RICHARD WILLIAM ADAMS
Richard was born in Stockton in 1898 to Henry William and Eliza Adams. He grew up at 7 Elliot Street, Stockton, living with his parents and brothers and sisters Charles Henry, Walter John, Thomas Edward, Ernest, Lily and Olive May. In 1914 he enlisted in the 2nd. Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princes of Wales's Own) and is promoted to Lance Corporal. He died of wounds on 30 August 1915 and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France. Richard was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
WILLIAM ADAMS
William was born in Stockton in 1899 to James and Jane Adams. The family lived initially at 4 William Street, Stockton before moving up the street to 49 1/2 William Street. William enlisted in 1917 into the 1/5th. Battalion Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire) Regiment, and was Killed in Action the following year on 23 April. William's body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
ARTHUR NORMAN ADDISION
Arthur was born in Stockton in 1890 to Joseph and Mary Hannah Addison. He lived first at 14 Bright Street and then at 21 Russell Street, both Stockton.In 1907 Arthur enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery for 3 years and 7 years as a reserve. At the time of the 1911 Census Arthur is employed as a Commercial Clerk at Head Wrightson. He married Eleanor Jackson on 16 October 1915 at Stockton.
He served as Battery Serjeant Major with the 38th. Heavy Battery but died of Bronchol-Pneumonia on 18 July 1918. He is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery, France, and was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
ROBERT WILLIAM ADDISON
Robert was born in Stockton in 1888 to Christopher and Mary Agusta Addison. In 1911 he was living in Northcote Street and worked as a shipyard labourer. On 21 July 1915 he enlisted in the Rifle Brigade and was killed in action two years later on 27 July 1917. He is buried in Talana Farm Cemetery, Belgium. At the time of his death he was a Lance Corporal in the 10th. Battalion Rifle Brigade. Robert was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
ALFRED WILLIAM ADDY
Alfred was born in 1886 at Liverpool to Henry James and Isabella Addy but on the 1891 Census is resident at 50 Bargate Street, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough with his parents and siblings John and Annie. On the 1901 Census he is living at 30 Derby Street, Thornaby with his parents and siblings John, Annie and Henry. O
n 30 March 1908, at Ravensworth Parish Church, Alfred married Ida May Parkinson; they had a daughter Catherine. On the 1911 Census he is employed as an Iron Worker Blastfurnaceman and resident at 40 Bickersteth Street, Stockton as a Boarder with his brother John. Alfred enlisted, whilst living at 42 Adderley Street, Stockton, into the 295th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, service number 71957. Having suffered gas attacks,
Alfred was discharged as medically unfit on 14 September 1918 with Silver War Badge B10514 and died, possibly still suffering the effects of gas, circa 15 August 1920 at home. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
HENRY JAMES ADDY
Henry was born in Liverpool in 1892 to Henry J. and Isabella Addy. On the 1901 Census he is resident at 30 Derby Street, Thornaby with his parents and siblings Alfred William, John and Annie. On the 1911 Census he is living with his brothers John and Alfred W at 40 Bickersteth Street, Stockton.
Henry enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers on 25 August 1915, regimental number 15867. He died of wounds on 27 October 1918 in Italy and is buried in Giavera British Cemetery, Arcade. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
GEORGE ROBERT ALDERSON
George was born in Stockton in 1889, living in Cromwell Street and later Alberts Street with his parents, brother James and six sisters. He worked as a labourer in an engineering works. He first enlisted into the 1/5th. Battalion DLI before transferring to the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was Killed In Action on 4 April 1918 and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial at the Somme, France. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
THOMAS ALDERSON
Thomas was born in Stockton in 1880 to Benjamin and Elizabeth Alderson, living initially at Elliott Street before moving to South Street.He married Margaret Bowron in 1902 and they had a daughter Madge. Margaret died in 1913 and two years later Thomas remarried to Sarah Hipkiss. He enlisted on 10 December 1915 into the Yorkshire Regiment and then transferred to the York and Lancaster Regiment,1st./ 4th. (Hallamshire). Thomas died on 15 April 1918 of wounds received and is buried in Haringhe (Bandaghem) Cemetery Belgium. He was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
WILFRED ERIC ALDERSON
Wilfred was born in Stockton in 1888 to William Joseph and Elizabeth Dobbing Alderson. He had a sister Eleanor Mildred. The family lived at 64 George Street, Stockton but William Joseph died when Wilfred was 11.In 1915 Wilfred joined the 4th. Battalion Grenadier Guards as a private. He was promoted to sergeant but Killed in Action on 2 August 1917. He is buried in Artillery Wood Cemetery, Belgium and was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
ALFRED ALLEN
Alfred was born on 9 July 1894 at 28 Emily Street, Stockton. He lives with his parents George and Louisa, brothers John and George, sisters Louisa and Florence, and grandfather Edward. Alfred worked as a Grocers Assistant before enlisting in the 18th. Battalion DLI (Durham Pals) on 2 October 1914, by which time he was working as a driller. He was promoted to Lance Corporal and is Killed in Action on 29 March 1918 during the German "Michael" Offensive. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France. Alfred was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
FRANCIS ALLEN
Francis was born in 1876 in Fenny Street, Stockton to William and Annie Allen. He had four sisters and three brothers. In 1906 Francis married Eliza Mary Barrett. On the 1911 Census Francis and Eliza are living at 10 Fenny Street, Stockton with their children Helena May, Leonard, Annie Louisa, and Eliza's parents' Patrick and Jane.
