Swinburne Lodge No. 2680
Year of Warrant 1897
Old Assembly Rooms Westgate Road Newcastle

CH/12349 Sergeant Amos Frank
Royal Marine Light Infantry
Chatham Battalion RN Division.

The son of Mr and Mrs. William Amos of Church Street, Walmer, Kent. A Recruitment Sergeant residing at Newcastle, he was Initiated on the 2nd December 1913; Passed 6th January 1914 and Raised on the 3rd February 1914. He was killed in action on the 5th October 1914 aged 36. The husband of Alice Amos of 1 Holborn Cottage, Kingsdown Road, St Margarets at Cliffe, Kent. He is Remembered on the Nieuport Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium.

Lieutenant QM Robert James Holloway
Some records list him as Robert Jones Holloway
Northumberland Fusiliers
5th Battalion

The son of Charles and Elizabeth Holloway of Southampton. A Sergeant Major residing at Fenham Barracks, he joined Northern Counties Lodge No. 406, Newcastle, Province of Northumberland, from the Irish Constitution on the 7th October 1896. He resigned in December 1899 and was a Founder of Swinburne Lodge No. 2680, Newcastle, Province of Northumberland, in November 1897. He was Mentioned in Despatches and died on the 14th August 1916 aged 48. The husband of Katherine Holloway of 4 Grove Street, Newcastle on Tyne, he is buried in St. John’s (Westgate and Elswick) Cemetery, Newcastle, Grave Reference O.New Ground 583.

2501 Sapper Moor Ernest Edwin
Australian Engineer 2nd Field Company.

The son of George Harris Moor of Newcastle. An Engineer, he was Initiated on the 3rd December 1907; Passed 4th February 1908 and Raised on the 7th April 1908. He died of wounds on the 7th November 1916 aged 29 and is buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe, Somme, France, Grave Reference VF17.

Editor’s Note:
His age at Initiation was given as 22.

108041 Gunner Richardson John M.
Royal Garrison Artillery 51st Company.

The son of William and Elizabeth Richardson. A Provision Dealer, he was Initiated on the 5th December 1911; Passed 2nd January 1912 and Raised on the 6th February 1912 and was the Senior Deacon of his Lodge. The husband of Jessie Richardson of 2 Gloucester Road, Newcastle on Tyne, he is buried in Allahabad New Cantonment Cemetery and is Remembered on the Madras 1914-1918 War Memorial, Chennai, India, Face 5.

11258 Sergeant Staines George Henry
Royal Field Artillery
IA Reserve Brigade.

He was born at Battersea. A Sergeant, he was Initiated on the 6th April 1915; Passed 5th May 1915 and Raised on the 7th September 1915. He enlisted at Hounslow and died on the 14th April 1918 aged 34. He is buried in St Andrew’s and Jesmond Cemetery, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Grave Reference QU 376.

2703 Wallsend Lodge
Year of Warrant 1898
Masonic Hall Wallsend

202629 Private Armstrong Joseph William
Some records list John William
The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
5/6th Battalion.

He was born at North Shields. A Manager residing at Wallsend, he was Initiated on the 15th December 1904; Passed 19th January 1905 and Raised on the 20th February 1905. He enlisted at Wallsend and died of wounds on the 23rd April 1917 aged 40. The husband of Mrs. A. Armstrong of 166 High Street, Wallsend, he is buried in Sunken Road Cemetery, Boisleux- St. Marc, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference I.A. 5.

318/EB Eng Room Art Broomfield John
Royal Naval Reserve HMS Cyclops

An Engineer, he was Initiated on the 19th June 1913; Passed 16th October 1913 and Raised on the 18th December 1913. He died on the 11th January 1918 aged 45. The husband of Jane A. Broomfield of 51 Vine Street, Wallsend, he is buried in Church Bank Cemetery, Wallsend, Grave Reference E.C.37.

HMS Cyclops was laid down in 1905 as a merchant ship (SS Indrabarah) at Laing’s Shipyard, Bishopwearmouth, Sunderland, but was requisitioned by the Admiralty. She was the repair ship of the Grand Fleet during the First World War and served as a depot ship in the Second World War.

