PROVINCE OF DURHAM
In November 2008 W.Bro. David Youngson published a book entitled Lest We Forget to Commemorate the Brethren of the Province of Durham who made the Supreme Sacrifice. Many Lodges failed to respond to the enquiries and the data was incomplete. A thorough search of records at Grand Lodge has enabled a revised and updated volume to be written
Where War Memorials have been identified they are included. However, the North East War Memorial Project researches all Memorials between the River Tweed and the River Tees. It may be that a Researcher might find more information from this website.
Researched and compiled by W.Bro. Colin Perrin Mistley Lodge No. 2339 Essex
W. Bro Revd David T. Youngson PPAG Chaplain Northumberland
48 Lodge of Industry
Masonic Hall Gateshead
Year of Warrant 1735
M/12905 Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class
Armstrong Ernest William
Royal Navy HM Submarine “J6”
The son of William Armstrong of Gateshead on Tyne. A Fitter and Turner he was Initiated on the 29th May 1917 but there is no record of any further Advancement. He died on the 15th October 1918 aged 24 and was the husband of Ellen Armstrong of 24 Henderson Road Sunderland. He is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial 29.
Editor’s Note:
The submarine “J6” was sunk by the British “Q” ship Cymric . The Cymric was a merchant ship taken over by the Admiralty, converted into a camouflaged gun boat and armed. She acted as a decoy ship under a neutral flag to lure German U boats into range. H.M.S/M J6 was lying on the surface outside Blyth, Northumberland and the Q ship Cymric was also in the area having previously encountered two British submarines on that day. At 16.00 hours, a third submarine was spotted. The Cymric went into action believing it to be a German U Boat. Despite a recognition signal being hoisted by J6 the attack continued. J6 went into a fog bank but was again attacked as she began to submerge. It was only after survivors were picked up that the mistake was discovered
William Cutter
Mercantile Marine
First Engineer MV Arabis of London
The son of the late William Bailey Cutter and Catherine Cutter. He was Initiated into Yokohama Lodge No 1092, Japan on the 24th June 1904; Passed 14th October 1904 and Raised on the 18th January 1905, resigning in March 1905. He Joined the Lodge of Industry No 48, Durham, on the 23rd July 1906. He drowned on the 16th September 1917 following an attack by a German submarine. Aged 44, he was the husband of Mary Hannah Cutter (nee Lightbown) of 7 Albury Park Road, Tynemouth, North Shields. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial London.
66583 Cpl. Wilkinson Thomas William
Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery
“B” Battery 123rd Brigade
The son of George Thomas and Elizabeth Isabella Wilkinson of Sheepwash, Bedlington, Northumberland. An Ironmonger, he was Initiated on the 22nd May 1911; Passed 26th June 1911 and Raised on the 24th July 1911. He enlisted at Gateshead and died of wounds in France on the 2nd April 1918, aged 40. He was the husband of Sarah Wilkinson of 225 Westbourne Avenue, Gateshead. He is buried in Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France Grave Reference V.A.1.
80 St John’s Lodge
Year of Warrant 1805
Masonic Hall Park Terrace Sunderland
Editor’s Note:
The information given below in respect of some of the brethren is the best possible conclusion from Lodge records, Grand Lodge records, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and data in respect of merchant ship losses during the First World War
Sub Lieutenant John William Bolam
Royal Naval Reserve S.S. Heatherside
Residing at Sunderland, he was Initiated on 8th June 1909; Passed on 11th October 1909 and Raised on 22nd December, 1913. The husband of Frances A.R. Bolam of 191 Westbourne Avenue, Gateshead, he died on the 24th August 1917, aged 38. Remembered on the Chatham Naval memorial 25.
The S.S. Heatherside (2767 GRT) was on a voyage from Milford Haven to Malta with a cargo of coal. She was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U93 in the Atlantic. 27 of the crew were lost.
James Adie Border
(Some records list him as Abie)
Mercantile Marine Chief Engineer
He resided at 58 Colchester Terrace, Sunderland and was aged 42 at his Initiation on 19th May 1908; Passed on 12th October 1909 and Raised on 29th April, 1911. The Lodge records indicate that he was lost at sea on the 15th February 1914. No Service records have been found
George William Carter
He was Initiated on the 11th February 1902 when his occupation was given as a Marine Engineer, aged 27; Passed 14th March 1902 and Raised on the 10th March 1903. His address was given as 7 Green Terrace, Sunderland and he died on the 12th December 1917. There are no war casualty records in respect of this person.
