764 Harbour Of Refuge
Year of Warrant 1856
Masonic Hall Seaham Harbour
Albert Ernest Kennedy
Mercantile Marine Pilot S.S. Onesta
A Master Mariner residing at West Hartlepool, he was Initiated on the 9th March 1909; Passed 13th April 1909 and Raised on the 11th May 1909. The husband of Harriet A. Kennedy of 10 Thornton Street, West Hartlepool. He died between the 1st August and 31st August 1917, aged 46, and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
Editor’s Note
The SS Onesta of Genoa, owned by Fratelli Beraldo (2664 GRT) was torpedoed and Sunk on the 7th August 1917 by the German Submarine UC 63 off the Inner Dowsing Light Vessel, on a voyage with coal from the Tyne to Genoa. The ship was Italian owned and obviously with an Italian crew. No records of other casualties were recorded as United Kingdom War Casualties. The approximate date of death was given on a Coroner’s instruction. Deep Sea Pilots were engaged to monitor the passage of ships in the North Sea and usually alighted in the Straits of Dover.
London Z/1018 Leading Seaman Smith Thomas Mark
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
949 Williamson Lodge
Year of Warrant 1863
Masonic Hall, Monkwearmouth
Lieutenant Charles Percy Almond
Royal Engineers Base Depot
He was the son of Charles and Mary Almond of Sunderland. A Mining Engineer residing at Southwick, Sunderland, he was Initiated into Williamson Lodge No 949, Durham on the 17th January 1910; Passed 21st March 1910 and Raised on the 29th April 1910. He was Joining Member of Lodge of Light No 2721, London, on the 21st November 1913 when his occupation was given as a Mining Engineer. This Lodge records that he died in April 1915 but there is no evidence to support this. He died on the 5th April, 1917, aged 31. The husband of Frances E. Almond of Gainsborough Lodge, Frinton on Sea, he is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France Grave Reference: Officers, B.5.29.
Editor’s Note
There was a large Military Hospital at St. Sever, Rouen. Clearly his unit and his death indicate that he died of an aliment/accident rather than being on active service.
191527 Sapper Craig Albert
Corps of Royal Engineers
5th Army H.Q. Signal Company
He was born at Sunderland and was a Contract Officer with the Post Office at Sunderland. He was Initiated on the 17th April 1916; Passed 15th May 1916 and Raised on the 22nd June 1916. He enlisted at Sunderland. The husband of Eva Craig of 3 Chatsworth Street, Sunderland, he died on the 7th May 1918. He is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France Grave Reference IV.A.19.
2199 Pte Crichton John Michael Smith
Australian Infantry (AIF)
16th Battalion
The son of Alfred James and Ann Crichton of 28 Sidecliff Road, Sunderland. A Farmer, he was Initiated on the 18th March 1912 but there is no record of any further Advancement. He died at Gallipoli on the 8th August 1915 aged 26 and is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial 52, Gallipoli, Turkey.
284306 Gunner Doxford John William
Royal Garrison Artillery 115th Heavy Battery
The son of Mrs. Mary Ann Doxford of 23 Penshurst Street, Sunderland, he was born at Sunderland. A Clerk, he was Initiated on the 18th April 1910; Passed 20th June 1910 and Raised on the 18th July 1910 and was Junior Deacon of his Lodge. He enlisted at Sunderland and died of wounds on the 22nd October 1917 aged 40 and is buried in Minty Farm Cemetery, Langemark-Poelkapelle, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium Grave Reference II.C.25.
Ericksen Eric August
An Engineer giving his address as North Shields, he was Initiated into St. George’s Lodge No 431, North Shields, Province of Northumberland on the 11th August 1885; Passed 17th February 1886 and Raised on the 25th August 1886, resigning in March 1894. He became a Joining Member of Williamson Lodge No 949, Monkwearmouth, Province of Durham on the 19th March 1894 when his address was given as Three Crowns Wharf, Sunderland. His death is recorded as the 28th January 1919 aged 68.