Flt Lieut George Richard Gordon Daglish
Royal Naval Air Service.

The son of James and Georgine Daglish of East Villa, The Green, Wallsend. An Engineer, he was Initiated on the 16th March 1911; Passed 15th June 1911 and Raised on the 21st September 1911 and was the Senior Steward of his Lodge. He died on the 1st March 1917 aged 27 and is buried in Church Bank Cemetery, Wallsend, Grave Reference E.C. 52

Editor’s Note:
He was based at Cranwell Naval Air Station, Lincolnshire and was killed whilst flying.

16/748 Private Graham Edward
Northumberland Fusiliers 16th Battalion.

The son of William and Rachel Graham of Clara Vale, Ryton on Tyne he was born at Shildon, County Durham. A Grocer’s Traveller residing at Newbiggin, he was Initiated into Wallsend Lodge No. 2703, on the 16th December 1909; Passed 20th January 1910 and Raised into Heaton Lodge No. 2723 Newcastle on Tyne on 30th December 1910. He resigned on the 17th September 1914 and was a Joining Member of Blagdon Lodge No. 659 on the 21st October 1914. He enlisted at Newcastle and died of wounds on the 4th July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme aged 29. He is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave Reference IV.C.6

10567 Private Podmore William Norman
Royal Fusiliers
9th Battalion.

He was born at Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury, Yorkshire. A Manager residing at Wallsend, he was Initiated on the 11th March 1911; Passed 20th April 1911 and Raised on the 25th May 1911 and was a Steward of his Lodge. He enlisted at Wallsend and was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on the 7th October 1916 aged 35 and is Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier and Face 8C, 9A and 16A.

2723 Heaton Lodge
Year of Warrant 1898
232 Shields Road Newcastle-on-Tyne

16/748 Private Graham Edward
Northumberland Fusiliers 16th Battalion.

The son of William and Rachel Graham of Clara Vale, Ryton on Tyne, he was born at Shildon, County Durham. A Grocer’s Traveller residing at Newbiggin, he was Initiated into Wallsend Lodge No. 2703, on the 16th December 1909; Passed 20th January 1910 and Raised into Heaton Lodge No. 2723 Newcastle on Tyne on 30th December 1910. He resigned on the 17th September 1914 and was a Joining Member of Blagdon Lodge No. 659 on the 21st October 1914. He enlisted at Newcastle and died of wounds on the 4th July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme aged 29. He is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave Reference IV.C.6.

2762 Lindisfarne Lodge
Year of Warrant 1899
Masonic Hall Norfolk Street North Shields

The Minute Book for the Period from 1913 to 1920 is not to be found but the details below are from other records in the Lodge Archives

Elijah Barnsley
Mercantile Marine
First Engineer SS Kwasind

The son of the late Charles and Hannah Barnsley, he was born at North Shields. A Marine Engineer residing at Belford Street, North Shields, he was Initiated on the 22nd February 1912; Passed 21st March 1912 and Raised on the 24th April 1912. The husband of Cicely Isabella Barnsley (Nee Knott) of 3 Beaumont Terrace, North Shields, he died on the 11th March 1917 aged 43 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

The SS Kwasind (2211 grt), owned by W F Bentinck-Smith of Quebec, was mined off South Wold on a voyage from Bilbao to Hartlepool with the loss of 12 lives.

M/22301 Senior Reserve Attendant Carr George
Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve
H.M.S. Pembroke

The son of George and Sarah E.Carr of 7 Eleanor Street, Cullercoats, Northumberland. A Grocer, he was Initiated on the 25th May 1916 and there is no record of any further Advancement. He died on the 4th November 1918 aged 36 and is buried in Whitley Bay (Hartley South) Cemetery, England, Grave Reference A.C.1.

H.M.S. Pembroke was a shore based establishment at Chatham. Built on the site of Chatham convict prison in 1897, it provided accommodation and training facilities for men of the Reserve Fleet while waiting to be appointed to ships. It was named after a hulk which was formerly housed on the site.