William Clayburn
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Mercantile Marine Master S.S. Duckbridge
Residing at 16 Hunter Terrace, Sunderland he was Initiated on 6th January 1903; Passed on 10th February 1903 and Raised on 22nd January 1904. He died on the 22nd February 1916 aged 56. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London
The S.S. Duckbridge (1491 GRT) was owned by Thomas L. Weiss of Newcastle and was sunk after hitting a mine six miles North of Straitie Point, Cardiff, en route from Cardiff to an unknown destination. 19 of the crew were lost.
John Liddle Gowdy
Mercantile Marine Chief Engineer
Residing at Chatsworth Street, Sunderland, he was Initiated on 11th June 1901 aged 43; Passed on 14th August 1901 and Raised on 10th June 1902. Lodge records state that he died on the 18th January 1916.
No Service records have been found
William Hedley
Mercantile Marine
First Engineer S.S. Linwood of Middlesbrough.
He was born at Sunderland and was Initiated on 9th September 1890 when his occupation was given as an Engraver; Passed on 24th November 1890 and Raised on 28th March 1891. He was presumed drowned on the 22nd January 1917 aged 65 and was the husband of Rachel Hedley of 7 Ettrick Grove, Chester Road, Sunderland. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Linwood left Cartagena for Maryport with a cargo of Iron Ore on the 20th January 1917 and passed Gibraltar on the 22nd and was untraced thereafter with a loss of 24 crew.
Reginald John Jauget
Royal Fleet Auxiliary Mercantile Marine
Second Mate S.S. Ramazan of Liverpool.
He was born in Russia and was the husband of Madge Jauget of 13 Moran Street, Fulwell, Sunderland. He was Initiated on 11th May 1909; Passed on 18th January 1910 and Raised on 12th April, 1910. He died on the 19th September 1915 aged 45. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London
The S.S. Ramazan (3477 GRT) was lost 55 Miles SW from Cerigotto Island off the South Coast of Greece. She was captured by a submarine and sunk by gunfire. There was one life lost.
David Jones
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Master S.S. Dalewood
Residing at 3 Elwin Terrace, Sunderland, he was Initiated on 10th February 1903; Passed on 13th July 1903 and Raised on 18th August 1903. He died on the 26th February 1918 aged 54. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Dalewood was probably owned by Wm. France Fennick and Co. She was on a voyage from Cardiff to Scapa Flow when she was torpedoed and sunk with the loss of some 23 crew.
Albert Harry Purvis
Some records list him as ‘Henry’
Mercantile Marine
First Mate S.S.Hazelwood of Middlesbrough.
He was born at South Shields and was Initiated on 29th June 1917, there are no records of any further Advancement. The husband of Jane Purvis of 6 Wallisfield Road, Clapton, Middlesex. He died on the 19th October 1917 aged 41. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S.Hazelwood (3120 GRT) was defensively armed and was lost 8 miles SE by E from Anvil Point Isle of Purbeck Dorset. She was torpedoed without warning and sunk by a submarine. 32 lives were lost
Thomas Stafford Robason
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Mercantile Marine
Master S.S. Northumbria of London
He was Initiated on 13th September 1910; Passed on 14th February 1911 and Raised on 14th March 1911. He died on the 23rd December 1915 aged 41. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Northumbria (872GRT) was built in 1869. On a voyage from Granton, near Leith, Scotland, to London with a cargo of coal, on the 22nd December 1915, she was lost the following day. Weather records reveal a strong Low moving into the British Isles. Several other ships were posted missing at the same time.
John Snowdon
(CWGC list him as Snowden)
Royal Naval Reserve
Mercantile Marine Master Arcadian
Residing at 71 Sydenham Road, Sunderland, he was initiated on 1st March 1902 aged 26; Passed on 17th November 1902 and Raised on 20th May 1905 into Corinthian Lodge No 1382, London. He died on the 17th September 1918 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The date of death does not coincide with the loss of his ship. He must therefore have died following the sinking. The Arcadian (8939 GRT) owned by Royal Mail S.P. of London. She was torpedoed by a German submarine UB 74 twenty six miles NE from Milo on a journey from Salonika to France on the 15th April 1917 with the loss of thirty five lives.