Francis enlisted in the West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own) in 1915 service number 15552, 9th.battalion and was Killed in Action on 22 August 1915 in Gallipoli, Turkey. His body is never recovered and he is commemorated on the Helles Memorial Gallipoli. Francis was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.Francis never remarried, continued to live in the North East and died in 1985 aged 102.
GEORGE WILLIAM ALLEN
George was born in 1895 at 2 Britannia Street in Patrington, Scarborough to George and Pauline Allen.George grew up in Scarborough but by the time of the 1911 Census the family had moved to 11 St.Bernard’s Road, Stockton. George worked as a Jeweller's Errand Boy.He enlisted in the 1/5th.Battalion DLI service number 2609 and is Killed in Action on 11 July 1916. He is buried in La Laiterie Military Cemetery, Kemmel, Belgium and was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
THOMAS ALLINSON
Thomas was born In South Row, Billingham in 1897 to John W. and Margaret Allinson. The family later moved to Pine Street in Norton and Thomas found work as a grocer's clerk. He enlisted in the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery as a Driver 14th. Division Ammunition Column, but was Killed in Action on 19 September 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. He is buried at the Quarry Cemetery Montauban, Somme, France and was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
ERNEST ALLISON
Ernest was born in Stockton in 1884 to John and Sarah Allison and on the 1891 Census is living at 10 Derby Street, Stockton with his parents and siblings Thomas, Annie, John, Fred, Ada, Charles and Frank. On the 1901 Census he is employed as a Foundry Core Maker and living at 20 Northall Street, Stockton with his parents and Fred, William, Frank and new sister Lilley. Ten years later he is at 3 Melrose Terrace, Stockton and working as a Labourer, living with his parents and siblings Ada and Lilly. The following year Ernest married Sarah A.Wilson at Stockton. He enlisted into the DLI, service numbers 3422, 43747 and died of influenza on 3 December 1918 in hospital at South Shields. At the time of Ernest's death his wife was living at 33 Kensington Road, Stockton. Ernest was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
WILLIAM ALLON
William was born on 14 May 1894 and was baptised at St.Thomas’ Church, Stockton on 3 June. At the time of the 1901 Census he is living at 12 Tilery Road with his parents Richard and Mary Maria and siblings Elizabeth, Mary, Minnie, Wilhemina, Annie, Eliza and Richard. By the 1911 Census the family is still in Tilery Road but now living at No 29, and William is working as a baker's apprentice. He enlisted in the 1/5th. Battalion DLI at Stockton in 1915 and was Killed in Action on 10 November 1916 during the final week of the Battle of the Somme. His body was never recovered but William is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing in France. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
FREDERICK ANDERSON
Frederick was born on 3 November 1891 in Stockton to John and Mary Anderson. The family lived at Back Stamp Street.Frederick enlisted in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers 1st. battalion and is Killed in Action in the Dardanelles on 28 June 1915. His body is never recovered and he is commemorated on the Helles Memorial at Gallipoli, Turkey. Frederick was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
GEORGE ROBERT ANDERSON
George was born in Stockton in 1891 to Thomas and Mary A. Anderson. The family (including George's brother Herbert and sister Violet) lived at Howard Street, first at number 16 and later at 25.George enlisted in the 1/5th DLI at Stockton and is Killed in Action at the battle of the Somme on 15 September 1916. His body is never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. George was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
THOMAS HENRY ANDERSON
Thomas was born in Sunderland in 1890 to James and Annie Anderson. By the time of the 1911 Census he had moved to Stockton, living at 22 Lawrence Street, with his aunt and uncle Susan and Thomas Howe. Thomas Henry worked as a Insurance and Drapers Agent. He enlisted into the Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment service number 5914, 1/5th. Battalion in Sunderland ( he is formerly 255, Northumbrian Cyclist Corps ) and was Killed in Action at the Battle of the Somme on 28 September 1916. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Somme France. Thomas was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
WILLIAM CHARLES ANDERTON
