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

Private Percy Black, K.O.Y.L.I. ,

Joined the colours in September, 1914. After training at HaltonnCamp, he left with his regiment for France in September, 1915, and took part in the battle of Loos, coming through unscathed. He was home on leave from the front in February, 1916, looking fit and well. Since then he has been in many engagements, but was wounded on 1 July, in the thigh with shrapnel, and is at present lying in hospital at Cambridge. Private Black was a signaller and dispatch rider and is brother of Mrs Curry LowCamp, he left with his regiment for France in September, 1915, and took part in the battle of Loos, coming through unscathed. He was home on leave from the front in February, 1916, looking fit and well. Since then he has been in many engagements, but was wounded on 1 July, in the thigh with shrapnel, and is at present lying in hospital at Cambridge. Private Black was a signaller and dispatch rider and is brother of Mrs Curry Low Hedgeley. 22/07/1916. 22/07/1916

Private Stephen Cooper, of Chillingham..

Private Stephen Cooper’s sister (Mrs Proud of Alnwick) has received news from the chaplain of the hospital in France that her brother is wounded. He is a native of Chillingham, and son of the late Mr Thomas Cooper who was a servant on the, and son of the late Mr Thomas Cooper who was a servant on the Chillingham estate under the late Earl of Tankerville, who came to reside at Dovecot House, Alnwick, where he died last year. 29/1/1916

Hedgeley Soldier in Hospital.

Private George Dunn of Low Hedgeley, enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the war, and went to France with the N.F. in April 1915. He had the misfortune to be wounded on Whit-Monday of the same year, and was in hospital are good many weeks. He again became quite well, and was sent to France in March of this year. He had just been in the trenches a few weeks when he had the misfortune to take trench fever, and is now lying in hospital at Brighton. His friends hope he will soon be restored to perfect health 22/07/1916

Wooler Man Wounded.

News has been received by his wife that Private Ted Fairnington, Northumberland Fusiliers, has been wounded. It is a gunshot wound in the thigh. The above is a son of Mr Fairnington, an old Wooler Volunteer. 12/2/1916

Alnwick Young Man Dies of Wounds.

Private J Farrow of new Row, Alnwick a young man in the 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers was wounded at the front on the 14^th inst. and the died on the following night. George Ridley Robinson raining to Mrs Robinson, of new Row, describes how the deceased was wounded about midnight, and attended to in the dugout. He was buried on the 15^th, his mates Young, Heslop, and Lorimer being present. Private Farrow star to write a letter to his brother on the night he was wounded, and did not get it finished. He had a Prayer Book in his pocket, which bears the mark wear bullet had struck it. A copy of the unfinished letter was enclosed by the sender of the sad news, and it spoke of how “the further we are getting along the line, the hotter we are getting it. They started with their whiz bangs and they have been at it all along.” 26/2/1916

Lance Sergeant George Gibbison, N.F., Alnwick,

has been wounded in action for the 2^nd time. He joined the line regiment of the Northumberland Fusiliers 5 years ago, and was serving with his battalion in India, and with it when through several engagements till wounded in the chest in February. After becoming convalescent he returned to the Front, and was again wounded in action at the beginning of the present month, Lance Sergeant G Gibbison is the second son of the late Mr Oswald Gibbison, and of Mrs J. McKenzie, Hotspur Place, Alnwick. 22/07/1916

Wooler Men.

 Mr and Mrs Thomas Smart of Wooler Mill, have been officially informed that their son Private Andrew Smart of the Yorks, has died of wounds received in action. Private Charles Henderson of the Yorks, has been wounded in the arm, and is now in hospital. 22/07/1916

Callaly Wounded Soldier.

Mr and Mrs Hunter, Callaly Mill, near Whittingham, have received a letter from their son, Sergeant William Hunter, 10^th N.F., stating that he has been wounded in the leg. The bullet has been extracted, and he is progressing favourably. 22/1/1916

Glanton Soldier Wounded.

Private W. Johnson, A.S.C., grandson of the late W. Johnson, and of Mr Jos. Binns, Alnwick. 12/2/1916

Rothbury Soldier in Hospital.

Mrs Kidd, of 4 New Bridge Street, Rothbury, has received news of Machine-Gunner L. Kidd, 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, who went out to France last April. Word comes from the War office, that he is now lying in St Andrews hospital, Dollis Hill, London. He is gone through an operation and word has been received that he is doing well. 26/2/1916

Major E. A. Leather.