John George South
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Mercantile Marine
Master S.S. War Song of London.
The husband of Mary Ada South of 9 Winifred Terrace, Hendon, Sunderland. He was Initiated on 13th July 1915; Passed on 16th December 1915 and Raised into Singleton Lodge, New South Wales, Australia No.1038. He died on the 15th January 1918 aged 47. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. War Song was managed by W. France Fenwick and Co. (2535 GRT). She was captured and sunk by the German submarine U 8 4 twelve miles W. from Ile de Sein on a voyage from Bilbao to Brest.
Charles Stoddart Westerby
Lodge records list him as ‘Westerberg’
Mercantile Marine Master Farnham
The husband of Ann Ingham Westerby of 4 Ettrick Grove, Sunderland. Residing at 137 Cleveland Road, Sunderland, he was Initiated on 10th January 1905; Passed on 9th November 1909 and Raised on 16th February 1911. He died on the 19th May 1917 aged 47. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The Farnham (3102 GRT) was owned by V. T. Thompson & Co. of Sunderland. She was defensively armed and was torpedoed without warning by the German submarine U 57 ninety miles NW from Fastnet with the loss of seventeen lives. Other records show the sinking as ten miles W from Brow Head Co. Cork on a voyage from Bizerta to the River Clyde.
James Robinson Willing
Mercantile Marine
First Officer S.S. Lonada of London.
He was born at Sunderland and was the husband of Elizabeth Hannah Willing (nee Oliver) of 129 Canon Cockin Street, Sunderland. He was Initiated on 2nd September 1914; there is no record of any further Advancement. He died on the 29th December 1916 aged 49. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Lonada (1286 GRT) owned by the Port of London Authority was mined five miles N by E from Shipwash Lightship on a voyage from the Tyne to London with the loss of six lives.
94 Phoenix Lodge
Year of Warrant 1755
Freemasons Hall Queen Street Sunderland
30/632 Sgt Hindmarch Thomas Wilson
(UGL Roll of Honour show him as Hindmarsh)
Northumberland Fusiliers Depot
The son of Thomas and Annie Hindmarch. A Clerk he was Initiated on the 11th December 1912; Passed 8th January 1913 and Raised on the 5th February 1913. He died on the 26th February 1919 age 32. The husband of Margaret A. Hindmarch of 46 Sydenham Terrace, Sunderland. He is buried in Bishopwearmouth Cemetery, Sunderland, Grave Reference 20.CC.2057.
Temporary Lieutenant James Horan Robertson
Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
8th Battalion
The son of Matthew and Annie Robertson of 9 Woodlands Road, Darlington. A Marine Engineer, he was Initiated on the 3rd June 1914; Passed 8th July 1914 and Raised on the 2nd September 1914. He was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on the 18th July 1916 aged 29. Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier and Face 10A.
97 Palatine Lodge
Year of Warrant 1757
Masonic Hall, Park Terrace Sunderland
44965 Corporal Cowie Joseph
Army Records list him as Joe Cowey
Royal Garrison Artillery 14th Heavy Battery
He was born at West Wylam, Northumberland and was a Clerk. He was Initiated into Wearmouth Lodge No 2934, Durham, on the 14th October 1907; Passed 11th November 1907 and Raised on the 13th December 1907, resigning on the 4th November 1911. He was a Joining Member of Palatine Lodge No 97, Durham on the 14th December 1911. He died of wounds on the 29th August 1918 aged 36. The husband of M.G. Cowey of 59 Morshead Mansions, Maida Vale, London. He is buried in Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France, Grave Reference V.E. 17.
Joseph Hall
This name appears on the Grand Lodge Roll of Honour with no service rank.
A Joseph Arthur HALL who was a Photographer/Dealer in Sunderland was Initiated on the 17th March 1904 aged 32; Passed 14th April 1904 and Raised on the 16th June 1904. His last payment was in 1911. No service records can be found in respect of this person.
Editor’s note: In May 2016 Pamela Edmondson, who is the Great Grand Niece of Joseph Arthur Hall, stated that he was born in 1871 and died in 1955. He was photographer in Sunderland and emigrated to Canada in 1912.
20706 Sergeant Hall Joseph Jobling
Durham Light Infantry 3rd Battalion
(Some records show him as being in the 10th Battalion)
The son of George and Susannah Hall, he was born in Sunderland and enlisted at Sunderland. He died at home as a result of shell shock on the 19th October 1916, aged 33. The husband of Annie Hall of 23 Howick Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, he is buried in Sunderland (Bishopwearmouth) Cemetery. Grave Reference 2.AE.