William was born in Gateshead on 21 October 1883 to Christopher and Ellen Anderton. Having lived initially in Preston, he moved to Teesside and found work as an umbrella maker. On the 1911 census he was living at 31 Brunswick Street, Stockton, married to Mary Larkin (married in 1907) and with two children, William and Agnes. William was conscripted into the Yorkshire Hussars (Alexandra, Princes of Wales's Own) in 1916, 9th. Battalion as a Private and was Killed in Action on 22 July 1917 on the Ypres Salient. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium. William was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
CHARLES EDWARD APPLEBY
Charles was born in Stockton in 1886 to George William and Annie Appleby. He lived first at Station Terrace, Stockton and then at 36 Eggleston Terrace. In 1909 Charles married Laura Eveline Braithwaite at Stockton and they lived at 70 Dundas Street, with Charles working as a Commercial Traveller. In 1916 he was conscripted into the 9th.Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and was Killed in Action the following year on 15 October at 3rd. Ypres. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial Belgium. Charles was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal and at the time of his death his parents were living at 85 Londonderry Road with Laura living at No 83.
JOHN APPLETON
John was born in Stockton in 1882 to John and Mary Appleton. At the time of the 1891 Census he lived at 81 Webster Street, with his parents, brother William and sisters Margaret and Mary. On the Census 10 years later John is at Ramillies Barracks, Farnborough, Hampshire. He enlisted in 1900 in Newcastle into the 10th.Battalion DLI, service number 7155, for three years plus nine years in the Reserves. While in the Reserves, the Census of 1911 suggests he was working as a shipyard labourer and living at 15 Catholic Street, Stockton, with his mother, stepfather, his sisters and four half siblngs.
He was Killed in Action on 25 August 1916 at the Battle of the Somme and is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery Longueval, Somme. John was posthumously awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
JOHN EDWARD APPLETON
John was born in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough in 1889 to John and Harriet Appleton. He grew up in Thornaby, first at 2 Chelmsford Street and then at 56 New Street. In 1908 he married Annie Carrick and on the 1911 Census they lived at 34 Major Street, Stockton with their children Lillian and Elsie. In 1912 John enlisted into the 1/5th. Battalion DLI ,"B" Company, service number 1658. He is promoted to Sergeant and was Killed in Action on 25 April 1915 ( 2nd.Battle of Ypres) and is buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. John was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
RONALD HEDLEY ARCHER
Ronald was born in Norton-on-Tees in 1876 to Charles I. and Lucy M. Archer. He lived first at Cambridge Terrace, Norton, with his parents and sisters Jessie and Lucy, before studying at a private school at Uppingham, Rutland. In 1900 Ronald married Margaret Elizabeth Barugh in Manchester. The couple lived first at Great Ayton and then at Bentley House, Yarm and Ronald worked as a solicitor.
The couple had three children, Charles, Phyllis and John. Ronald enlisted into the 1st. Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers as a Second Lieutenant and died of wounds at number 29 Casualty Clearing Station in France on 27 December 1917. He is buried at the Grevillers British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
JOHN LEVI ARMSTRONG
John was born in Stockton in 1891 to Levi and Hannah Mary Armstrong. He lived at 11 Melville Street, Stockton with his parents and three sisters, though his mother died in 1896. By the time of the 1911 Census John is living at 16,Melbourne Street, Stockton with his father and sister Ada.
John was conscripted into the 9th.(Glasgow Highland) Battalion Highland Light Infantry in 1916 service number 241704 and is Killed in Action, as a Private, on the 25 September 1917 at the Battle of Menin Road (3rd. Ypres). His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial Belgium. John was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
ROBERT ARMSTRONG
Robert was born in Stockton in 1874. He served in the 20th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, service number 42414, and was Killed in Action, as a Private, on 21st September 1917 during the battle of Menin Road, 3rd.Ypres. Robert is buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
JOHN BLACKBURN ARNISON
John was born on 23 March 1895 in Hartlepool to John H. and Mary Arnison. He grew up at 40 Gas Street, West Hartlepool with his mother and siblings Jeanie, Charles and Harold (his father being absent). By the time of the 1911 Census John was working as an Apprentice Moulder and living at 27 William Street, Stockton with his parents and siblings Charles, Harold and Frances.