38690 Gunner Johnson George Rutherford
Machine Gun Corps (Motors)
6th Light Armoured Battery.

An Ironmonger of 22 Trevor Terrace, North Shields, he was Initiated on the 22nd November 1911; Passed 24th January 1912 and Raised on the 21st March 1912. The husband of Margaret Johnson of “Ingleside”, Ashley Road, South Shields he enlisted at North Shields. He died on the 11th November 1918 aged 41. He is buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq, Grave Reference XVIII.E.10.

Thomas Robert Matthews
Mercantile Marine
First Mate SSCombe

A Master Mariner of Chirton West View, North Shields, he was born at North Shields. He was Initiated on the 16th June 1908 aged 47; Passed 27th August 1908 and Raised on the 16th December 1908. The husband of Mrs. Matthews of Bainbrough Terrace, North Shields, he died on the 14th October 1915 with age on CWGC as 50 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

The SSCombe (Official Number 135189, 2030grt) was built on the Tyne by Wood Skinner and Co., Bill Quay, in 1912 for Stephenson Clarke and Co. of London. A hired ammunition carrier, she sailed from Liverpool on the 12th October 1915 for Archangelsky with a cargo of ammunition. She was reported missing on the 14th October 1915 with the loss of twenty-three lives. This ship is not recorded as a WW1 Merchant ship loss. It may have foundered in heavy weather.

Thomas Martin Pelton
Mercantile Marine
Master SS Ferndene

The son of the late Captain J. and Margaret Pelton. Residing at 15 Cleveland Road he was Initiated into St. George’s Lodge No. 431, North Shields, Province of Northumberland on the 19th July 1907 aged 28; Passed 2nd November 1907 and Raised into Lindisfarne Lodge No. 2762, North Shields on the 25th January 1911. He died on the 24th of April 1917 aged 38. The husband of Frances Mary Pelton of 2 King’s Drive, Whitley Bay, Northumberland. He is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

SS Ferndene (3770 grt) was built in 1899 by Northumberland Shipbuilding Company Limited, Howdon on Tyne and owned by J.T. Lunn and Co. of Newcastle (Dene Steam Shipping Company Limited). She was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U53 one hundred and fifty miles west from Bishop Rock on a voyage from Cape Town to London with a cargo of graphite and meal. There were nine casualties.

Andrew Preece
Mercantile Marine.

A Master Mariner of 17 Alice Street, South Shields, he was Initiated on the 8th January 1906 aged 39, Passed in St. Oswin Lodge No. 2327, North Shields on the 21st May 1906 and Raised on the 30th October 1906.

There are no casualty records in respect of this person.

Thomas Vallint
(UGL Roll of Honour List Valient)
Mercantile Marine
Master SS John Mills

The son of the late Captain Vallint of North Shields. A Master Mariner of Wellington Road, Portslade, Brighton he was Initiated on the 3rd December 1915; Passed 25th May 1916 and there is no record of any further Advancement. The husband of Charlotte Ellen Vallint of 4 St Leonard’s Terrace, Hove, Sussex he died on the 22nd February 1917 aged 41 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London

The SS John Mills (687 grt) owned by Stephenson Clarke of London was torpedoed by the German submarine UB21 ten miles SE from Hartlepool on a voyage from the Tyne to Shoreham with the loss of 10 lives.

2821 Whitley Lodge
Year of Warrant 1900
Masonic Hall Norham Road Whitley Bay

2nd Lieutenant (TP) George Houghton
The Prince of Wales’s Own
(West Yorkshire Regiment) 12th Battalion
Attached Dorsetshire Regiment 6th Battalion.

A Vocalist, he was Initiated on the 27th March 1914; Passed 24th April 1914 and Raised on the 22nd May 1914. He was killed in action on the 27th August 1918 aged 36. The husband of Hilda L. Houghton of 16 Illfracombe Gardens, Monkseaton, Northumberland, he is buried in Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference VII.G.22

2868 Ashington Lodge
Year of Warrant 1901
Grand Hotel Hirst Ashington

2nd Lieutenant William Park
Durham Light Infantry 15th Battalion.

