Family Lines Genealogy

Oct 2513 min read

Teachers of South Shields who fell in WWI

During World War I, which spanned from 1914 to 1918, the impact on the British military was profound, with nearly nine hundred thousand military personnel from the United Kingdom losing their lives in the conflict.[1] This staggering number reflects the immense sacrifice made by soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought bravely on the front lines.

Amidst the chaos of war, organisations like the National Union of Teachers (NUT) played a crucial role in documenting and honouring the contributions of individuals involved in the conflict. The NUT, a prominent trade union representing school teachers across England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, took it upon themselves to compile a detailed account of the war records spanning the years 1914 to 1919.[2]

In their publication, the NUT meticulously recorded the names of teachers who bravely joined the armed forces, highlighting their commitment to serving their country during a time of great need. Additionally, the sombre reality of war is reflected in the documentation of teachers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Furthermore, the NUT's publication also shed light on teachers who were recognized and honoured for their gallant services during the war, showcasing acts of bravery and selflessness amidst the turmoil of battle. The inclusion of staff from the NUT's central offices who joined the forces further underscores the widespread impact of the war, reaching even into the administrative ranks of organisations.

Through their comprehensive account of the war records, the National Union of Teachers not only preserved the memory of those who served but also highlighted the invaluable contributions of teachers and individuals from all walks of life during a tumultuous period in history.

A total of eighty two teachers from South Shields bravely answered the call to serve their country. These teachers, who were not only responsible for shaping young minds but also dedicated to defending their nation, displayed immense courage and selflessness by joining the war effort. However, the harsh realities of war meant that not all of these teachers would have the opportunity to return to their classrooms and loved ones. Tragically, twelve of these teachers made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives in service of their country. The sacrifices made by these teachers from South Shields during WWI will forever be remembered and honoured, ensuring that their legacy lives on as a testament to their bravery and dedication.

Those who did not return were:

John White Armstrong.

Born in 1890, John was the son of William Armstrong and Elizabeth Ellen White.[3] John went on to marry Alice Christie in 1916.[4] John had been working as a teacher at Laygate Lane County School in South Shields. During the war, John served as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 20th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

Delving into the war diaries, I uncovered a poignant account of John and his Battalion's courageous advance through Belgium during October 1918. The records describe the arduous journey towards the River Escaut, a vital objective in their strategic campaign.[5]

On the fateful day of 21 October 1918, the weather added an additional layer of challenge to the already daunting mission. The intermittent showers turned the ground into a quagmire, making every step a struggle for the soldiers. Undeterred by the adverse conditions, John and his comrades pressed on, their determination unwavering.

As they neared the hamlet of Poeldriesch, the Battalion came under enemy fire. Despite this, they managed to seize control of the hamlet, marking a significant victory in their campaign.

However, amidst the triumph of capturing Poeldriesch, the harsh reality of war reared its grim head. The toll of battle was heavy, and John, alongside nineteen of his comrades, were killed in action. He was twenty-eight years old.

John was laid to rest at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.[6]

John and Alice had one daughter, who was born early 1919, after John's death. She also went on to become a teacher, following in her father's footsteps.

Stephen Robinson Bright

Stephen was born in 1877 in Houghton le Spring, and the son of John Bright and Jane Robinson.[7] In 1904, Stephen married Caroline Eliza Lamsdale in South Hetton.[8] Stephen and Caroline had five children, three sons and two daughters.

At some point between 1905 and 1906, the family relocated to South Shields, where Stephen embarked on his career as a teacher at Westoe County School.

Stephen served as a Private in the 17th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, during the war.[9]

On 18 September 1918, Stephen was killed in action. He was thirty-nine years old.

Stephen was laid to rest at Trefcon British Cemetery, Caulaincourt, France.[10] He was thirty nine years old.

His youngest daughter followed in his footsteps, and became a teacher.

Albert Victor Daniels

Albert was born in 1890 in South Shields. He was the son of Albert Victor Daniels, a Master Mariner, and Mary Elizabeth Minican.[11] Albert was a teacher at Westoe County School, South Shields.

During the war, Albert served as a Private in the 1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment.

In addition to enemy fire, the military had to deal with illnesses resulting from the severe conditions they were facing. Albert passed away on 01 December 1918 due to Influenza.[12] He was twenty-eighty years old.

He was laid to rest at Les Baraques Military Cemetery in Sangatte, France. Furthermore, he is remembered on a headstone at St Simon's Church Graveyard in South Shields alongside his father. The inscription also mentions that Albert had served as an Organist and Choirmaster at St Simon's Church.[13]

Robert Hogg

Born in 1892 to parents Robert Batey Hogg and Amy Gray,[14] Robert was a teacher at St Stephens County School, South Shields.

Robert was a private in the 1st/8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. The regiment moved to the front on 19 April 1915. However, just eight days later, on 17 April 1915, Robert passed away from injuries. Private William Bannerman, a friend of Robert's who served in the same battalion, mentioned that Robert was working at the supply stores when a shell hit, resulting in his death and injuries to all but two others.[15] He was twenty-three years old.

He was laid to rest at Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery in Belgium.[16]

Edward Nicholson Keedy

Edward was born in South Shields in 1880. He was the son of George young Keedy and Ann Eliza Brown.[17] Edward was a teacher at Westoe County School, South Shields.

In 1909, Edward married Isabel Blenkinsop Blackie, who was also a teacher, in South Shields.[18] They went on to have a daughter in 1913.

