulder.
He received all three war medals, the Star, the Victory medal and the British war medal.
His brother Private Wilfred Fife served with the Army Service Corps.
The Northumberland Fusiliers - their motto is Quo Fata Vocant, “Whither the Fates call”. Also the Star which shows they were there in France between 5 August 1914 and 22 November 1914.
FRANCIS Hugh Raymond Top 3 31B C WW2 P-3147
Hugh Raymond Francis d.15-3-1946 @23
14462962 Lance Corporal Durham Light Infantry Engineer
Born in 1922 to Maud Francis of Birkenhead, and stepson of Thomas Bird. Lance Corporal Francis was an Engineer in the Durham Light Infantry. His death certificate states that Hugh was travelling as a passenger in an army mortar truck. The truck hit a wall and Hugh was crushed and sustained a rupture to his left lung. The accident was caused by negligent driving with the driver wholly to blame. Hugh died at Alnwick infirmary of his injuries and an inquest was held.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 12
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HANNAH Charles Top 1 31B C WW2 P-3145
Charles Hannah d.26-10-1944 @21
3254740 Rifleman 9th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Son of Charles and Margaret Hannah, born in 1023 in Lanarkshire; husband of Margaret Skelly Carr who he married in 1943. His death certificate gave his address as St Thomas Close, Alnwick and his previous occupation as Coal Vendor. Rifleman Charles Hannah was in the 9th Battalion Cameronians Scottish Rifles. The rifle regiment had been formed in 1939 and trained in the UK for defence work. In December 1942 they joined the 46th Highland Infantry. In June 1944 the battalion sailed for France to take part in the D-Day landings but storms prevented it happening until 23rd June 1944. It may be presumed that Charles was wounded in this operation and returned home. He died at Westgate Hospital Newcastle-upon-Tyne from operations on war wounds received on active service.
HARDY Alan Top 1070 36A C WW2 P-3206
Alan Hardy d.8-7-1943 @19
1777521 Aircraftman 2nd Class Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Son of Alan and Ethel Hardy, of Alnwick, lived with his parents at " Summerhill" on Alnmouth Road, Alnwick. Alan Hardy senior, his father, was the Alnwick manufacturer of fishing tackle.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 13
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Aircraftman Hardy died was based in the West Country. He died under an anaesthetic in an appendix operation at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The verdict ‘Misadventure’ was given at his inquest. The RAF Volunteer Reserve was established in 1936 to support the war- preparedness of the RAF and supplement the RAF Auxiliary (AF) as a non-active reserve to be called upon in case of war but it quickly become the main pathway of aircrew entry into the RAF.
The VR was worn on both the upper sleeves beneath the Eagle.
HYNES James H Top 452 C U WW1 P-3211
J H Hynes d.29-11-1918 @22
32983 Private 8th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
James was born in 1896 the son of William and Mary Hynes, of Stump Yard, Clayport St., Alnwick. Before the war, like his father, Private Hynes was a Coach Painter and had worked for the Duke of Northumberland. He enlisted on 24th July 1916. He sustained significant injuries to his hands and arms at Ypres, France, on the 16th of August 1917, which resulted in shrapnel being removed from both hands and amputation of his fingers and removal of shattered carpal bone and metacarpal bone in the right hand. He was treated at the Middlesex Hospital, St. Albans and discharged 18th December 1917. Records show that his conduct was good and he was " Steady and Sober" James was awarded a Silver war Badge . This badge was to be worn on the lapel of only civilian clothing to show that he had been honourably discharged due to his wounds or sickness in the Front line in WW1.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 14
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LAVIOLETTE Mike Top 448 C U WW1 P-3212
M Laviolette b.1-1-1986 d.12-6-1918 @22
177625 Private 87th Bn. Canadian Infantry
Private Laviolette, nick-named ‘Mike’, was born on 1st January 1896 in Ontario, Canada, his father was Frank Laviolette. His attestation papers show that before the war he was a labourer. He enlisted in the Grenadier Guards on 17th November 1915, the Manitoba Regiment. He was one of the 4,213 who volunteered who were mainly from Ontario, of which ten per cent were black. He would have sailed to England in April 1916 and then on to France in August 1916 where the 87th had joined the 11th Infantry brigade, 4th Canadian Infantry. His time was spent on the Western Front until sometime in 1918 when he was wounded.