Major E.A. Leather, reported killed in action in France on February 10^th, was the 3^rd son of the late Mr F.J. Leather, of Middleton Hall, Belford, Northumberland, and of Mrs Leather, of the Friary, Tick Hill, Rotherhamm, and married in 1904 Mildred, daughter of Mr Charles Harrison, of Beacon Grange, Hexham. Born in 1868, he served during the South African war with the Militia Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, retiring in 1908. On the outbreak of the present war he joined the 11^th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, and obtained his majority in October, 1914. Later he was transferred to the 27^th Battalion of the same regiment, with which he was serving at the time of his death. Major Leather was one of six brothers, all of whom served in the South African war and also in the present one. three of them have now lost their lives in the service of their country and a fourth has been severely wounded. 19/2/1916

Berwick Soldier Killed.

Second Lieutenant W.H. Milburn, Suffolk Regiment.

News has been received by Mr and Mrs Joseph Milburn, Duke Street, Alnwick of the death of their son Lieutenant William Hudson Milburn, who was killed in action on the 16^th inst. Second Lieutenant W.H. Milburn was a younger son of Mr J. Milburn, sanitary inspector of the town, and had a promising career before him. He was educated at the Duke School, where he proved a successful student. He thence went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to complete his education. At the outbreak of the war he was science master at Framlington College, Suffolk. He was a B.A. of Cambridge, and a prizeman of the Emmanuel College. He got his blue for football, and was captain of the college XI. He enlisted into the Suffolk Regiment, and with it went to the Front. When a scholar at the Duke School he also distinguished himself as an athlete, and won several prizes. He was also prominent on the field as a cricketer. The deepest regret is felt by all who knew him at his untimely loss, and sincere sympathy will be extended to his bereaved parents. 22/07/1916

Corporal Neilson, Alnmouth.

Killed in action, on the 5^th of every, in France, Corporal N.C. Neilson, 21^st Battalion Royal Fusiliers (4^th Public Schools), second son of W.B. Neilson, Alnmouth, late mining engineer, Chopwell, Durham. 19/2/1916

Second Lieutenant F.C..Phillips..

Many of the inhabitants of Alnwick will regret the death from wounds on the 6^th inst in France of Second Lieutenant F.C. Phillips, 5^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, who was with the “Commercials” all the time they were in Alnwick and subsequently transferred to the 5^th. He was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs F. Phillips, of 204, Portland Road, Newcastle, and nephew of Mr A.Wallace, of the White Swan Hotel, and Mr Wallace Mills, of the Sun Hotel, Warkworth (whose son Corporal R. Mills is also in France). Lieutenant. Phillips, aged only 21 years, was severely wounded in the body, legs, and arm by the explosion of the shell in his dugout, where he was attended by three Newcastle medical men, Colonel Hawthorn and Captains Errington and Metcalfe. The Chaplain writes saying that he was buried behind the firing line on the Belgian side and his grave, with cross and name, will be easily found in future years. Colonel Lukis states that he was “one of the bravest boys we have had,” and they were all proud of him. 19/2/1916

Wooler Men.

 Mr and Mrs Thomas Smart of Wooler Mill, have been officially informed that their son Private Andrew Smart of the Yorks, has died of wounds received in action. Private Charles Henderson of the Yorks, has been wounded in the arm, and is now in hospital. 22/07/1916

Amble Man’s Death at the Front

Yet another of our brave Amble lads has fallen. This time it is Private William Summerell, of the 7, of the 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers. Mrs Summerell, of Long Row, Radcliffe Colliery, has received official news from the War Office that Private William, of Long Row, Radcliffe Colliery, has received official news from the War Office that Private William Summerell, 2497, 7, 2497, 7^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (T.F.), has died of wounds received in the Ypres Communes district on February 22, 1916. Private Summerelllenlisted at Alnwick in October 1914 and was drafted to France in June 1915. He was wounded in the September of the same year, but was not home. He recuperated from his injuries at Rouen Hospital, and went back into the trenches in the latter part of December and has gone through some severe encounters in the Ypres communes and Ypres Canal district. Deceased was employed as a miner at the colliery, and was greatly respected throughout the district and he was ever ready to oblige at any charity or social function, been both as an instrumental and vocal artiste of no mean calibre. He was the eldest son of Mr Tomenlisted at Alnwick in October 1914 and was drafted to France in June 1915. He was wounded in the September of the same year, but was not home. He recuperated from his injuries at Rouen Hospital, and went back into the trenches in the latter part of December and has gone through some severe encounters in the Ypres communes and Ypres Canal district. Deceased was employed as a miner at the colliery, and was greatly respected throughout the district and he was ever ready to oblige at any charity or social function, been both as an instrumental and vocal artiste of no mean calibre. He was the eldest son of Mr Tom Summerell, of 25 Henderson Street, Amble, who, it may be noted, has another son serving with the colours, who at present time is stationed at York. Deceased was 35 years of age and leaves a widow and 2 children. It need hardly be added that the sincerest sympathy goes out from the inhabitants of the Amble district to Mrs, of 25 Henderson Street, Amble, who, it may be noted, has another son serving with the colours, who at present time is stationed at York. Deceased was 35 years of age and leaves a widow and 2 children. It need hardly be added that the sincerest sympathy goes out from the inhabitants of the Amble district to Mrs Summerell, the widow, and the parents of our brave soldier who has done his bit for his country and played his part to uphold the principles of freedom and, the widow, and the parents of our brave soldier who has done his bit for his country and played his part to uphold the principles of freedom and civilisation..