The second son of Robert and Margaret Park. He was born at Glebe Cottage, Ashington, in the Township of Ashington and Sheepwash, Northumberland, in 1886, was a Clerk employed by the Ashington Coal Company and resided at Ashington Cottage, Ashington, Northumberland. He was Initiated on the 28th February 1912; Passed on the 27th March 1912 and Raised on the 20th June 1912. The husband of Mary J. Clark Park of Spottiswoode Street, Edinburgh, he died of wounds on the 21st March 1918 aged 32 and is Remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France Panel 68 and 72 and the Ashington War Memorial. A Memorial Plaque was dedicated and placed in the Lodge Room at the November meeting 2009.

Extracts from the Lodge Minutes
At his Initiation the Provincial Grand Master, Col. Charles Warren Napier Clavering, accompanied by Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge, were present, this being the first official visit since the Lodge was Consecrated. Bro. Park was Passed with eight other Brethren and Raised with three other Brethren. His brother Edward joined the Lodge in 1913.

His death was announced at the April 1918 meeting, “W.Bro. R. Joise, DC, spoke in feeling terms of the loss sustained by the Lodge by the death of Bro. 2nd Lieutenant William Park. A vote of sympathy was passed to his Widow and family and the Secretary was instructed to convey this to them.”

2971 Tynemouth Abbey
Year of Warrant 1903
Masonic Hall Norfolk Street North Shields
This Lodge surrendered its Warrant in January 1999

Andrew Cunningham
Mercantile Marine
Engineer.

There are no records at Grand Lodge of him being a member of this Lodge. However, there is a

Midshipman Andrew Coutts CUNNINGHAM
H.M. Coastal Motor Boat no 33A.

The son of Alexander and Grace Johnstone Coutts Cunningham of 31 Well Street, Moffat, Dumfries-shire, Scotland. He died on the 12th April 1918 aged 19 and is Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial Panel 30

Editor’s Note:
His name also appears on the Dover Patrol Memorial. It is possible that someone in this Lodge knew him and forwarded his name for inclusion on the Masonic Roll of Honour.

2587 Private Humble Samuel Charles Samson
Northumberland Fusiliers 1/6th Battalion.

The son of Mr W.D. and Mrs. M.A. Humble of 13 Queen’s Drive, Whitley Bay, he was born at North Shields. A Life Buoy Maker, he was Initiated on the 20th March 1912; Passed 15th May 1912 and Raised on the 18th June 1912. He enlisted at South Shields and died on the 27th April 1915 aged 28. He is Remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Panels 8 and 12.

B/201429 Private Nixon Sydney George Wordingham
Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own) 1/28th Battalion
Formerly M/322095 Army Service Corps.

Editor’s Note:
Some records list him as being in the London Regiment (Artists Rifles) “A” Company 1/28th Battalion.

The son of Mrs. A. and the late Mr. A. Nixon of North Shields, he was born at North Shields. A Dispenser, he was Initiated on the 21st February 1917; Passed 21st March 1917 and Raised on the 18th April 1917. Enlisting at North Shields, he was killed in action on the 30th October 1917 aged 21. He is Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium, Panel 145 to 147.

45591 Corporal Purdy William
Lancashire Fusiliers “B” Company 2/5th Battalion
Formerly 232787 Royal Field Artillery.

The son of the late William Purdy of North Shields. A Fish Salesman, he was Initiated on the 16th April 1913; Passed 21st May 1913 and Raised on the 18th June 1913. He died of wounds on the 10th March 1918 aged 29. The husband of Agnes Purdy of 11 Park Crescent, North Shields, he is buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference VI.C.5

2997 Astley Lodge
Year of Warrant 1903
Masonic Hall Seaton Delaval

63054 Airman 2nd Class Hall Edward Ernest M.M.
Royal Flying Corps
2nd Auxillary School of Air Gunnery

The son of Edward and Jane Hall of 57 Station Road, Cramlington, Northumberland. A General Carrier, he was Initiated on the 24th November 1915; Passed 29th December 1915 and Raised on the 26th January 1916. He was awarded the Military Medal. He drowned as a result of a flying accident on the 25th July 1917 aged 29. He is buried in Seaton Valley (Cramlington Old) Burial Ground, Grave Reference I.163.