Charles Sayers
Mercantile Marine
First Engineer SS Dulwich
He was born at Portsmouth and was a Marine Engineer who was Initiated on the 12th February 1891; Passed 12th March 1891 and Raised on the 9th April 1891. He was known as ‘Charlie’ and died on the 10th June 1917, aged 59, and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
Editor’s Note: The SS Dulwich was a collier owned by South Metropolitan Gas Company (1460 GRT) which struck a mine and sunk 7 miles NE of Shipwash Lightship on a voyage from Seaham Harbour to London.
Lieutenant Adam Macgregor Wilson
He was born in Sunderland in 1888. Prior to his being Commissioned in 1916, military records list him as CQMS in the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) 8th Battalion. He was Initiated into Palatine Lodge, No 97, Sunderland, Province of Durham on the 13th April 1916; Passed 11th February 1918 and Raised on the 18th March 1918. (Grand Lodge Records show an error in that he resigned in November 1916). He was Joining Member of Maguncor Lodge No 3806, Province of Lincolnshire on the 4th March 1918. He died on the 10th August 1920 aged 32.
124 Marquis of Granby Lodge
Year of Warrant 1763
Freemasons’ Hall Durham City
Captain Alfred Herbert Brock
Royal Engineers
A Police Sergeant, he was Initiated in to Marquis of Granby Lodge No 124, Durham on the 1st September 1896; Passed 3rd November 1896 and Raised on the 4th December 1896 resigning in January 1913. He was a Joining Member of Vane Lodge No 3110, Bishop Auckland on the 9th February 1917 when his occupation was given as a Police Superintendent. He died on the 3rd January 1919. CWGC records state his age at death as 50 but according to Lodge Records his age would have been 54. He is buried in Durham (St. Oswald’s) Burial Ground, Durham City, Grave Reference 50F.
36237 Private Chipchase Henry
Durham Light Infantry
2nd Battalion
He was born at Edmondsley Co Durham. A Schoolmaster residing at East Hetton, he was Initiated on the 5th February 1907; Passed 5th March 1907 and Raised on the 3rd September 1907. He enlisted at Kelloe and died of wounds on the 8th October 1918. He is buried in Bellicourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France Grave Reference V.6.
18/249 Sgt. Corker Richard Robson
Durham Light Infantry
18th Battalion
He was born at Chester le Street. A Schoolmaster residing at Quebec, Co. Durham, he was Initiated on the 2nd March 1915; Passed 6th April 1915 and Raised on the 1st June 1915. He enlisted at Durham and died of wounds during the Battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916 aged 23. He is buried at Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, Aisne, France Grave Reference I.B.47.
811 Private Coyne Robert Ernest
Coldstream Guards
1st Battalion
He was born at St. Oswald’s Durham and was the Inn Keeper at the Queens Head, Durham City. He was Initiated on the 2nd October 1906; Passed 6th November 1906 and Raised on the 2nd April 1907. He enlisted at Durham and was killed in action on the 29th October 1918 aged 41. He is Remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, West Vlaanderen Belgium, Panel 11.
Arthur Robert Steel
Medical Officer
A Surgeon, he was Initiated into Bedford Lodge No 282, Tavistock, Devonshire, on the 2nd June 1886; Passed 7th July 1886 and Raised on the 4th August 1886. Residing at Thornley, Co. Durham, he was a Joining Member of Marquis of Granby Lodge No 124, Durham, on the 2nd July 1912. Records indicate that he was aboard the SS Mendi and died on the 21st February 1917 aged 57. The husband of Flora Janet Steel of 4, Belmont Terrace, Aberdare. He joined the 1st Volunteer Battalion, The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on the 4th May 1889, resigning his commission on the 12th July that year. He studied at Edinburgh University and was licensed with the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Surgeons in 1885. He was a Medical Practitioner in Durham from 1906 being the Regional Surgical Officer at Thornley from 1907 practicing at Waterloo House, Thornley.