Editor’s note:
Some references spell his name as ‘Erickson’. There are no military records for him and his date of death as recorded in Lodge Minutes would tend to indicate that he was not a war casualty. He was possibly a Marine Engineer with the Mercantile Marine.
209524 Pioneer Gibson Alexander William
Corps of Royal Engineers “E” Special Company
The son of Alexander Charlton Gibson and Jane Gibson of 10 Sea Road, Fulwell, Sunderland. An Analytical Chemist, he was Initiated on the 19th April 1915; Passed 17th July 1915 and Raised on the 16th August 1915. He enlisted at Sunderland and died on the 5th October 1917 aged 27. He is buried in Nine Elms Military Cemetery, Thelus, France. Grave Reference I.C.32.
Editor’s Note:
The Lodge Records state that he was “killed in action”. However, military records indicate that he “died” which would suggest that his death was the result of an accident or mishap.
William John Kennedy
Mercantile Marine
First Engineer S.S. Lonclara
A Marine Engineer he was Initiated on the 16th March 1908; Passed 15th April 1908 and Raised on the 15th June 1908. The brother of Miss Mary Hannah Kennedy of 23 The Royalty, Sunderland, he died on the 4th January 1917 aged 50 and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Lonclara (1294 GRT) owned by the Port of London Authority was mined and sunk off the River Wear with the loss of four lives.
Joseph William Manning
Mercantile Marine
Master S.S. Cheviot Range
The son of James Manning. He was Initiated on the 13th August 1906; Passed 17th September 1906 and Raised on the 18th May 1906. He died on the 21st February 1918 aged 48. He was the husband of Mary Manning of 31 The Westlands, Sunderland, he is buried in Perranzabuloe (St. Piran) Churchyard, Cornwall, England.
The S.S. Cheviot Range (3691 GRT) was owned by Furness Withy and Co of London. She was captured by the German submarine U102 and shelled twenty five miles South from the Lizard on a voyage from Tuticorn to the UK. 27 lives were lost.
106246 Petty Officer First Class Neate William John
Royal Navy (RFR/PO/A/226)
H.M.S. Carmania
The son of the late James and Sarah Neate of Bristol. Residing at 15 Hylton Road, Sunderland. An Electrician, he was a Joining Member from Lodge No 387, Irish Constitution on the 15th January 1906, resigning on the 30th June 1911. He died on the 14th February 1916 aged 53. He was the husband of Elizabeth Neate of 62 Ravensworth Street, Millfield, Sunderland and is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial 11.
HMS Carmania was a Cunarder requisitioned as an Armed Merchant Cruiser and saw action sinking the German Light Cruiser SS. Cap Trafalar off Trinidad on the 14th September 1914. She became a troopship in 1916 and was used to transport troops between Halifax, Nova Scotia and Liverpool. She was scrapped in 1932.
Robert Davison Phillipson
Mercantile Marine
Second Engineer S.S. Adriatic
A Marine Engineer, he was born at Sunderland and was Initiated on the 15th June 1914; Passed 18th October 1915 and Raised on the 20th December 1915. He died on the 31st October 1916 aged 31. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Adriatic (3028 GRT), owned by W.K. Cockerline and Co, of Hull, was reported missing after leaving Newport, Monmouthshire for Marseilles.
73354 Private Purvis Thomas
Durham Light Infantry 5th Battalion
He was the son of Matthew and Jane Purvis of 45 St. Mark’s Road, Millfield, Sunderland. A Butcher residing at 1 Gibson Terrace, Sunderland, he was Initiated on the 16th December 1907; Passed 9th March 1908 and Raised on the 8th April 1908 and was Junior Warden of his Lodge. He died on the 15th February 1920 and is buried in Sunderland (Bishopwearmouth) Cemetery. Grave Reference 3.A.1869
Editor’s Note:
There are discrepancies in terms of his age on Lodge and CWGC records which has created problems in identifying this person. However, The Durham Masonic Year Book 1918 shows him as Senior Deacon so the detail above refers in all probability to this person
18797 Corporal Tilley Arthur Boston
51749 Private Dinsdale Thomas
He was born at West Hartlepool and was the son of Mrs. F.C. Dinsdale of 3 Kenilworth Street, West Hartlepool. His father, Robert G Dinsdale, was Past Master in 1914. A Butcher residing at 102 Ellison Street, Jarrow, he was Initiated on the 30th August 1905; Passed 28th September 1905 and Raised on the 12th December 1905. He enlisted at West Hartlepool and was killed in action on the 21st August 1918. Remembered on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, France, Panel 9.