Edward was a Sergeant in the 1st/5th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He was reported missing between 09 and 12 April 1918 and was presumed dead. He was thirty-seven years old.

His memory is honoured at the Ploegsteert Memorial in Belgium.[19] Additionally, he is remembered on his parent's headstone at St Peter's Church Graveyard in Harton, South Shields.[20]

His wife Isabel continued her career in teaching, as did their daughter.

James Laing Kennedy

James, born in 1892, was the son of William Kennedy and Annie Overton.[21] James attended Westoe Road School, where he became a pupil teacher.[22] He went on to further his education in teaching at Leeds Teaching College. After finishing college, he become a teacher at Dean Road County School, South Shields.

During the war, James served as a Lance Corporal with the 1st Field Survey Coy., Royal Engineers.

James was killed in action on 28 October 1918. He was twenty-seven years old.

James was laid to rest at Busigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France.[23]

John Chatt Napier

John was born in South Shields in 1893. He was the son of George Napier, a Seaman, and Hannah Hepple.[24] John attended Westoe School, South Shields, where he became a pupil teacher. He then went on to teach at Laygate Lane County School in South Shields.

In 1912, John's mother passed away, and in 1916, his father tragically drowned.[25] John went on to serve as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers.

John was killed in action at Roubaix, France on 29 October 1918. He was twenty-five years old.

John was laid to rest at Cretinier Cemetery, Wattrelos, France.[26] He is also remembered on his parents headstone in St Peter's Church Graveyard, Harton, South Shields.[27]

Andrew Ohlsson

Andrew was born in 1888 in South Shields. He was the son of Swedish born Andrew Ohlsson and Margaret Tate Wilkinson.[28] Andrew's father was a proprietor of a Seamen's Boarding House in South Shields.

Andrew attended Holy Trinity Church of England Boys School, then went on to attend Westoe Higher Grade School for Boys, both in South Shields.[29][30] Andrew was working as a teacher at Westoe County School when he went to war. He served as a Private in the 1st/7th Battalion of Durham Light Infantry.

On 26 May 1915, Andrew went missing and was presumed killed in action. He was twenty-seven years old.

His memory is honoured at the Ypres Menin Gates Memorial in Belgium.[31]

Thomas Ward

Thomas was born in 1889 in Burra Island, Shetland Islands, Scotland. He was the son of Thomas Ward and Elizabeth Inkster.[32]

Thomas was educated as Armstrong College, Newcastle, where he gained a B.Sc. Degree.[33] He married Elizabeth Mary Murdoch in 1915.[34]

Thomas began his career as a teacher at South Shields High School just before the war started. He held the rank of Lieutenant in the 21st Tyneside Scottish Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He was temporarily promoted to Captain on 06 May 1916, but tragically, only a month after being deployed to the front, Thomas was killed by a rifle grenade on 11 June 1916.[35] He was twenty-six years old.

Unfortunately, he passed away before his promotion to Captain could become permanent.[36]

Thomas was laid to rest at Becourt Military Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, France.[37]

During a meeting on 07 July 1916, the South Shields Education Committee reported that out of the teachers from South Shields who had enlisted, four had passed away, three were unaccounted for, two were held as prisoners, and five had sustained injuries.[38]

John Cyril Watmough

Born in 1889 in Bramley, Yorkshire, John was the son of John Watmough and Helen Mary Horne.[39]

John attended Westoe School, South Shields. He then went on to study at Armstrong College in Newcastle.[40] After qualifying as a teacher, he taught at Barnes County School in South Shields.

During the war, John served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.

On 10 July 1915, John was killed in action. He was twenty-six years old. John was one of three brothers who were killed during the war. Victor died in 1917 and Edmund in 1918.

He was laid to rest at Ridge Wood Military Cemetery in Belgium.[41]

John Charles Winter

John was born in 1891 to parents Charles Winter and Annie Inkster.[42]

John studied at Westoe Higher Grade School in South Shields, then continued his education at Sunderland Teaching College.[43] Subsequently, he started his career as a teacher at Mortimer Road County School in South Shields.

When war broke out, John was enlisted as a Private in the 1st/7th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry.

John was killed in action on 26 May 1915. He was twenty three years old.

His memory is honoured at the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.[44]

William Stanley Wylie

Born in 1890 in South Shields, William was the son of Edward Smith Stanley Wylie and Amy Pollock.[45]

After attending Westoe Higher Grade School, William pursued his studies in teaching at Armstrong College in Newcastle.[46] In 1912, he earned a B.A. from Durham University,[47] and subsequently started working as a teacher at Dean Road County School in South Shields.

William was a Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, which was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment.

On 08 May 1915, he was reported as wounded and missing, and by 10 May, he was presumed dead at the age of twenty-four.[48]

William's memory is honoured at Ypres Menin Gates Memorial in Belgium.[49]

As Armistice Day approaches, it is a time for reflection and heartfelt gratitude towards the brave service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom and peace. These individuals, through their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment, have paved the way for a better future for generations to come. Their courage serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the immense sacrifices made to secure the liberties we often take for granted.

Each name engraved on memorials, each story of heroism and sacrifice, is a poignant reminder of the profound impact of war and conflict on individuals, families, and communities. The legacy of these fallen heroes transcends time, resonating with us as we strive to honour their memory and uphold the values they fought to defend.

Teachers of South Shields who fell in WWI

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