157 Private Morris James Allison
Australian Infantry “A” Coy 35th Battalion.

A Grocer residing at Cramlington, he was Initiated on the 24th January 1912; Passed 28th February 1912 and Raised on the 27th March 1912. He emigrated to Australia and enlisted on the 11th January 1916 when his occupation was given as a Miner, residing at Withers Street, West Wallsend, New South Wales. He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A24 Benalla on the 1st May 1916. He was killed in action on the 9th May 1917 aged 31 and is Remembered on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Somme, France

Editor’s note:
His next of kin was his Sister, Mrs. Isabella Laidlaw, West Narrabri PO, West Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia

3067 Tynedale Lodge
Year of Warrant 1904
Ord Arms Hotel Scotswood-on-Tyne
This Lodge surrendered its Warrant sometime after 2006

26425 Lance Cpl Hetherington William Richardson
Border Regiment 8th Battalion.

The son of the late John Hetherington and Esther Hetherington of 4 Radcliffe Cottages, Throckley, Newburn, Northumberland, he was born at Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham. A Clerk, he was Initiated on the 7th September 1911; Passed 18th October 1911 and Raised on the 7th December 1911. He enlisted at Manchester and was killed in action on the 14th June 1917 aged 31. He is Remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Panel 35.

Editor’s note:
Grand Lodge Roll of Honour lists him as ‘William Charles’.

24/1571 QMS Wright Frederick Henry
Northumberland Fusiliers
24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion.

The son of Thomas Bell Wright of Wylam, Northumberland. A Schoolmaster residing at 110 Fairholme Road, Benwell, Newcastle-on-Tyne, he was Initiated into Tynedale Lodge No. 3067, Northumberland, on the 1st April 1909; Passed 29th April 1909 and Raised on the 3rd June 1909, resigning on 23rd November 1911. He became a Joining Member of Eldon Lodge No. 3187, Newcastle- on-Tyne on the 9th February 1912. Enlisting at Newcastle-on-Tyne, he was killed in action on the 31st May 1917 aged 37. The husband of Elizabeth Mary Wright of 60 Denton Gardens, Benwell, Newcastle-on-Tyne. He is buried in St. Nicolas British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference I.L.5.

61227 Sergeant Young Charles
Royal Army Medical Corps.

The son of Jane and the late John Young of Laburnum House, Rowlands Gill, County Durham, he was born at Winlaton, County Durham. A Colliery Official, he was Initiated on the 2nd April 1914; Passed 7th May 1914 and Raised on the 13th August 1914. He enlisted at Newcastle and was killed in action on the 31st May 1918 aged 33. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference LXVII.E.35

Editor’s note:
CWGC records show his unit as the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade. He must therefore have been attached to them as there was a large military hospital at Etaples

24498 Private Carr William Herbert
Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
2nd Battalion

The son of James Thomas and Jane Carr of Winlaton, he was born at Blaydon, County Durham, in 1879. An Insurance Inspector, he was Initiated into Tynedale Lodge No. 3067, Province of Northumberland on the 7th May 1908; Passed 3rd September 1908 and Raised on the 10th December 1908, resigning on 19th February 1914. He became a Joining Member of Old Globe Lodge No. 200, Scarborough, on the 18th March 1914. He was on the Army Reserve from December 1915 and was a Special Constable. He enlisted at Scarborough, Province of Yorkshire North and East Riding, in December 1915 and went to France in October 1916. He was killed in action on the 10th December 1916 aged 37. The husband of Violet Mary Carr (nee Dobson) he is Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier and Face 6A and 6B.

3074 Lord Armstrong Lodge
Year of Warrant 1904
Masonic Hall Whitley Bay This Lodge does not appear in the 2006 Grand Lodge Directory of Lodges and Chapters

29924 Lance Corporal Hurst William Thomas
Northumberland Fusiliers
1/7th Battalion (TF).

Son of William Thomas and Lois Hurst he was born at Leigh, Lancashire. A Commercial Traveller residing at 7 Bideford Garden, Whitley Bay, he was Initiated on the 27th March 1916; Passed 24th April 1916 and Raised on the 29th May 1916. Enlisting at Leigh, he died on the 13th November 1918 aged 33. The husband of Annie Hurst of 1 Milton Street, Leigh, Lancashire. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference L.B.10.