Editor's Note:
An obituary in the British Medical Journal records him as being in the Medical Officer, Admiralty Transport Service. Although the casualties from the SS Mendi are recorded on the Hollybrook Memorial Southampton, his name does not appear. The Mendi was sailing from Cape Town bound for Le Havre. After leaving Plymouth in thick mist some 12 miles off St Catherine’s Point, Isle of Wight, she was in collision with the 11,000 ton liner SS Darro and sank with the loss of 607 Officers and men of the Native Battalion and 29 crew, almost one third of the names on the Memorial.
Further details can be found in African Voices from Two World Wars - David Killingray
19/1005 Sgt Yule Robert
Durham Light Infantry
19th Battalion
The son of John and Eliza Yule of North Shields, he was born at Neville’s Cross, Durham. A Band Instructor, he was Initiated on the 4th April 1911; Passed 6th June 1911 and Raised on the 4th July 1911. He enlisted at West Hartlepool and died of wounds on the 17th July 1916 aged 42. The husband of Elizabeth Ann Yule of Ferndale, Hawthorn Terrace, Durham, he is buried in Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, France Grave Reference IV.H.37.
240 St Hilda’s Lodge
Year of Warrant 1780
Freemasons Hall, South Shields
Alexander Cordiner
Mercantile Marine Master S.S. Heworth
A Master Mariner, he was Initiated on the 27th May 1889; Passed 12th May 1890 and Raised on the 9th June 1890. For some reason the Lodge records state that he resigned at a date unknown and rejoined on the 13th August 1899. He died on the 12th March 1918 aged 62 and was interred on the 3rd August 1914. He was a native of Nova Scotia. The husband of Georgina Cordiner of 28 Alice Street, South Shields. He is remembered on a Special Memorial in the Berlin South Western Cemetery Reference 19.E.1A.
The SS Heworth is not listed as a Mercantile Marine ship loss and some records suggest that it was in Kiel Harbour, Germany at the outbreak of war. In 1922 it was decided that the graves of Commonwealth servicemen, including those of the Mercantile Marine, who had died all over Germany should be brought together in four permanent cemeteries, one of which was the Berlin South Western Cemetery. These were completed by 1925. No other members of the crew were listed as war casualties so presumably they survived internment.
411087 Pte. Parlett Arthur Edgar
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
(Eastern Ontario Regiment)
The son of William Bass Parlett and Olive Elizabeth Parlett of South Shields. He was Initiated on the 8th July 1912 when his age was given as 22. There is no record of any further advancement. He died of wounds on the 19th February 1916 aged 26 and is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France Grave Ref: II.C.156.
Editor’s Note:
There are some small discrepancies of data in respect of CWGC, Lodge Records and the Canadian Roll of Honour but what is stated above is an amalgam of all three affording an accurate account.
344490 Gunner Ramm Clifford Chapman
Royal Garrison Artillery 169 Siege Battery
The son of John Thomas and Margaret Ramm of 11 St. John’s Terrace, East Boldon, he was born at South Shields. A Shipping Clerk, he was Initiated into Lodge of Temperance No 2557, Newcastle on Tyne, Province of Northumberland, dated 17th December 1906; Passed 21st January 1907 and Raised on the 18th February 1907, resigning on the 20th June 1910. He was Joining Member of St. Hilda’s Lodge No 240, South Shields, Province of Durham on the 13th March 1911. He enlisted at South Shields and died of wounds on the 24th April 1918 aged 38. Buried in Picquigny British Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave Reference D.7.
Jacob Bruce Robinson
Mercantile Marine
Second Engineer SS Whorlton
He was born at South Shields. A Marine Engineer he was Initiated on the 12th April 1898; Passed 12th September 1898 and Raised on the 10th October 1898. He died on the 12th January 1918 aged 60 and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The SS Whorlton was a cargo/collier built by Crown at Monkwearmouth, Sunderland (1469 GRT) for Furness Withy & Co. Ltd. of West Hartlepool. She was torpedoed by the German submarine UB 30 in position 50.34N by 00.45W near to the Owers Light vessel on a voyage from Dunkirk to Southampton.
Lieutenant George Robson
Seaforth Highlanders
(Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany’s)
4th (Ross Highland) Battalion (Territorial)
The son of the late George and Hannah Robson of Wellington Terrace, South Shields. An Engineer, he was Initiated on the 13th June 1905; Passed 11th July 1905 and Raised on the 14th August 1905. He was killed in action on the 20th September 1917, aged 35, and is Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium, Addenda Panel.