From the casually clearing station in France, B.E.F., Chaplain A.B.Brokerrwrites to Mrswrites to Mrs Summerell: — “I am sorry indeed to inform you that your husband, Private William: — “I am sorry indeed to inform you that your husband, Private William Summerell, died in hospital here at 6.15 on the morning of February 22, 1916. He was brought in about 3 and was unconscious. The doctors and nurses spared no pains in their efforts for him, but the wound was too serious; they could not save his life. He passed away quietly without regaining consciousness and without leaving any message. He was buried with a church service in the military cemetery on the, died in hospital here at 6.15 on the morning of February 22, 1916. He was brought in about 3 and was unconscious. The doctors and nurses spared no pains in their efforts for him, but the wound was too serious; they could not save his life. He passed away quietly without regaining consciousness and without leaving any message. He was buried with a church service in the military cemetery on the Poperhinge-Boesclope road. The grave will be marked with across bearing his name. Please accept my deepest and sincere sympathy, and I hope you will feel that he was not alone but with friends, who one and all did their utmost to help him and try to save his life. 24/03/1916

The Broomhill Heroes.

Broomhill people have learned, with deep regret of the death in France of some of their own lads. Official news is to hand of the death of Corporal T.A. Swan, son of Mr Alex Swan of North Broomhill, Lance Corporal Curry of Chevington Drift, and Private James Connolly of Chevington Drift. These three lads were very much respected. Lance Corporal Curry and Corporal Swan were home for a holiday about 6 weeks ago, and both looked extremely well. The good wishes of a crowd of acquaintances accompanied them to the station. Poor lads! We shall see them no more; we have known them from childhood. We convey to the parents of deep sympathy which is felt by the people of Broomhill and district, in the bereavement. Mr A. Swan has received the following letter: — “Dear Mr Swan, I am writing to you as the Grenade officer of the 7^th Northumberland Fusiliers to say how sorry I was to hear that your son Corporal Swan had died of his wounds received last Sunday. He was a brave, good lad, and one of the best and most experienced grenadiers in the regiment although I have joined this regiment only a short time ago, I can testify to the good qualities of your son, as he was in charge of the grenadiers of D company, and I have seen him at work with the grenade rifles when we were having a hot time of it. He will be greatly missed by his comrades and by the regiment. It was a most unlucky shell that struck down Lance Corporal Curry and your son and many others all at the same time. I send you the respectful sympathy of all Grenadiers of the regiment. — Yours sincerely, F. Buckle.”

Sister M. Wharton writes Mr Swan: “he will be laid to rest in our soldiers’ cemetery and a cross will mark his grave, bearing his name, regiment, number, and the date on which he gave his life for his king and country. If any personal belongings were found in his possession, they will be forwarded to you by the authorities, but will take some weeks to come. With deepest sympathy for you in this sad loss.” 26/2/1916

Alnwick Soldier Wounded.

Private David Ternent, Castle Dairy Grounds, Alnwick, of the 7^th N.F.has been wounded at the Front, and is now in hospital. The sad circumstances that last week reported that his brother, Private J.W. Ternent had been killed in action. David was present at the burial — one a few comrades, and officer, and the chaplain for the small group behind the trenches to lay him away on the night of the 26^th ult. 12/2/1916

Private George Edward Tiffin of Chathill,

was wounded in action on the big advance. He is suffering from a gunshot chest. He is a younger son of Mr and Mrs Tiffin, tile works, Chathill, and grandson of the late William Lockie. He enlisted a year ago into the N. F., Then stationed at Alnwick. After a short stay here he was sent to Warminster for special training. He left for France in January last. Previously to joining the army he was in the employment of Sir Walter Runciman, Shorestone Hall. He is at present in the general hospital Northampton. 22/07/1916

A Chevington Drift Father of Four.

News has been officially received by Mrs Edward Thompson, that her husband Private E. Thompson, 7th Northumberland Fusiliers has died of wounds received in France. Private Thompson went out to France in April, 1915, was in several engagements, came home on Furlough, and was only back one week, when upon his return to the front he received his wounds, which proved fatal. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and four young children, who are left to mourn his loss, also his widowed mother, and other members what of the family. Private Thompson has two other brothers, John and George, who are serving in the same Battalion, also a brother-in-law. “For King and country he did his best.” 26/2/1916