19511 Private Lauder Thomas Andrew
Coldstream Guards 2nd Battalion.

The son of William Tenmet and Elizabeth Lauder, he was born at Newcastle on Tyne. A Commercial Traveller, he was Initiated on the 27th September 1915; Passed 25th October 1915 and Raised on the 22nd November 1915. He enlisted at Newcastle on Tyne and died of wounds on the 1st December 1917 aged 25. The husband of Minnie Lauder (nee Eckersley) he is buried in Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manacourt, Somme, France Grave Reference IV.C.20

3187 Eldon Lodge
Year of Warrant 1906
Maple Street Masonic Hall Newcastle

24/1571 QMS Wright Frederick Henry
Northumberland Fusiliers
24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion.

The son of Thomas Bell Wright of Wylam, Northumberland. A Schoolmaster residing at 110 Fairholme Road, Benwell, Newcastle-on-Tyne, he was Initiated into Tynedale Lodge No. 3067, Northumberland on the 1st April 1909; Passed 29th April 1909 and Raised on the 3rd June 1909, resigning on 23rd November 1911. He became a Joining Member of Eldon Lodge No. 3187, Newcastle-on-Tyne on the 9th February 1912. Enlisting at Newcastle-on-Tyne he was killed in action on the 31st May 1917 aged 37. The husband of Elizabeth Mary Wright of 60 Denton Gardens, Benwell, Newcastle-on-Tyne. He is buried in St. Nicolas British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference I.L.5.

3188 Burdon Lodge
Year of Warrant 1906
Forest Hall and Bentley Assembly Rooms

William Forbes
Mercantile Marine
Attached N. Transport

A Master Mariner residing at Newcastle-on-Tyne he was Initiated on the 18th April 1912; Passed 16th June 1914 and Raised on the 18th March 1915. Although he appears on the Grand Lodge Roll of Honour stating that he died on the 24th February 1916, there are no war casualty records in respect of him.

3361 Novocastrian Lodge
Year of Warrant 1909
Freemasons Hall Westgate Road Newcastle on Tyne

71323 Sapper Fahey James Field
Royal Engineers 3rd Base Signal Depot.

He was born at Newcastle on Tyne and was a Telegraphist. He was Proposed in open Lodge on the 17th January 1911 aged 24. Initiated on the 21st March 1911; Passed 26th May 1911 and Raised 27th June 1911. He enlisted at Newcastle on Tyne and was killed in action at the Dardenelles on the 29th October 1915 aged 28. He is buried in Green Hill Cemetery, Turkey, Grave Reference I.A.12. The Lodge Minutes recorded his death at a meeting on 21st December 1915 showing the date of death as being 5th October 1915.

2nd Lieutenant (TP) William Steele Oliver
Northumberland Fusiliers 8th Battalion.

The son of Mr W.D. Oliver of 13 Harrison Place, Newcastle on Tyne. He was a Lewis and Proposed in open Lodge on 18th March 1913, with his profession given as Assistant Works Manager, and was Initiated on the 15th April, 1913; Passed 20th May 1913 and Raised on the 17th June 1913. He was killed in action at the landing at Souvla Bay, Dardenelles between 7th and 11th August 1915 aged 24. He is Remembered on the Helles Memorial, Turkey, Panel 33 to 35.

The Lodge Minutes of the 21st September 1915 record that two Past Masters had received notice that both their respective Sons had been killed in action, Lieutenant William Steele Oliver being one of them.

3390 George Stephenson Lodge
Year of Warrant 1909
The Institute Wylam on Tyne

103575 Lance Corporal Humble John
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) 33rd Battalion
Formerly S/290214 Army Service Corps.

A Butcher, he was born at Ryton, County Durham and was Initiated on the 11th February 1914; Passed 7th April 1914 and Raised on the 13th May 1914. Enlisting at Blaydon, County Durham, he was killed in action on the 26th September 1918 aged 27. He is buried in Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, Nord, France, Grave Reference VIII.E.6.