Editor’s Note:
The Grand Lodge Roll of Honour record him as being a Member of Lodge 240 St. Hilda Lodge, Durham and 3428 Napier Clavering Lodge, Northumberland. However, the Masonic records do not correspond and clearly this is an error.
Peter Kemp Ross
Mercantile Marine
Master SS John O’Scott
He was Initiated on the 10th July 1905; Passed 11th September 1905 and Raised on the 9th October 1905. The husband of Susannah Ross of 26 Tynedale Avenue, Monkseaton. He died on the 18th September 1918 aged 50 and is buried at Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, Northumberland Grave Reference C.C.10330
Editor’s Note
The SS John O’Scott (1235 GRT) of Leith owned by Christian Salvesen was defensively armed. She was torpedoed without warning by the German submarine U117 on a voyage from Barry to Dover on the 18th September 1918, nine miles W by N from Trevose Head with the loss of 18 lives.
MB/160 Chief Motor Mechanic Stanes Arthur
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
HMS Satelllite
The son of Mr. H.P. and Mrs. M.A. Stanes of Mariner Cottage, 6 Princes Road, Burham-on-Crouch, Essex. He was Initiated on the 10th September 1917; Passed 8th October 1917 and Raised on the 12th November 1917. He died on the 24th May 1918 aged 21 and is buried in Burnham-on-Crouch Cemetery, Essex, Grave Reference B.U.124.
His brother R/17643 Rifleman Alfred Stanes served with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 20th Battalion and was killed in action on the 19th June 1917 age 28 and is Remembered on the Arras Memorial, France, Bay 7.
HMS Satellite was a Satellite class corvette which was used by the RNR as a drill ship and hospital ship from 1904.
Thomas Storm
Mercantile Marine Master SS Prunelle
The son of Rueben and Mary Storm of Sandsend, Whitby. A Mariner, he was Initiated on the 11th May 1908; Passed 17th June 1908 and Raised on the 10th August 1908.
He died on the 22nd August 1918 aged 51 and was the husband of Hannah Margaret Storm of 65 Alwinton Terrace, Gosforth, Newcastle. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The SS Prunelle (578 GRT) managed by H.W. and C.M. Ezard of Goole was torpedoed by the German submarine UB 112 two mile SE from Blyth on a voyage from London to Dundee with the loss of twelve lives.
326395 Lance Bombardier Urwin William
CWGC list him as ‘Irwin’
Royal Garrison Artillery 23rd Fire Command
The son of Henry and Mary Irwin he was born at Tyne Dock, South Shields. A Rate Collector residing at 8 Roseberry Terrace, South Shields, he was Initiated into St. Hilda Lodge No 240, South Shields on the 11th March 1901; Passed 9th April 1901 and Raised on the 11th June 1901, resigning on the 31st December 1905. He was a Founder Member of Lord Barnard Lodge No 2935, South Shields in 1902, resigning in September 1907 and also a Founder Member of John Readhead Lodge No 3217, South Shields in 1907. He enlisted at South Shields and died at home on the 6th November 1918 aged 38. The husband of Mary Irwin of 6 Wadham Terrace, Tyne Dock, South Shields he is buried in Harton (St. Peter) Churchyard, South Shields, Grave Reference Middle. 9.7.
George Whittingham
Mercantile Marine
First Engineer SS John O’Scott
A Marine Engineer, he was Initiated on the 8th January 1912; Passed 8th April 1912 and Raised on the 12th May 1912. He died on the 18th September 1918 aged 44 and is buried in South Shields (Harton) Cemetery, Grave Reference D.667.
Editor’s Note The SS John O’Scott (1235 GRT) of Leith owned by Christian Salvesen was defensively armed. She was torpedoed without warning by the German submarine U117 on a voyage from Barry to Dover on the 18th September 1918 nine miles W by N from Trevose Head with the loss of 18 lives.
375 Lambton Lodge
Year of Warrant 1824
Freemason’s Hall Durham
Editor’s Note
Notes from V.W. Brother C.S. Marshall PGSwdB
Lambton Lodge, particularly in its earlier years, was run very much as the private dining club of successive Provincial Grand Masters: in fact every Provincial Grand Master from John George Lambton, First Earl of Durham (of Penshaw Monument fame) who founded the Lodge and was its first Master in 1824, up to Colonel Frederick Walton, M.C., TD, DL, who died in 1969, has been a subscribing member of the Lodge. In consequence the niceties of minute keeping were not always fully observed! Because of this last-named Lambton quirk, Grand Lodge refused to grant a Centenary Warrant in 1924, on the grounds that continuous operation could not be proved. The Lodge eventually received a Centenary Warrant at the 150th Anniversary in 1974.