Editor’s Note
Warrant Engineer Driver Charles
An Engineer residing at 27 York Street, Jarrow, he was Initiated on the 29th November 1905 (aged 26); Passed 28th February 1906 and Raised on the 28th March 1906. He died on the 1st November 1914 and is Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, 8.
H.M.S. Monmouth was a Monmouth class armoured cruiser launched in 1901. She was manned by a crew of reservists and cadets under the command of Rear Admiral Sir Christopher Craddock commanding a squadron of ageing ships. She was sunk by the German armoured cruiser Scharnhorst at the Battle of Coronel in the South Pacific.
M2/018984 Pte Hutchinson John James
He was born at Jarrow on Tyne and residing at Hebburn. A Boiler Maker, he was Initiated on the 30th September 1914 and there is no record of any further Advancement. He enlisted at London. The husband of Christina M. Hutchinson of 77 Cuthbert Street, Hebburn on Tyne. He died on the 9th April 1918 aged 33 and is buried at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrul, France Grave Reference V. G. 12.
2019 Engine Room Artificer Smart Walter Henry
The son of Walter Henry and Florence Smart of 17 Cornwallis Avenue, Clifton, Bristol. A Draughtsman residing at Jarrow he was Initiated on the 10th October 1913; Passed 2nd April 1914 and Raised on the 27th May 1914. He died on the 18th October 1918 aged 29 and was the husband of Jennie Grey Smart of Prospect Villa, James Road, Hereford. Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent 31.
H.M.S. Glory was built by Laird at Birkenhead in 1896. From 1916 she was sent to Archangel as a Guard Ship and remained there until 1919.
40638 Pte Smith George Brown
An Accountant, he was born at Monkseaton, Northumberland. Residing at Jarrow he was Initiated on the 10th October 1913, aged 31; Passed 29th April 1914 and Raised on the 27th May 1914. He enlisted at Jarrow and was killed in action on the 9th April 1917. He is buried in Bailleul Road West Cemetery St. Laurent-Blangy, France Grave Reference B.7.
234 A/RSM Suckling Robert M.M.
He was born at Stepney, Middlesex. A Sergeant Instructor at the Drill Hall, he was Initiated on the 26th September 1906; Passed 12th December 1906 and Raised on the 27th February 1907. He enlisted at Hounslow, Middlesex, residing at Bromley by Bow, and was awarded the Military Medal. The husband of Emily Elizabeth Suckling of 40 Nairn Street, Poplar, London, he died of wounds on the 11th August 1917 aged 40. He is buried in Locre Hospice Cemetery, Belgium Grave Reference I. B. 23.
Lieutenant A/Major Thomas Henderson Weir M.C.
A Draughtsman residing at Chiswick, London, he was Initiated on the 5th February 1906; Passed 9th March 1906 and Raised on the 10th July 1906. The husband of A. Weir of 91 Rushall Avenue, Bedford Park, London. He was killed in action on the 8th May 1918 and is buried in Chocques Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference IV. A. 15.
Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Nathan White
A Works Manager residing at Jarrow, he was Initiated on the 30th March 1910; Passed 27th April 1910 and Raised on the 31st August 1910. He was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916 aged 30 and is Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier & Face 10B, 11B & 12B.
1121 Wear Valley Lodge
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Lawson Robinson T.D.
The son of Robert Robinson of Howlish Hall, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. A Colliery Viewer, he was Initiated into Wear Valley Lodge No 1121, Province of Durham on the 8th May 1896; Passed 10th July 1896 and Raised on the 9th October 1896, resigning in September 1899. He was a Joining Member of Isca Lodge No 683, Province of Monmouthshire, on the 19th May 1898 when his occupation was given as a Mine Inspector, resigning on 1st November 1910. He served in the South African War and was killed in action on the 8th May 1915 aged 45. He is Remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium, Panel 50. His name appears on a Memorial In St. John’s Church, Maindee, Newport.