LEE Frederick Joseph Top 596 33A RCU WW2 P3163
Frederick Joseph Lee d.1-6-1944
2120904 Lance Serjeant 611 Field Squadron Royal Engineers
Husband of M. E. Lee, of Kentish Town, London. Lance Sergeant Frederick Lee died in Newton-by-the-Sea, he died on military duties of shock following multiple injuries caused by moving land mines. He was buried in Alnwick cemetery, his heart shaped stone is in a plot which also has his wife Mary Ellen Lee 1908 who died in 1996.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 15
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LEE Joseph Top 454 A U WW1 P-3241
Joseph Lee d.10-10-1918 @30
80502 Gunner Royal Garrison Artillery 2nd/3rd Siege Artillery Reserve Bde.
In Loving Memory of Lc/Bdr JOSEPH LEE R.C.A Beloved husband of AGNES LEE who died at Whitechurch Military Hospital Oct.10.1918 aged 30 years
Joseph Lee born in Amble the second son of Matthew and Elizabeth Lee. After leaving school he was employed at the Co-op as a Grocer. Prior to WW1 he had worked as an Insurance Agent. After enlisting in December 1915 he was posted to Army Reserve. He went to France 13th May 1916 as a Gunner in the RGA. He was posted to Great Yarmouth before transferring to the heavy Gun Section for service abroad. Joseph returned to England to Prees Military Hospital, Whitchurch, Shropshire where he died from influenza and pneumonia. He is recorded in de Ruvigny's 1914-1918 record of 26,000 casualties of the Great War. Gunner Lee is also remembered in Amble East cemetery.
LIDDELL Jack Adams Top 444 B U WW1 P-3174
Jack Adams Liddell d.24-9-1916 @35
23827 Private Royal Army Medical Corps 8th Coy.
Jack Adams was born in Scotland, Inveresk, East Lothian in 1881,son of James and Martha Liddell. The family moved down to Alnwick and lived at Woodbine Cottage.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 16
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Private Liddell worked at Coxlodge Asylum at Gosforth before the war and was a very keen athlete. At the start of the war he enlisted in 1914 at Newcastle but was discharged as medically unfit. He was working at Gosforth Asylum as a male attendant. His occupation was also listed as a painter in the hospital.
He joined the Royal Medical Corp 8th Coy and stayed working at the Gosforth Asylum which was taken over by the Asylum war scheme. There were 900 patients there at the start of the war and many had been there for many years. They were quickly moved out of the hospital within weeks to other hospitals to make way for injured soldiers who were brought by train to the St Nicholas Military Hospital.
Jack was discharged from the Royal Medical Corp with Pulmonary Tuberculosis to home where he died.
LILLICO Charles William Top 767 236 C WW2 P-3243
Charles William Lillico d.8-6-1944 @20
1590345 Flight Sergeant 78 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Tresured Memories of Our Only Son “Per Ardua Ad CHARLES WILLIAM LILLICO Astra” F/SergT. R.A.F.V.R. Who died of wounds June 8th 1944 aged 20 years “Per Ardua Ad Astra” Son of William Pringle Lillico and Sarah Isabella Lillico, of Alnwick.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 17
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Flight Sergeant Lillico left Breighton, Yorkshire (a Second World War heavy bomber base and cold-war nuclear missile launch site) in a Halifax to successfully bomb the railway at Juvisy. The plane was attacked by a German fighter and sustained serious damage, crashing at West Malling in Kent. Charles was the only fatality, the rest of the crew survived.
OAKES A (John William) Top 1143 C C WW1 P3143
A Oakes d.6-5-1917 @35
23723 Private 14th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own)
John William born October 1882, married to Esther Ann Oakes from Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent in 1911 They had five children and lived at 1, Audley St., Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent. Before the war he was an Insurance Agent for Refuse in Congleton, Staffordshire. Private Alfred Oakes was in the 14th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, Prince of Wales Own, and served in England. His medal card shows he was awarded the Victory and British medals. He died at Alnwick Royal Medical Corp. Command Depot in 1917. These command Depots were set up all over the country to take the pressure off hospitals as the number of casualties increased. Soldiers would receive rehabilitation, convalescence and training.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 18
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PATON William Kennedy Top 1149 C C WW1 P-3144
William Paton d.21-8-1916 @42
3/9308 Depot, Northumberland Fusiliers
William Kennedy Paton born in Glasgow in 1874, son of Mrs. A. Paton, married Catherine Ramsey in 1910 of Roxbro’ Place, Alnwick. Before the war he had been employed as a Quarry Labourer in Alnwick. Private Paton was killed in action, dying of his wounds. He enlisted into the Northumberland Fusiliers at Newcastle and would have left the Fenham Barracks on 27th December 1914 for service in France. This made him eligible for the Star medal to recognise the very harsh nature of warfare at the time. William then went on to fight at the Battle of the Somme which started July 1916 where he was wounded in action. From here he would be transported back to "Blighty" as soldiers referred to them returning home aboard a hospital ship. His ship would have docked at Southampton docks where he was transported by train to the Queen Victoria Military Hospital or the Netley . The hospital opened in 1856 when Queen Victoria was so concerned that her troops fighting in campaigns such as the Crimea were treated well. It needed to be expanded by building wooden huts in the grounds and Red Cross volunteers replaced the staff who were overseas. In WW1 it treated over 50,000 casualties of various nations. William would be one of the 5% who would die there of his wounds.