Lieutenant Victor Parker
Royal Horse & Royal Field Artillery
1st Northumbrian Battery
The son of The Hon. Reginald and Katherine Parker, he was born at Newcastle on Tyne and educated at Eton. He was Initiated on the 24th March 1905; Passed 7th July 1905 and Raised on the 6th October 1905. He was wounded and died of pneumonia on the 5th March 1916 aged 39. The husband of Catherine Parker of 38C Westminster Palace Gardens London, he is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, West Vlaaderen, Belgium Grave Reference V.A.3.
Editor’s Note
At each Installation (November) he is remembered immediately after the Lodge is opened.
424 Borough Lodge
Year of Warrant 1834
Masonic Hall, Half Moon Lane, Gateshead
This Lodge surrendered its Warrant in December 2007
Lieutenant Frederick James Brewis
A Master Mariner, he was Initiated on the 8th June 1916 age given as 35 and there is no further record of any advancement. The Lodge Records state that he was “Drowned at sea March 1918” but no war casualty records have been found.
270535 Private Heron Henry
Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) 5/6th Battalion
(Formerly 5850 Scottish Rifles)
A Provision Merchant he was Initiated on the 16th September 1912; Passed 16th December 1912 and Raised on the 16th January 1913. He was killed in action on the 29th September 1917 and is remembered on the Nieuport Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Thomas James
Mercantile Marine
Third Engineer H.M.A.T. Justicia
The son of the late Benjamin and Mary Ann James, he was born at Aberporth, Cardiganshire. An Engineer residing at Durham, he was Initiated on the 21st August 1916; Passed 18th September 1916 and Raised on the 18th December 1916. He died on the 20th July 1918 aged 46. The husband of Elizabeth Margaret James (nee Jenkins) of 12 Norfolk Road, Southampton, he is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
H.M.A.T. Justicia (32324 tons) was managed by the White Star Shipping Company of London and was defensively armed. She was attacked and torpedoed by German submarines, UB 64 and UB 124 twenty miles SW by N from Skerryvore on a voyage from Liverpool to New York with the loss of ten lives.
509 Tees Lodge
Year of Warrant 1845
Freemason’s Hall, Stockton on Tees
Lieutenant James William Green
Royal Naval Reserve
H.M. Trawler Dirk
P/L/Bombardier Watson Herbert
Royal Garrison Artillery 251st Siege Battery
He was born at Darlington. A Manager, he was Initiated on the 1st June 1911; Passed 5th October 1911 and Raised on the 4th January 1912. He enlisted at Sunderland and died at home on the 20th September 1917 aged 30. The husband of Christina Watson of 14 Pilgrim Street, Sunderland, he is buried in Sunderland (Mere Knolls) Cemetery, Grave Memorial 2.690.
br />
531 St. Helen’s Lodge
Year of Warrant 1846
Masonic Hall, Hartlepool
Lieutenant Adolf Coles Charlton
(Some records show him as Adolph)
Royal Naval Reserve H.M.S. Hampshire
The son of Alfred Coles Charlton and Catherine Hogg Charlton of 7 Northgate, Hartlepool, he was Initiated on 21st January 1916 and there is no record of any further Advancement. He died on the 5th June 1916 aged 26 and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial 22.
H.M.S. Hampshire took part in the Battle of Jutland. Immediately afterwards, she was directed to carry Lord Kitchener from Scapa Flow to Russia on a diplomatic mission. Sailing for Archangel in a gale, she struck a mine near Marwick Head on the 5th June 1916 and sank within minutes, with the loss of 643 lives. There were twelve survivors.
158257 Gunner Farrow Joseph Henry Tate
Royal Garrison Artillery
125th Heavy Battery
He was an Engineer residing at Friar Terrace, Hartlepool who was Initiated on 4th March 1915; Passed 3rd June 1915 and Raised on the 1st July 1915. He enlisted at Hartlepool. After being gassed, he died of wounds on the 2nd April 1918 aged 29. The husband of Margaret J. Farrow of 5 Friar Terrace, Hartlepool, he is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France Grave Reference XXXIII.C.19A.