3428 Napier-Clavering Lodge
Year of Warrant 1910
Masonic Hall Byker

93111 Private Robson George
Durham Light Infantry 2nd Battalion
Formerly 28757 York & Lancaster Regiment.

The son of the late William and Dorothy Robson of 29 Durham Street, Newcastle on Tyne, he was born at Westgate, Newcastle. A Cashier, he was Initiated at a Regular Meeting on the 6th January 1914; Passed at a Regular Meeting on the 3rd February 1914 and Raised at an Emergency Meeting on the 22nd July 1914. He was killed in action on the 24th September 1918 aged 38; his death is recorded in the Lodge Minutes dated 7th January 1919. The husband of Isabelle Bates Robson of 3 Wentworth Place, Elswick Road, Newcastle on Tyne, he is Remembered on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France, Panel 9.

Editor’s Note:
The Grand Lodge Roll of Honour record him as being a Member of 240 St. Hilda Lodge, Durham and 3428 Napier Clavering Lodge, Northumberland. However, the Masonic records do not correspond and clearly this is an error.

167364 Gunner Smith Sydney
Some records list ‘Sidney’
Royal Garrison Artillery
140th Siege Battery.

The son of William Sydney Smith and Anna Smith (nee Bailey) he was born at North Shields, Northumberland. A Foreman, he was a Master Mason of St. Ayle Lodge No. 95, Anstruther, Fife, Scotland (Scottish Constitution). A Foreman residing at North Shields, he was a Joining Member of Napier-Clavering Lodge No. 3428, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, Province of Northumberland, on the 6th October 1914. Enlisting at North Shields, he was killed in action on the 16th October 1918 aged 28. The husband of Elizabeth Ann Smith of 13 St George’s Terrace, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Northumberland. He is buried in Contimpre Canadian Cemetery, Sailly, Nord, France, Grave Reference G.11. He is Remembered on the Roll of Honour at North Shields.

Editor’s note:
Probate records indicate his last known address as, 19, Prospect Terrace, North Shields. The 1911 Census and the Roll of Honour for North Shields record his address as 16, East George Street East, North Shields and his occupation given as a Fish Porter (his father was a Foreman Fish Porter).

202583 Private Telford William
Gordon Highlanders 4th Battalion.

The son of William Spencer Telford of Harelaw, Annfield Plain, County Durham. A Clerk, he was Initiated at a Regular Meeting on the 3rd March 1914; Passed at a Regular Meeting on the 4th June 1914 and was Raised at an Emergency Meeting on the 22nd July 1914. He enlisted at Newcastle and was killed in action on the 20th September 1917 aged 37. His death is recorded in the Lodge Minutes dated 6th November 1917. The husband of Melinda Maud Telford of 30 Eastbourne, Claremont Road, Bath. He is Remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium, Panel 135 to 136.

3438 Waterloo Lodge
Year of Warrant 1910
Masonic Hall Blyth

214921 Petty Officer Gaffee Arthur George
See Every Name A Story

2nd Lieutenant William Dobson Soulsby
London Regiment 6th (City of London) Battalion (Rifles).

A Solicitor, he was Admitted in February 1910 and practised at Blyth, Northumberland. Aged 23 at his Initiation on the 9th January 1912; Passed 13th February 1912 and Raised on the 9th April, 1912. He was a Steward of the Lodge in 1913, Organist in 1915 and was Junior Deacon from 1917. He enlisted on the 4th April 1917 as a Private in the 5th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade). Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, London Regiment on the 29th February 1918. He was killed in action near Peronne on the 31st August 1918 and is buried in Hem Farm Military Cemetery, Hem-Monacu, France, Grave Reference I.I.13

Extract from the Lodge Minutes dated 10th September 1918: “The Worshipful Master referred to the death of Bro. W.D. Soulsby, Junior Deacon on active service. WBro Mason proposed and WBro T.C. Healley seconded that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow and son of the late Bro W.D. Soulsby, Junior Deacon.” A Memorial Service was held by the Lodge at the Zion United Methodist Church, Waterloo Road, Blyth on Sunday 15th September 1918 conducted by the Minister Bro. Revd W. Holroyde. A Summons to the Service is attached to the Lodge Minutes. The Brethren were requested to wear Dark Morning, White Ties and Gloves as emblems of innocence. A Memorial Plaque is in the hall of Blyth Masonic Temple and his name appears on the Blyth War Memorial.