ROBSON Thomas Top 392 C U WW1 P-3209
Thomas Robson d.29-11-1918 @37
30148 Private 3rd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 19
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Thomas Robson was born in 1881 Rothbury to the late George Robson of Long Terrace Netherwitton, Northumberland . He was one four brothers who served during WW1. He was married to Mary J neé Hindmarsh of 16, Newgate St., Morpeth. He initially joined the Northumberland Fusiliers Reserve as No.3/30148 and transfer to the Labour Corp as No.166127 part of the 415 Agricultural Coy. Thomas would have been moved from active service as deemed unfit or not A1. He then joined the Agriculture Coy which was made up of soldiers like himself unable to be on the front line on combat duties. Their task was to work the land as there was a major shortage of labour, food and production was vital both for those at home or abroad. Their work would involve working with farmers who were unused to working with tractors on the land. Enormous amounts of hay, straw and oats were needed to feed all the horses and mules. Thomas died of Influenza on the same day as Joseph Haynes of the 8th Batt. Fusiliers
ROPNER Cuthbert Maurice Top 61 31B C WW2 P-3148
Cuthbert Maurice Ropner d.11-5-1945 @40
122774 Captain King’s Own Scottish Borderers
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Cuthbert Maurice Ropner, known by his second name "Maurice", son of Emil Hugo Oscar Robert Ropner and of Jane Venetia Ropner (nee Walker). He married Dorothea Seymour Bell in 1929 and lived at "Aln House" on Alnmouth Road, Alnwick. Maurice was described in 1939 as living on his Private means and an Army Officer in Emergency. He died in Scotland whilst he was there with his regiment and was registered there. He sustained multiple injuries while exercising his men on a practise charge explosion. The death certificate explains the circumstances.
SCOTT John Top 452 B U WW1 P-3168
John Scott d.4-4-1917 @42
8826 Lance Corporal 3rd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
Born in Leitholm Scotland in 1879, son of John and Jessie Scott, of Dunbar; husband of Phyllis Scott, of 5, Lovaine Buildings, Alnwick. Before the war in the 1911 census, Lance Corporal Scott worked as a draper’s assistant in Alnwick. He had a wife Phyllis and step children. No records are available for his service, however he was most likely to have been injured at the start of 1917 in France when the weather was extremely wet and cold. He was transported back to the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) hospital in Monkwearmouth. The hospital opened in 1914 in the Jeffrey Memorial church hall run by a Dr I Gibson, surgeon, and assisted by VAD nurses and the 4th Durham VAD. John died of war wounds and received a full military funeral’.
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SHEARER Francis William Top 903 A C WW2 P-3156
Francis William Shearer d.18-3-1940 @19
322479 Gunner 102 (The Northumberland Hussars) Lt. A.A./Anti- Tank Regt., Royal
Artillery
Son of Francis and May Shearer of Alnwick, grandson of William and Elizabeth Robinson of Alnwick.
SIMM Denis Top 635 33A RCU WW2 P-3165
Dennis Simm d.18-2-1945 @24
811943 Corporal Royal Air Force
Son of John and Margaret Simm, of Shilbottle. Corporal Simm was previously a miner, a trimmer/putter, and lived at the miners' cottages at Shilbottle. He was discharged and died of pulmonary tuberculosis, perhaps from conditions in army.
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STRAFFEN Thomas Top 1082 C C WW1 P-3140
Thomas Straffen d.12-2-1919 @22
18488 Lance Corporal 3rd Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment
Thomas Straffen was born in Embleton 1897, son of John and Isabella Straffen of Breamish House, Powburn, Northumberland. Before the war he had worked as a groom following in his father’s footsteps who had been a groom and coachman working at Duxford Hall before moving to Beamish House. In 1914 Thomas attested, intending to join the Cavalry, and gave his occupation as apprentice butcher. From September 1914 Lance Corporal Straffen saw active front line service with the 3rd Bedford Regiment until at the Battle of Ypres October 1917 he received a gun shot wound to the arm and returned home. He died 12th February 1919 at Alnwick Military Hospital of pulmonary oedema of the lungs probably resulting from years in trenches at the front line. A temporary wooden cross was erected after his funeral on February 15th 1919 and his father requested and applied for an official CWW stone to be erected .