Lieutenant Ernest William Pearson
Durham Light Infantry 17th Battalion
The son of Sherwood and Alice May Pearson of West Hartlepool. A Clerk residing at Whitburn Street, Hartlepool, he was Initiated on the 18th February 1904; Passed 7th April 1904 and Raised on the 11th May 1904. He was killed in action at Gallipoli on the 7th August 1915 aged 36. The husband of Constance Sarah Pearson he is buried at Redoubt Cemetery, Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey and remembered on the Special Memorial B.127.
73015 Private Purves Richard Pringle
(Grand Lodge Records list him as Purvis)
Durham Light Infantry 1/6th Battalion
The son of William and Elizabeth Purves, he was born at Hartlepool and was a Brewer residing at Cliff Terrace, Hartlepool. He was Initiated on the 1st April 1915; Passed 3rd June 1915 and Raised on the 5th August 1915. He enlisted at Hartlepool and was killed in action on the 29th March 1918 aged 27. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France, Panel 68 – 72.
661 Fawcett Lodge
Year of Warrant 1856
Masonic Hall, Seaham Harbour
20060 Private Beck John George
Coldstream Guards 2nd Battalion
He was born at Kirk Merrington, Durham. A Licensed Victualler residing at Shotton Colliery, he was Initiated on the 10th June 1914; Passed 12th August 1914 and Raised on the 24th February 1915. He enlisted at West Hartlepool and died of wounds on the 11th November 1917. The Husband of Alice Beck of School Harris, Shotton Colliery. He is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France Grave Ref: XXX.K.29A.
Lieutenant Sydney Broford Clark
Royal Naval Reserve HMS India
The son of Thomas and Annie Clark of 6 Queens Road, Monkseaton, Northumberland. He was born at South Shields. At the time of his Initiation he was serving with the Mercantile Marine. He was Initiated on the 27th November 1906; Passed 11th September 1907 and Raised on the 9th October 1907. He died on 8th August 1915 aged 32 and is remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent 13.
H.M.S. India was a P & O passenger liner (7911 GRT) built on the Clyde. Hired by the Admiralty as an armed merchant cruiser with the 19th cruiser squadron. She was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U 22 off the Island of Helligvaer near Bodo, Norway with the loss of 10 Officers and 150 Ratings. There were 141 survivors.
Edward John Roberts
Mercantile Marine, Master S.S. Lady Helen
A Master Mariner he was Initiated on the 24th October 1898; Passed 9th January 1899 and Raised on the 16th February 1899. He died on the 27th October 1917 aged 55 and was the husband of Sarah Jane Roberts of 5 Princess Road, Seaham Harbour. He is buried in Seaham Cemetery, Co. Durham, Grave Reference 2.C.451.
The S.S. Lady Helen (811 GRT) was owned by the Marquis of Londonderry, Seaham Harbour and was torpedoed by the German Submarine UB34 half a mile east of South Cheek, Robin Hoods Bay on a voyage from Yarmouth to Seaham Harbour with the loss of seven lives.
98853 Private Rutter John
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
240th Company
A Grocer’s Manager born at Newbottle, Durham, residing at Easington Colliery, he was Initiated on the 9th August 1911; Passed 11th October 1911 and Raised on the 16th November 1911. He enlisted at West Hartlepool and died of wounds on the 30th October 1917, aged 31. The husband of Josephine Rutter of 21 North Terrace, New Lambton, Fence Houses, Co. Durham. He is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Grave Reference XI.D.16.
100346 Cpl. Wilkinson Cuthbert
Royal Garrison Artillery 281st Siege Battery
He was born at Springwell, Co. Durham. A Confectioner, he was Initiated on the 14th February 1912; Passed 8th May 1912 and Raised on the 6th June 1912, resigning in 1916. He rejoined in 1917 when his occupation was given as a Picture Hall Proprietor. He enlisted at Seaham and was killed in action on the 23rd October 1918 and is buried in St. Hilaire Les Cambrai British Cemetery, Nord, France. Grave Ref: C.4.
Editor’s Note
There is no next of kin or age given in any military or Grand Lodge records. Another person with the same name appears in the Durham Masonic Yearbook of 1918. Cuthbert Wilkinson PPJGW who was a member of Fenwick Lodge No 1389 in 1901 and a Joining Member of Palatine Lodge No 97.