1230 Barnard Lodge
2nd Lieutenant George McPherson Borland
The son of Agnes and the late James Borland of Jarrow on Tyne. He was a Baptist Minister residing at Middlesbrough and was Initiated on the 2nd December 1910; Passed 6th January 1911 and Raised on the 3rd March 1911. He was killed in action 4th April, 1918 aged 35. The husband of Ada Mary Borland of 52 Queen’s Road, Monkseaton, Northumberland. He is Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium, Panel 2.
1274 Earl of Durham Lodge
2nd Lieutenant (A/Capt) John Moore
A Schoolmaster residing at Kimblesworth, he was Initiated on the 4th May 1887; Passed 11th June 1887 and Raised on the 6th July 1887. He was killed in action on the 26th October 1917 aged 57 at Passchendaele and is Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 85 – 86.
N.B. The Lodge Honours Board record a John Moore as W.M. There was a W.M. by the name of John J. Moore in 1895 (Provincial Year Book 1918)
14933 Private Morris George
He was born at Waldridge. A Clerk residing at Plawsworth, he was Initiated on the 4th November 1908; Passed 3rd March 1909 and Raised on the 7th April 1909. (No payments appear to have been made after 1909). His residence is recorded as Hartlepool but he enlisted at Chester le Street. He was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on the 6th August 1916 and is Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France Pier and Face 6A & 7C
32795 Private Winter Thomas
See Thomas Winter
1334 Norman Lodge
44357 Private Brown Christopher
The son of Matthew and Elizabeth Brown of Durham, he was born at St Giles, Durham, and resided at Flass Street, Durham, and was a Schoolmaster. He was Initiated on the 20th September 1911; Passed 15th November 1911 and Raised on the 20th December 1911. The Masonic Roll of Honour has him listed as Senior Deacon of his Lodge.
He enlisted at Durham and was a Prisoner of War who died of wounds on the 6th July 1918 aged 29. The husband of Edith Mary Dent Moody (formerly Brown) of The Grange, Knitsley, Consett, Co. Durham, he is buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany, Grave Reference XV.A.58
Editor’s Note
20585 Sgt. Greenwell Robert
The son of Betsy Greenwell of Front Street Sacriston, Co. Durham. he was born at Witton Gilbert, Durham. A WS Prov Batt, he was initiated on the 12th March 1917 and there is no record of any further advancement. He had a temporary address at Clacton on Sea. His occupation was given as Sergeant in the Prov. Battalion which would signify him as being in the Military Police. He was killed in action on the 2nd October 1918. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission show his age at death as 28. He is buried in Kandahar Farm Cemetery, Belgium, Grave Reference I.A.2.
1379 Marquis of Ripon Lodge
Captain Robert William Pearson
The son of Richard and Anne Pearson, he was an Analytical Chemist who was Initiated on the 5th March 1908 when his brother Dr Henry Pearson M.D. C.M. F.R.C.S. (Edinburgh) was Worshipful Master; Passed 2nd April 1908 and Raised on the 4th June 1908 and was the Senior Deacon of his Lodge. He was killed in action on the 15th May 1915 aged 34. He is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium, Grave Reference IX.H.36.
Editor’s Note:
1389 Fenwick Lodge
Capt Frederick Middlemost Wawn
A Chartered Accountant residing at 6 Belle Vue, Sunderland, he was Initiated into Fenwick Lodge No 1389, Sunderland on the 20th December 1901; Passed 17th January 1902 and Raised on the 5th March 1902. He was Worshipful Master in 1910. A Founder of Vedra Lodge No 3137, Sunderland in 1905 he resigned on 27th September 1907. He was killed in action on 25th May 1915 aged 35 and is Remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium, Memorial Panels 36 and 38.
1418 Lodge of Fraternity
John Gatenby Carling
196092 Private Hardy Frederick Austin Lackenby
See Masonic Roll of Honour 1914-18.