STRAUGHAN Tho’s Arthur Top 303 B U WW1 P-3233, 3236
rtyui Thomas Arthur Straughan d.5-2-1918 @26
Lieutenant Northumberland Fusiliers
Margaret Mole d.27-12-1903 @41 Thomas Straughan d.14-6-1927 @64 Sydney Straughan Margaret Mole, wife of Thomas Straughan d.infancy who died Dec.27.1903 aged 41 years Edward Straughan Thomas Straughan died June.14.1927 d.18-10-1916 @27 aged 64 years Also Sydney who died in infancy. Also Edward their eldest son who died Oct.18.1916 aged 27 years
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Son of Thomas Straughan, of 32, Howick St., Alnwick, and the late Margaret Mole Straughan. Also other members of his family, Edward Straughan, Helena Margaret Straughan and Sydney Straughan. Lieutenant Straughan was educated at the Duke’s School, Alnwick and Cambridge University He went to the Dardanelles and was wounded at the Sulva Bay landing. While there he was recommended for his 2nd Star which he obtained. While he was recovering from operations and still unfit for duty he took a course in Musketry and Lewis guns. He passed with distinction. After a year’s service he had to be operated on again. He had 2 operations in 5 weeks, but they were not successful. He died at the New Brindley Heath Military Hospital, Cannock Chase, after several operations for wounds received and was buried in a family grave in Alnwick Cemetery. P-3242 Thy Will Be Done Thomas Arthur In Loving Memory of Straughan JANE wife of JOHN DAVISON d.5-2-1918 @26 who died May 28th 1906 aged 48 years Also of JOHN ALEXANDER, son of the above Lieutenant who died Septr 24th 1895 aged 10 months Northumberland Fusiliers Also of JOHN DAVISON, husband of the above who died Feb.26th 1941 in his 79th year. Also of ANDREW, son of the above, dearly loved husband of ANN DAVISON who died Oct.18th 1945 aged 55 years
The Cemetery burials ledgers state that Thomas was interred in this Davison grave. There is no mention of his name in the inscriptions for either headstone. (To be resolved)
THOMPSON Bartholomew Top 489 B U WW1 P-3170
Bartholemew Thompson d.10-4-1919 @42
51493 Private 3rd Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers
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Son of the late Thomas and Christina Thompson, of Alnwick; husband of Mary Thompson, of 31, Woolmarket, Berwick-on-Tweed. Bartholomew was born in July 1877 in Alnwick and lived with his parents Christina and Thomas on Dispensary Street Alnwick In 1901 he was employed as a Water Bottler, and in 1911 the census shows him living at 10 Percy Street where he was employed as a Brewery labourer. He had married Mary Mole in 1909 who had been born in Agra, India in 1881 His death certificate confirms that he died in a Military Hospital in Sunderland called the Highfield Hylton Road hospital. It provided 500 beds with additional wooden huts which were single story. Despite this it was a very comfortable place. The hospital catered more for medical treatment rather than surgical patients. Bartholomew died there in April 1919 and his death certificate states he died of "inflammation of the cervical glands and sepsis" His wife Mary was with him at his bedside.
THOMPSON Cecil Top 694 35A U WW2 P-3207
Cecil Thompson d.12-2-1941 @24
1602183 Gunner 149 Bty., 27 Lt A.A. Regt., Royal Artillery
Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Thompson, of Alnwick; husband of J. Thompson, of Bedlington Colliery. Gunner Thompson was killed outright when driving an army truck over a level crossing at Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincolnshire and collided with a Kings Lynn – Spalding train. There were no fatalities on the train. The Nottingham Journal reported the next day 13 February 1941: PASSENGER TRAIN DERAILED IN LINCS.: MAN KILLED A passenger train from King’s Lynn to Spalding was derailed at Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, yesterday, when it collided with an Army lorry at a level crossing, and a soldier, Gunner Cecil Thompson, aged 23, belonging to Newcastle, the driver and sole occupant, was killed. Passengers on the train escaped injury. The engine left the rails and came to rest on its side in a grass field, narrowly missing some houses. Three coaches were forced off the metals and had their wheels wrenched off. The driver, W. B. Findings, and Fireman H. Butters, as well as Guard Lilley, all belonging to Peterborough, were not seriously hurt. The driver and fireman fell amongst the coals scattered from the engine tender. Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 25
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There was no panic among the passengers, who waited until help arrived, when they were released being subsequently conveyed by road to Sutton Bridge and then by special train to Spalding.
WIERZBOWSKI Zdzislaw Top 595 33A RCU WW2 P-3162
Zdzislaw Wierzbowski d.29-8-1941 @29
Podporucznik 3 Dyon.Poc.Pnc Polish Army
Zdizslaw Wierzbowski was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Polish Armoured Division He was born 19th June 1912 in Podlaskie, Poland. He probably came over to Great Britain after serving in France and was mobilised here. For details of the Armoured Division please see the notes for Stanislaw Babicki.
WILKINSON George Top 2 31B C WW2 P-3146
George Wilkinson d.2-3-1945 @20
1596299 Sergeant Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
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Sergeant George Wilkinson (Air Gunner) 1596299 207 Air Gunner Squadron Royal Air Force Reserve died March 2nd 1945 aged 20 years old. He was a local lad from Alnwick and the son of George and Margaret Isabel Wilkinson of Clayport Gardens. In his mother’s words "Dearly loved and remembered always by his loving mother and three brothers" George is one of many who lost their life in training. On the night of March 2nd 1945 at 0118 hours George was on a training fighter affiliation with 57 Squadron based in Cambridge. His Lancaster bomber hit another one which had come into the area and they collided in mid-air over Ruskington Fen near Sleaford with the loss of both crews. Airmen from the base spent three weeks attempting to recover the bodies of the crews. Two air men were aboard George’s flight who should have not been on duty. The original two crew members had a fortunate escape. Fifty years later in 1996 one crew member, Sergeant Banks was recovered from the wreckage after it was officially being excavated which allowed the unknown airman buried at the time to be identified as Arthur Henderson (Bomb Aimer).