3460 St. Aidan Lodge
Year of Warrant 1910
Masonic Hall North Shields

Robert Macleod.

An Engineer Surveyor residing at South Shields, he was Initiated into St. Aidan Lodge No. 3460, North Shields, Province of Northumberland, on the 1st May 1912 aged 28; Passed 4th September 1912 and Raised on the 2nd October 1912. He became a Joining Member of the Anglo Colonial Lodge No. 3175, London, on the 25th May 1914 with an Aberdeen address. Masonic records state that he died in February 1917 but it has not been possible to positively identify him as a war casualty.

3512 Golfers’ Lodge
Year of Warrant 1911
Freemasons Hall Grainger Street Newcastle

Captain Roy Craig Dunford D.S.O.
Northumberland Fusiliers 1/6th Battalion.

The son of Charles George and Barbara Jane Dunford of Newcastle-on-Tyne, he was born at Kirkcudbright, Scotland on the 7th June 1881. His career as a Chartered Account began with him being Articled to Messrs. J.M. Winter and Sons. He subsequently set up his own business in 1904, practicing at St. Nicholas Chambers, Newcastle-on-Tyne. A Chartered Account, he was Initiated on the 24th February 1913; Passed 31st March 1913 and Raised on the 28th April 1913. Commissioned into the 6th Battalion, N.F.; Captain prior to September 1915 when he went to France and was slightly wounded. He returned to France at the beginning of January 1916 and died of wounds sustained during action at High Wood on the 10th November 1916, aged 35. He was awarded the D.S.O. and died of wounds on the 10th November 1916 aged 35. The husband of Helen Walker Dunford of 9 Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland, he is buried in Old Jesmond General Cemetery, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Grave Reference XIX.7B.IU. His name appears on a plaque in the Northumberland Golf Club, Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Editor’s note:
The action in which he was wounded was documented in the N.F. War Diaries and there is a suggestion that he was recommended for a V.C.

3586 Lodge Vandeleur
Year of Warrant 1912
Masonic Hall Seaton Delaval Northumberland

185494 Gunner Dance Alfred
Royal Field Artillery
122nd Battery 52nd Brigade

A Butcher residing at Newcastle, he was Initiated on the 13th October 1915; Passed 8th December 1915 and Raised on the 2nd February 1916. Enlisting at Whitley Bay, he was killed in action on the 26th September 1918 aged 35. The husband of Rhoda Dance of Rose Cottage, New York, Shiremoor, Northumberland. He is buried in Cagnicourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference I.B.11.

TynesideZ/4414 Able Seaman Taylor William
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Hood Battalion RN Division.

A Grocer residing at Backworth, Northumberland, he was Initiated on the 14th May 1913; Passed 11th June 1913 and Raised on the 8th October 1913. He was killed in action on the 25th February 1917 aged 34. He is buried in Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, Somme, France, Grave Reference IV.D.44

3679 Holy Cross Lodge
Year of Warrant 1913
Masonic Hall Station Road Wallsend

100130 Gunner Middlemiss Thomas
Royal Garrison Artillery 221st Siege Battery.

He was born at Wallsend on Tyne and was a Provision Manager. He was Initiated on the 10th September 1913; Passed 8th October 1913 and Raised on the 12th November 1913. He enlisted at Wallsend on Tyne and died of wounds on the 20th September 1917 aged 33. His death was announced at a Lodge Meeting on the 10th October 1917. A Memorial Plaque containing the names of all Brethren of Wallsend Lodges who made the Supreme Sacrifice is to be found in the Lodge Room of Wallsend Masonic Hall. He is buried in Godewaersvelde British Cemetery, Nord, France, Grave Reference I.E.15.