John enlisted in 1914 into the 1/5th.Battalion DLI, service number 1727, at Stockton, was promoted to Sergeant and died of wounds on 18 July 1915. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France and was posthumously awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
JOHN WILLIAM ARROWSMITH
John was born in 1889 at Sunderland to John W. and Mary E. Arrowsmith. On the 1911 Census he is listed as working as an Assistant Bioscope Operator and living at 5 Nolan Street, Stockton with his mother.
In 1916 John was conscripted into the 15/17th. Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, service number 57878, and died of wounds as a Private on 7 October 1918. He is buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery, Vimille ,Pas de Calais, France and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
WILLIAM ASKEY
William was born in 1895 in Stockton to Walter and Annie Askey, living first at 11 Shepherd Street and then 20 Douglas Street, both in Stockton.
He enlisted in 1915 into the 2nd.Battalion Yorkshire Hussars (Alexandra, Prince of Wales's Own ) and is Killed in Action at the Battle of the Somme as a Private on 8 July 1916. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial France. William was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
GEORGE LOUIS ATKINSON
George was born in London, in 1867 at Lambeth to George and Sarah Atkinson and on the 1871 Census is living in Chelsea with his parents and siblings Ann and Henry. On the 1881 Census he is resident at 127 Brompton Road, Kensington with his father (mother absent).
On the 1891 Census he is employed as an Assistant Master and resident at The Square, Petersfield, Hampshire as a Boarder. In 1898, at Plymouth, George married Florence Russell and on the 1901 Census he is employed as a Medical Practitioner and he and Florence are living at "Elm Huset" Hampton Middlesex with their sons Gerald and Geoffrey. On the 1911 Census George is still employed as a Medical Practitioner and resident at 118 High Street, Hampton Hill with Florence and daughter Joyce.
George enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was Gazetted as Lieutenant on 23 November 1914 and was drowned, as a Captain, on 21 March 1917.
JAMES F ATKINSON
James was born in 1894 in Norton-on-Tees to William and Elizabeth Atkinson. He was one of 10 children and on the 1901 Census he is living at 42 High Street, Norton with his parents and siblings William, Elizabeth, John, Margaret, Edith, Charles, Alice, Harry and Ethel. By the time of the 1911 census he is working as a Driller in an Engineering Works and living at 1 Pine Street, Norton with his parents and William, John and Ethel.
He enlisted into the 1/5th.Battalion DLI at Stockton in 1914, as a Private, service number 2343 and was Killed in Action on 15 September 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. James was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
RICHARD ATKINSON
Richard was born in 1892 in Norton-on-Tees to James William and Eleanor Atkinson. He grew up at 36 High Street, Norton and 17 Grange Road, Norton. Having worked as an apprentice iron moulder, Richard married Louisa Annie Spence in 1915.
He enlisted into "A" Company 1st./7th.Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, as a Private and was Killed in Action on 26 October 1917 at the 2nd Battle of Passendeale (3rd.Ypres). Richard was buried in Poelcapelle British Cemetery, Belgium and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
WILLIAM AYRE
William (Billy) Ayre was the son of William Ayre, a brass finisher, and Annie Swift. He was baptised on 16th July 1894 at St Mary's RC Church, Stockton.His father worked at a brass foundry but his grandfather and extended family had been Tallow Chandlers living and working in Smith Street, Stockton for many years.
He was the only boy in the family, his younger brother dying as a baby. His father lost both his legs in industrial accidents in the brass foundry so when Billy’s sister (Vicky Collier‘s grandmother) was getting married at Christmas 1915 there was no-one to 'walk' her down the aisle.
The family story is that Billy came home from the war and gave her away and then went back and then never returned. He had enlisted in 1913, joining the 15th Battalion DLI.Having previously been injured in the leg it is believed he was killed on 16 September 1918 when he stood up in the trench. Being slightly taller than average, he was targeted by a sniper and shot in the head. He was not married but the obituary in the Gazette refers to a 'sweetheart', and his Will indicates that he left all his goods to sweetheart Mary Evans. Billy was buried in Bagneux British cemetery near Arras.
Vicky Collier says: “I visited his grave a couple of years ago and found it a very moving experience. I have the WW1 plaque with his name on. My mother, who was born in 1916, said one of her first memories was of her mother crying for her lost brother on the first Remembrance Day.”
ERNEST AYTOUN
Read more about Ernest here.