1643 Perseverance Lodge
26788 Pte Wardle Edward Mowbray
The son of Edward and Margaret Wardle of Hebburn on Tyne, he was born at Hebburn. He was a Grocer and Initiated on the 13th April 1904; Passed on the 11th May 1904 and Raised on the 8th June 1904. In 1906 he was appointed Organist to the Lodge and held this role until his death.
He enlisted at Hebburn and died of wounds whilst a Prisoner of War on the 5th December 1917 aged 37. The husband of Isabella Wardle of 19 Quarry Road, Hebburn, Co Durham, he is buried at Denain Communal Cemetery, Nord, France, Grave Reference B.76.
Editor’s note:
1862 Stranton Lodge
Hector Bennett
See Every Name A Story.
James Garrett
He was born at Whitby. A Master Mariner residing at Hartlepool, he was Initiated on the 3rd February 1909; Passed 3rd March 1910 and Raised on the 3rd January 1912. The husband of Mary Elizabeth Westerman Garrett of 76 Eamount Gardens, West Hartlepool. He died on 30th April, 1918 aged 50 and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial London.
The S.S. Isleworth, (2781 GRT) owned by Watts & Co., London, was on a voyage from Bilbao to Middlesbrough and was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC17, three miles SW of Ventnor Pier, Isle of Wight with the loss of 29 lives.
Alfred Nash
The son of the late George Henry and Mary Nash. A Marine Engineer, residing at 13 St. James Street, West Hartlepool, he was Initiated on the 4th March 1896; Passed 1st April 1896 and Raised on the 20th May 1896. He died on the 30th April, 1917 aged 54 and was the husband of Mary Ann Nash (formally Crallan), nee Tylor, of 7 Carlton Street, West Hartlepool. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Horsa, (2949 GRT) owned by Herskind & Co. of West Hartlepool, was torpedoed by the German submarine U93 one hundred and ninety five miles SW by W from Fastnet on a voyage from Port Breirato to Cardiff with the loss of 11 lives.
18/401 L/Cpl Vickers Arthur Dodds Lewis
He was born and resided at Sadberge, Co. Durham. A School Master at Trimdon Grange, he was Initiated on the18th August 1911; Passed 1st November 1911 and Raised on the 12th December 1912. He enlisted at Spennymoor and was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916 aged 27 and is Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier and Face 14a and 15c.
1932 Whitworth Lodge
Year of Warrant 1881
Masonic Hall Spennymoor
R/20164 Cpl Walls Ernest Harold
He was born at Driffield, East Yorkshire and enlisted at Spennymoor.
Extracts from the Lodge Minute Book recall that: “At the 368th Meeting on the 8th May 1912 it was proposed by W Bro Butterfield and seconded by Bro The Revd Joseph. Short that the name of Ernest Harold Walls (a Lewis) aged 25 years, Draper, of 9 Beaumont Terrace, Spennymoor, appear on the Circular convening the next Regular Lodge Meeting as a fit and proper person to become a Freemason”. His father Bro T.N. Walls P.P.A.G.D.C. Worshipful Master 1905/6, the Director of Ceremonies did not propose his son.
He was Balloted for and duly elected on the 12th June 1912; Initiated on the 10th July 1912 by the Master W Bro Butterfield with the Charge being delivered by the Senior Warden, Bro Revd Jos. Short P.P.G.Chaplain. He was Passed with Bro James Kirkbride on the 9th October 1912 and Raised on the 11th December 1912. At the meeting held on13th August 1913 he acted as Inner Guard and in June 1914 he represented the Lodge at a Meeting in Durham in connection with a Golf Trophy (Ravensworth Trophy). At the Installation Meeting held on 12th September 1917 he was appointed Steward of the Lodge.
At the Meeting held on 10th October 1917 it was reported that a letter of congratulation be sent to him in having received a letter of appreciation from Major General Sydney Lawford commanding the 41st Division “for his courage and devotion to duty during operations near Klein Zileebeke, Belgium, from the 31st July to the 3rd August 1917. Your endured assistance to the wounded, helping to carry them out to safety. Your coolness set a fine example to your men”. (At that time he was with the 21st Battalion) He attended his Lodge for the last time on the 12th December 1917. His death was reported to the Lodge on the 12th June 1918 with suitable solemnities and condolences sent to his family.