WOLSTENHOLME John Top 1 34B U WW2 P-3160
John Wolstenholme d.1-5-1941 @39
QX7272 Sapper A.1.F. 1 Forestry Coy., Royal Australian Engineers
John Wolstenholme was born on 13 January 1902 in Erdington, Birmingham. The family departed from Liverpool 12 October 1912 and arrived in Brisbane Australia. John married there in Queensland in 1926 to Nellie Stanley Monti. He was part of the Australian Forestry Coy. established in 1940 /1941 initially to work in France. After the fall of France they were redeployed to England and Scotland to work in Forestry. He arrived in September 1940 and was soon to experience the harshest winter in 50 years in Northumberland. Records show that his regiment was based at Seahouses in 1940 /1941. The Australians had not seen snow before and the work was hard using basic equipment as saws, axes, cross-saws were in short supply. They had to chop tress down from the base which made it increasingly heavy work, they would be kneeling in snow and mud. This probably contributed to his death from illness. In 1941 his regiment were moved to Dumfriesshire Scotland. His parents were John and Alice Wolstenholme of Stafford Queensland Australia. John had married Nellie and left a family behind in Australia.
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WOOD William Eric Top 691 35A U WW2 P-3158
William Eric Wood d.1-12-1943 @24
1083974 Flight Sergeant 131 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
William was the youngest son of Jane and Janes Wood of 22 Narrowgate, Alnwick . His father had a plumbing business and William was a Sanitary inspector before the war in 1939. Flight Sergeant William joined 131 Squadron RAF who in 1943 were in the South west operating Spitfires fighters in defensive and offensive operations. He was flying a 1XmA 799 Spitfire on a formation training flight when due to poor visibility he crashed over Everley Farm Blandford Forum in Dorset and was killed. His funeral took place on 10th December 1943 where he had a military presence attended by a large number of officials, town folk and included the ATS (Air Training Cadets).
The following memorials are not listed for Alnwick Cemetery by the War Graves Commission.
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ANGUS John, George, Thomas Top WW1 P-3267, 68, 69 Of your Charity Pray for the souls of MABEL Mabel Angus beloved wife of WILLIAM ANGUS d.16-11-1925 @70 who died Novr 16th 1925 aged 70 years Fell in battle in France: And their sons who fell in France John Angus JOHN Sep.25.1915, aged 36 years d.25-9-1915 @36 GEORGE Oct.26.1917, aged 23 years George Angus R.I.P d.26-10-1917 @23 Also of THOMAS their son who died Thomas Angus from war wounds d.8-11-1943 @53 Nov.8.1943 Aged 53 years
John Angus, born 1879 Alnwick, was a stone mason by trade . He was in the kings Own Scottish Borderers 6th Service Battalion. He enlisted at Newcastle 25 September 1915 No 17267 and was killed at the battle of Loos. He is remembered on the memorial at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos-en-Gohelle, Nord de Calais. He left behind a wife and 5 children. George Angus, a single man and general labourer born 1894 Alnwick, lived at Blyths Yard, Clayport, Alnwick. He served in the 1/5th Battalion Territorial Northumberland Fusiliers (part of the 149 Brigade 50th) No. 4/7219 5/6649. He died on 26th October 1915 at the Battle of Passchendaele and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial, Zonnebeke West Flanders, Belgium. Thomas Angus was Acting Corporal in the Royal Engineers, Sapper T 2423 / 459481. He joined on 29 August 1915. He was reported wounded 8th November 1916 in the Battle of Andre Heights the end of the Somme offensive having sustained serious injuries and died. Donald Angus was in Coldstream guards, born 1926 died 2002. He served in Palestine, regimental number 2669070. He had six sons, two of whom were killed in WW1.
COMMON Henry Alder Top WW1 P-3222 In Loving Memory of HENRY ALDER, dearly loved son of Henry Alder Common Henry Alder & Mary Common d.4-10-1918 @30 2nd Lieut K.O.S.B who fell in action at Cambrai, Oct 4 1918 aged 30 years. 2nd Lieut. “Refresh my soul in death.” King’s Own Scottish Also of EDWARD HUGH, their son Borderers who died in infancy. Also of Henry Alder Comon, beloved husband of MARY COMMON departed this life March 28 1941 in his 80th year. Also of MARY ANN COMMON beloved wife of the above who died Dec 2 1992 aged 89 years.