He was killed in action on the 18th April 1918 and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 115 to 119.
Editor’s Note:
1970 Hadrian Lodge
Charles Alan Bruhn
The son of Charles Christian Bruhn and Annie Bruhn of 5 Village Terrace, Westoe, South Shields. A Master Mariner, he was Initiated into Hadrian Lodge No 1970, South Shields, Province of Durham on the 7th April 1914; Passed in Hedworth Lodge No 2418, South Shields, Province of Durham, on the 27th August 1914 and Raised on the 21st November 1914 becoming a Joining Member of Lodge of Friendship No 100, Great Yarmouth, Province of Norfolk on 10th May 1917. He died on the 9th January 1919 aged 40 and was the husband of Kate Bruhn of Rodney House, 4 Endsleigh Street, Victoria, London. He is buried in South Shields (Harton) Cemetery, Grave Reference D.672.
The S.S. Northumbria (4215grt) built in 1906 by the Northumberland Shipbuilding Company Limited, Howdon on Tyne for Westminster Shipping Company Limited (Sir John Jackson), London. She was the second ship of this name to be lost during World War One. She struck a mine off Middlesbrough. What is believed to be the only lifeboat that got clear of the vessel was washed ashore at Newton by the Sea on the Northumberland Coast with two survivors and twelve dead, some of whom are buried in the nearby Embleton Churchyard. It has been suggested that the boat had no rowlocks hence it drifted so far.
2nd Lieutenant (TP) Alan Heppel Darling
The son of Henry Darling of “Belmont” Westoe, South Shields. A Marine Engineer, he was Initiated on the 17th July 1913; Passed 5th May 1913 and Raised on the 19th June 1913. He was killed in action on the 10th July 1916 aged 27 and was the husband of Elizabeth Darling. He is buried in Becourt Military Cemetery Becordel-Becourt, Somme, France Grave Reference I.S.11.
Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Fawcett Hilton
The son of Thomas and Catherine Hilton of 65 Wouldhave Street, South Shields. An Estimate Clerk, he was Initiated on the 6th October 1914; Passed 5th January 1915 and Raised on the 2nd February 1915. He was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme on the 3rd July 1916 aged 27 and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France Pier & Face 1C
George McHugh
The son of James McHugh and the late Isabella McHugh, he was born at South Shields. A Marine Engineer, he was Initiated on the 2nd December 1913; Passed 6th January 1914 and Raised on the 17th February 1914. He died on the 28th February 1916 aged 41 and was the husband of Margaret Hopper McHugh (nee Hindmarch) of 10 Romilly Street, South Shields. He is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Thornaby (1782 GRT) was owned by Sir Robert Ropner & Co. of West Hartlepool and was mined and sunk 2 miles NE of Shipwash Lightship on a voyage from Marbella to West Hartlepool with the loss of 19 lives.
Frank Parkinson
The son of James and the late Mary A. Parkinson, he was born at Lincoln. A Marine Engineer, he was Initiated on the 2nd April 1912; Passed 4th April 1913; and Raised on the 29th September 1914. The husband of Gertrude Parkinson of 259 St. Vincent Street, South Shields, he died on the 23rd October 1916 aged 38. He is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Clearfield (4229 GRT) was owned by Hunting & Son of Newcastle and was torpedoed by the German submarine U 55 off the Flannan Islands, Hebrides on a voyage from Invergordon to Hampton Roads, USA with the loss of 35 lives.
35358 Private Summerbell John
He born at South Shields. A Master Mariner, he was Initiated on the 1st October 1907; Passed 109th December 1907 and Raised on the 4th February 1908. He enlisted at Middlesbrough and died on the 28th March 1918 aged 39 and is buried in Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, France, Grave Reference IV.D.11.
William Hopper Tinmouth
The son of the late Thomas Young Tinmouth and Sarah Tinmouth of South Shields. A Pilot, he was Initiated on the 7th March 1911; Passed 6th June 1911 and Raised on the 19th September 1911. He drowned on the 31st December 1916 aged 41. He was the husband of Mary C. Tinmouth of 152 Fort Street, South Shields. His name appears on the Addenda Panel of the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
Editor’s Note:
Captain (TP) Stewart Alexander White
See in South Shields Every Name A Story
2039 Londonderry Lodge
Stephen Robert Blair
He was born at Hull. A Chief Engineer he was Initiated on the 6th March 1911; Passed 6th November 1911 and Raised on the 2nd September 1912. The husband of Isabella Blair (Nee Gibbon) of 45 Roker Park Road, Sunderland. He died on the 23rd October 1915 aged 46 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Ilaro of London was on a voyage from West Africa to Hull and was mined and sunk 4 miles E from Dungeness with the loss of one life.
Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Walter Scott Mertz
The son of F.X. Mertz and Elizabeth Mertz of “Hannaston” 36 Esplanade Avenue, Porthcawl, Glamorgan, Wales.
A Drapery Buyer living in Sunderland, he was Initiated on the 6th May 1912; Passed 3rd October 1912 and Raised on the 4th November 1912. He died on the 28th July 1916 aged 34 and is buried in Newton Nottage (St John the Baptist) Churchyard, Glamorgan, Wales.
Captain Robert Edward Power
He was Initiated into Londonderry Lodge No. 2039, Durham and became a joining member of Victoria Nyanza Lodge, No 3492, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa on the 4th December 1911. He died on the 17th April 1918 and he is buried in Pemba Cemetery, Mozambique Grave Reference D.16
2352 Universities Lodge
195949 Pioneer Taylor Edwin
He was born at Sunderland. A School Master at Consett, Co. Durham, he was Initiated on the 21st November 1912; Passed 13th March 1913 and Raised on the 15th May 1913 and was Junior Deacon of his Lodge. He enlisted at Consett, Co. Durham and died on the 6th April 1917. He is buried in Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, Nord, France Grave Reference I.E.9.
2415 Tristram Lodge
50870 Private Barton John
The son of Margaret and Ralph Barton of Willington, Co. Durham. He was born at Turnside, Durham. A School Master, residing at Brafferton, Darlington, he was Initiated on the 12th July 1910; Passed 13th September 1910 and Raised on the 26th October 1910, resigning in July 1913. He enlisted at Willington and was killed in action on 2nd November 1916 aged 35. The husband of Elizabeth Jane Barton of 27 Belle Vue, Willington, Co. Durham, he is buried in Dainville Communal Cemetery, France, Grave Reference A.7.
At the Installation Meeting in November 1916 it was reported that, “Bro. John Barton had been killed in action”.
Editor’s Note:
2777 Lance Corporal Warne Percy Edwin
A Schoolmaster, he was Initiated into Cotehele Lodge No 2166, Province of Cornwall on the 27th December 1912; Passed 25th March 1913 and Raised on the 12th August 1913; his membership ceased in 1915. He was a Joining Member of Tristram Lodge no 2415, Shildon, Co. Durham on the 10th March 1914. Residing at Hendon, he enlisted at Chelsea. He was killed in action during the Battle of Loos on the 25th September 1915 aged 26 and is Remembered on the Loos Memorial, France, Panel 133.
Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment)
1st Battalion
Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Battalion
The Lodge Records state that he was aged 29 at Initiation.