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Henry’s father Henry worked for 50 years in Alnwick Castle household and lived at 2 Canongate, Swiss Cottage where his son Henry was born in April 1888. Before the war Henry was a footman at Newby Wiske Hall, North Yorkshire. He was at first a Sergeant in the Northumberland Fusiliers and then 2nd Lieutenant in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. The war diaries reveal that in April 1918 he left Egypt and disembarked at Marseille to fight in France. He fought in the Kings Own 1/2 Battalion, part of the 52 Division 155 Infantry . On the 3rd of October he was in the front line awaiting the battle of Cambrais on 8-10th October. On the 3rd October there was heavy machine gun and shelling which resulted in him being wounded and dying. His final resting place is not known but he is remembered on the memorial at Vis-en-Artios, Arras and in St Michaels church, Alnwick. On his memorial stone in Alnwick cemetery is the Dead Man’s Penny or Plaque. After the war every family who had lost a loved one received this along with a scroll from the king.
DAVISON George William Top WW2 P-3205
In Loving Memory of George Davison GEORGE DAVISON who died Sept. 25. 1973 d.25-9-1973 @64 aged 64 years Also of GEO. WM their eldest son Elizabeth Davison wo.George 21st Canadian ----- Montreal, d.4-4-1923 @26 who died of ----- on active service in France, ----- March 2 1918 aged – Interred ------Cemetery George William Davison so.abv And of ELIZABETH wife of the above d.2-3-1918 @41 who died April 4 (1923) aged 26 years Private 21st Canadian Expeditionary Force
Born in 4th January 1877 in Alnwick to parents George and Elizabeth Davison of 35 Bondgate Hill. His father was a builder. His married wife Helen on boxing Day 1902 in Edinburgh
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George attended the Dukes School and before leaving for Canada was employed as a Stationer. In 1910 he moved with his wife and daughter Helen Agnes to Montreal Canada where he became a Government worker. His attestation in March 1917 states he has been in the 25th Brant Dragoons for two years. In 1917 he was in France, by 2 March 1918 he has been wounded at the battle of Bethune and died at No 6 Clearing Station before he can be moved to a hospital. George was buried in Barlin Cemetery near Bethune. His parents in Alnwick have remembered him on their family grave stone. Helen his wife must have returned to Scotland as her address is given as 10 Muir Park, Dalkeith, Scotland.
ELLIOTT James William Top WW2 P-3205 In proud and honoured memory of Gunner JAMES WILLIAM ELLIOTT James William Elliott Northumberlad Hussars d.13-7-1943 @21 Son of GEORGE and ISABELLA ELLIOTT Killed in action at sea July 13th 1943, aged 21 years Also of the above GEORGE ELLIOTT Gunner who died Feb 10th 1952, aged 67 years Northumberland Also the above ISABELLA Hussars No. 322489 who died June 9th 1968 aged 77 years. Gunner James William Elliott 322489, 102 Northumberland Hussars Anti Tank, was a driver in the Royal Artillery. He died taking part in the Allied invasion of Sicily, Operation Husky, in the amphibious landing that took place in July 1943. James was one of 4,000 who took part in one of the toughest battles of the Second World War. His name is recorded on a memorial at the Cassino Cemetery which is at the foothills of Mount Cassino below the Monastery.
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As he has no known grave his parents George and Isabella Elliott have remembered his sacrifice on their family gravestone. His father was a house joiner and lived at Rest Cottage, Alnwick Moor.
FORSTER Joseph Top WW2 P- In Loving Memory Of Joseph Forster JOSEPH FORSTER d.14-9-1914 @75 who died Sept. 14.1914 aged 75 years Mary Ann Forster Also MARY ANN his wife wo.above who died Feb. 12.---- d.12-2-19?9 @55 aged 55 years At Rest Joseph Forster so.above Also of JOSEPH their youngest d.15-9-1918 @23 son, beloved husband of MARTHA FORSTER who died a Prisoner of War at Le Quesnoy, France Sept. 15.1918 aged 23 years For his Country’s Sake
Private Joseph Forster No. 291093 of the Northumberland Fusiliers, 3rd Tyneside Scottish was Born in Alnwick in 1879. His parents were Joseph Forster and Mary Ann neé Common. He had a wife Martha Annie and three daughters. Before the war he was a plumber’s labourer and they lived at Abbey lands. Joseph enlisted at the very start of WW1 and went to France with the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers. He was wounded on the Somme 15 September 1916 and invalided home. He returned but was taken prisoner at Bullecourt 21 March 1918 and died of cardiac weakness in the POW camp at Le Quesnoy.