Royal Naval Reserve HMS Monmouth
Royal Army Service Corps
611 Mechanical Transport Company
Attached XVII Corps Heavy Brigade
See also 1027 China North
Royal Naval Reserve
H.M.S. Glory
King’s Own Scottish Borderers 6th Battalion
Formerly 31185 Durham Light Infantry
Corps of Pioneers
37 Division H.Q. Company
Formerly 4974 South Wales Borderers
(H.Q. 37th Division Signal Coy)
Corps of Royal Engineers
526 (Durham) Field Company Territorial
Northumberland Fusiliers
29th (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion
Attached 21st (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion
Year of Warrant 1866
Masonic Hall Bishop Auckland
Monmouthshire Regiment
1st Battalion
Year of Warrant 1868
Masonic Hall, Barnard Castle
Northumberland Fusiliers 3rd Battalion
(Attached 9th Northumberland Hussars)
Year of Warrant 1869
Masonic Hall, Chester le Street
Border Regiment
3rd Battalion attached 2nd Battalion
Border Regiment 7th Battalion
York and Lancaster Regiment 9th Battalion
Year of Warrant 1870
Freemasons Hall, Old Elvet, Durham
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
200th Company
Cologne was not occupied by the Allies until 6th December 1918 under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The Southern Cemetery was used during the war for the burial of more than 1000 allied prisoners.
York and Lancaster Regiment
18th (Service) Battalion
Attached 41st Light Trench Mortar Battery
Formerly 1507 Durham Light Infantry
Year of Warrant 1871
Freemasons Hall, Darlington
Durham Light Infantry 5th Battalion
Extract from the Lodge Minutes from June 1915
“The sympathy of the Lodge was extended to W. Bro H.C. Pearson and his near relations upon the death of his brother, Bro R.W. Pearson (SD) of the Lodge whilst serving at the front with His Majesty’s Forces in France on 15th May 1915. W. Bro Putnam expressed the feeling of all the brethren when he said the SD was highly esteemed for his noble character and liked for his sociable disposition. That the Lodge had lost a good officer and though the loss is great, it was a satisfaction to know that he died a noble death fighting for his country as an example of a just cause.”
Year of Warrant 1872
Masonic Hall, Park Terrace, Sunderland
Durham Light Infantry
7th Battalion (Territorial)
Year of Warrant 1872
Freemasons Hall, Stockton on Tees
Mercantile Marine
Master S.S. Thames
Corps of Royal Engineers
Year of Warrant 1876
Masonic Hall Hebburn on Tyne
Grenadier Guards 3rd Battalion
Denain was a German hospital centre during the greater part of the war and from the 1st November 1918 the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station was situated there. The Communal Cemetery was used by the Germans to bury their soldiers together with 153 prisoners of war. These graves were subsequently regrouped to form a British plot.
Year of Warrant 1880
Freemason’s Hall, West Hartlepool
Mercantile Marine First Mate S.S. Isleworth
Mercantile Marine Chief Engineer S.S. Horsa
Durham Light Infantry
18th Battalion
Kings Royal Rifle Corps 17th Battalion
At each November Meeting the Lodge remembers him at 10 o’clock when a Bugler sounds the Last Post.
Year of Warrant 1882
Freemasons Hall South Shields
(Commonwealth War Graves list him as Allan)
Mercantile Marine
Sea Pilot S.S. Northumbria
(Some records show Heppell)
Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
8th Battalion
Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Mercantile Marine First Engineer S.S. Thornaby
Mercantile Marine Chief Engineer S.S. Clearfield
Northumberland Fusiliers 12/13th Battalion
Lighthouse & Pilotage Authorities
Pilot 1st Class Pilot Cutter Protector of South Shields
It was reported that the Pilot Cutter Protector was mined a mile to the North off the mouth of the River Tyne as she went to escort a ship into the river. Nineteen men were lost. Other reports suggest that she was attacked by a submarine. A diving survey in 1995 indicated that the wreck is some two miles from her given position.
Northumberland Fusiliers 21st (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion
Year of Warrant 1884
Masonic Hall Sunderland
The Warrant of this Lodge was surrendered in December 2006
Mercantile Marine Chief Engineer S.S. llaro
(Military Records show him as Merts)
Corps of Royal Engineers
King’s African Rifles 4/4th Battalion
Year of Warrant 1890
Masonic Hall, Durham
Royal Corps of Engineers
Second Army H.Q.
Attached 22nd Army Defensive Gas School Royal Engineers
Year of Warrant 1891
Freemasons Hall, Shildon
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 8th Battalion
His name does not appear on the United Grand Lodge Roll of Honour.
London Regiment 18th (County of London) Battalion
(London Irish Rifles)