To the Memory of 19 British Soldiers who died as Prisoners of War and whose names are recorded on these headstones but of whom only 9 are buried here the other 10 being buried in Le Quesnoy Communal Cemetery Extension Their Glory Shall Not Be Blotted Out
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MARSHALL Rev George Herbert Top WW1 P-3377
IRENE MARSHALL Irene Marshall Born 20th Novembet 1881 b.20-11-1881 Died 13th September 1940 d.13-9-1940 @58 GEORGE HERBERT George Herbert Marshall MARSHALL D.S.O b.15-7-1889 15th July 1889 6th Jan 1953 d.6-1-1953 @63 NORMAN GOMM Norman Gomm Marshal MARSHALL b.17-9-1895 17th Sept 1895 20th Jan 197(5) d.20-1-197(5) @(80)
Rev. George Herbert Marshall DSO (Distinguished Service Medal ) (1889-1953) Alongside the Commonwealth War Graves here in this cemetery lies G.H Marshall. In April 1915 he joined as a Chaplain to the armed forces and served abroad in Gallipoli and France. He was awarded the DSO for providing aid to an injured officer under fire. Despite returning to the UK for treatment for ill health and typhoid, he returned to active service abroad. At the end of the war he received the Star, British Service and Victory Medal. In April 1917 while he was serving with the Royal Flying Corp 101 Squadron at Vaux sur Somme, the Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen was shot down and killed. As the only Protestant Chaplain in the area he was called upon to officiate at his funeral and read the eulogy. The Red Baron was buried with full military honours at Bertangles Armiens . In 1920 Manfred was reinterred to a military cemetery at Fricourt France , then moved in 1925 to Invalidenfriedhof Berlin Germany, and finally he was moved to his family grave at Sudfriedhof, Wiersbaden,
MORTON Ronald Top WW2 P-3203
Ronald Morton d.9-9-1943 @26
Royal Northumberland Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery Fusiliers POW Thailand
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In loving memory of my son RONALD MORTON R.N.F. Ronald Morton RNF Died P.O.W. in Thailand d.9-9-1943 @26 9 Sept 1943 aged 26 years and my husband ANDREW MORTON Andrew Morton Died 3 Oct 1944 69 years d.3-10-1944 @69 Also MARGARET Margaret Morton dear wife of ANDREW wo.Andrew
Died 19 April 1971 94 years d.19-4-1971 @94
Son of Andrew and Margaret Ann Morton of Alnwick, Northumberland. Fusilier Ronald Morton No.4273505 of the 9th Battalion the Northumberland Fusiliers died working on the Burma-Siam railway, Malaya. He was buried alongside 3,770 casualties beside the railway track. He was taken to Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Mayanmar to be re-interred. From translated Japanese records, Ronald was cremated and not buried as the cause of his death was Tropical Ulcers which normally appeared on the lower limbs.
SIMPSON John P.N. Top WW2 P-3333 In Remembrance of PARKER (J.P.N SIMPSON) Parker (J.P.N.) Simpson their youngest son d.27-5-1915 @25 who died of wounds Second Lieutenant a Prisoner of War at Royal Fusiliers Iseghem, Belgium May 27.1915 aged 25 years
Born 3rd February 1890 and lived with his parents at Ravensmede Alnmouth Road. John is a typical young man who had been educated before the war at a Public School. At the outbreak of war he joined the Public School Corps. as a Private and moved on in Jan 1915 to the 5th Bat. Reserve London City Reg. attached to the 3rd Bat. He left for France on 17th April 1915 and was taken prisoner and died 27th May 1915. During the First world war a young officer like John did not survive long on the front line, over the course of the war 17% of officers died as compared to 12% of soldiers. These officers were often remembered in different ways in special books, for example The Bond of Sacrifice, Du Vigny's, along with memorials in their old school or church. John died in Belgium having been a POW with a CWWG headstone in Belgium but his parents also included his on their family memorial in Alnwick Cemetery. Newspaper report: 2nd Lieutenant John Parker Norfolk Simpson,5th (Reserve) (attd.3rd Battn. Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), was the third son of the late J. P. Simpson and Mrs. Simpson, of Ravensmede, Alnwick, where he was born on the 3rd February 1809. He was educated at Malvern College, and on the outbreak of war in August, 1914, he joined the Public School Corps as a Private. He received his commission in January, 1915, in the 5th (Reserve) Battalion Royal Fusiliers, and for active service was attached to the 3rd Battalion, with which he served in Flanders. He was
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wounded near Ypres on the 24th May, 1915, and for several weeks his fate was unknown, but it was ascertained that he had been taken Prisoner of War and had died from the effects of his wounds on the 27th May, 1915, at Iseghem, in Belgium.
STOREY John Top WW2 24-2-20 P-3332 In loving memory of William Storey WILLIAM STOREY d.14-8-1963 died 14 Aug. 1963 John Storey b.20-12-1921 Also JOHN d.2.1.1944 @23 son of the above killed in action 1944 Euphrates Tobe Storey Euphrates T. STOREY wo.William mo.John died 3 Jan. 1978 d.3-1-1978 His father William storey died 1963, mother Euphrates Trobe Storey died 1978. Before the war, John worked a milling machine. John Storey RAF No.136367 was navigator in an Avro Lancaster DV 344 in 61 Squadron, Bomber Command. The squadron flew out of Skellingthorpe on a night flight. They should have left early but weather delayed take-off till night time. The route was changed and they flew directly to their target in Holland but they became engaged with German aircraft. Their Lancaster was badly damaged in the attack, crashing at Wiesenhagen killing all seven crew members. 61 Squadron They are all buried at the war cemetery at Charlottenburg Berlin. The crew are also remembered at the National Arboretum, Staffordshire.
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HUDSON Isabella Top WW2 23-(-3)-5 P-0178 In Loving Memory Of Thy Will Be Done ISABELLA SIMPSON beloved wife of Isabella Simpson Edward Hudson d.9-7-1905 @32 who died July 9 1905 aged 32 years Also of the above EDWARD HUDSON Edward Hudson who died June 15.1951 aged 75 years d.15-6-1951 @75 Also of ROBERT beloved husband of Robert Huson ho.Sarah SARAH HUDSON d.1-2-1913 @59 who died Feb.1.1913 aged 59 years And of FLORENCE (FLORRIE) Florence (Florrie) their daughetr & wife of Hudson JOSEPH KNOX d.4-11-1920 @33 who died Nov.4.1920 aged 33 years Also of the above SARAH HUDSON who died Nov.13.1924 aged 72 years Sarah Hudson And of JANE ANN BREWIS daughter d.13-11-1924 @72 of EDWARD & ISABELLA HUDSON Jane Ann Brewis who died Jan.28.1925 ages 25 years d.28-1-1925 @25 Also of Pte G. W. Hudson Black Watch killed imn action in Pte. G W Hudson Holland Oct.24.1944 aged 24 years d.24-10-1944 @24 KiA Also EDWARD son of ISABELLA & EDWARD HUDSON Edward Hudson died June 1.1965 aged 60 years d.1-6-1965 @60 Private George William Hudson 4461032 7th Battalion Black Watch Royal Highlanders. Born 3rd February 1920 Alnwick. George would have taken part in the D Day landings June 1944 at Normandy and then made his way towards the Netherlands . The 7th Black Watch were part of the liberation army of British soldiers who liberated Nederweert on 21st September 1944. Despite the liberation the front line was close by and followed the Zuidwillensvaart and Wessem Nederweert canal. Fighting continued between the allies and the German forces until November 1944. Casualties on the British side were sustained from patrolling the area, being under heavy shelling and laying down mine fields. George was probably killed on 24th October 1944 aged 24 years while on active service in the area. He is buried at Nederweert military cemetery alongside 350 casualties. His parents Edward and June Hudson chose the words " His memory is our greatest treasure" to be inscribed on his Commonwealth War grave there.
George is also commemorated on a family grave stone with other members of his close family.
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MOLE Joseph Top WW2 23-(-6)-1 P-0181 In Loving Memory of JOSEPH Joseph Mole Beloved husband of HANNAH MOLE d.23-5-1944 @34 PoW who died a Prisoner of War in Thailand May 23rd 1943, aged 34 years Also of JAMES MOLE father of the above James Mole fo.above and beloved husband of ANNE MOLE d.23-7-1944 @57 who died July 23rd 1944 aged 57 years Also of ANN HEWITT MOLE Ann Hewitt Mole beloved wife of the above d.11-2-1962 @76 who died February 11th 1962 aged 76 years wo.James Also of MARY MOLE Mary Mole th who died July 15 1966 aged 47 years do.James&AnnHewitt Daughter of the above James & Ann Hewitt Mole d.15-7-1966 @47
In Loving James Mole ho.Ann Memory of d.—1944 (above) JAMES Beloved husband of ANN MOLE died ----- 1944 ------
Private Joseph Mole 4273561 Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 23rd May 1943 aged 34 years, Prisoner of War. He enlisted in the 9th Battalion N.F. and saw active service in France. The battalion was sent to Singapore and arrived on the 5th February 1942, ten days before the fall of the island to the Japanese. Joseph was captured on the 15th February on the Bukit Temple Road where all the soldiers were stripped of their possessions. From here the British soldiers were marched through Changi and on to Kanchanburi near the river Kwai. Here Joseph along with other POWs would be forced labour on the Burma railway. He died on 23rd May 1943 with the cause recorded as "anaemia" starvation, inhumane treatment and terrible conditions were more likely the cause. Initially, Joseph was buried behind a paper mill but he was reinterred 29th January 1946 in Kanchanburi military cemetery. This was the main resting place for those victims of the Japanese who worked on the Burma Railway. He was awarded the British War Medal 1939 -1945 and the 1939-1945 Star. His parents James and Ann Mole erected a memorial stone to his memory alongside family members. Before the war he had been employed as a Painter and Decorator by Adam Robertson. He had married Hannah Smith in 1935 and had one daughter Margaret. As a young man he had followed his family tradition and been made a Freeman of Alnwick in 1925 when aged 16 years of age.
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Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland War Graves updated 02 June 2021 15:03
These notes have been compiled as accurately as possible. We wish to thank Ian Hopper, Superintendent, for his help and Janet Pidworth from Alnwick Town Council.
Research & Collation by Trish Jones and Colin Watson 38