Thomas Anthony left, William Norman right

Thomas Anthony Weatherald, one of 6 known children, was one of 3 brothers and had 3 elder sisters. His father William Weatherald, native of Tow Law, County Durham born 1857 married in the district of Weardale, County Durham in 1886 to Agnes Emma Roberts. Agnes was born at Madeley, Shropshire in 1864 and brought to the north east by her parents who by 1871 had settled in Jarrow, a suburb of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The couple settled at Castleside, Consett, County Durham, where William was employed by the railways as a plate layer, their daughter Agnes Gertrude was born there, April 20th 1889. In 1891 he was living at Castleside alone whilst his wife had moved in with her parents and siblings at 88, Grange Road, Jarrow, (erroneously listed as Agnes E. Roberts) with the infant Agnes (1). It was here in late 1891 that daughter Lizzie was born but they had returned to Castleside for the birth of Mary Lilian in 1892. Over the next 7 years Agnes gave birth to 3 sons, William Norman 1895, Thomas Anthony 1896 and George May 11th 1899. Sadly, William Weatherald of 20, Front Street, Castleside, died during the 3rd quarter 1900 aged 44 years, leaving his widow with the responsibility of their young children. In the census of 1901 she is listed with all her children, however, there is no mention of her being employed. Agnes eventually found employment with the railways as a caretaker, supporting her 2 daughters with the help of her sons. William Norman (16) working above ground at Auckland Park Colliery as a labourer, Thomas Anthony (14) worked as a laundry van boy for the Hartlepool Electric Laundry, George (11) attended school and was also an errand boy for a local green grocer, Mr Bradley. The family had also taken into their home as a boarder, coach painter, 25-year-old, Arthur Wright King of Bishop Auckland who went on to marry daughter Agnes Gertrude in 1914.

Thomas Anthony enlisted January 8th 1915 at Darlington, as Private 1265 he was assigned to the 17th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, however he was discharged within 3 days as he was below the required height to serve of 5 feet 3 inches at just over 5 feet tall. As the initial rush of men dwindled the War Office agreed to reduce the required height by 3 inches thus giving Thomas Anthony the opportunity to serve his country. His military record has not been found although his pension ledger confirms he served firstly as Private 191 Durham Light Infantry, this can only have been with the 19th (2nd County) Battalion (Durham Bantams). They were trained close to home at Cocken Hall then moved to Marsham where they joined the 106th Brigade, 35th Division and on to Salisbury Plain for final training. The battalion was ordered to Egypt in late 1915, however this order was revoked and fully trained they departed from Salisbury Plain, January 16th. February 1st 1916 they landed at Le Havre where the division concentrated near St. Omer, entering the trenches at Neuve Chapelle, February 11th. July 1st they moved south to the Somme by rail and were sent into the trenches at Longueval, but did little fighting as their task was to dig new communication and reserve trenches, all be it constantly under shell fire, sustaining many casualties. The division received new drafts of men to replace the losses sustained during the conflict on the Somme but these men were not of the same standard as the original Bantams. Having undergone medical examination those under par were transferred to the Labour Corps as was Private Weatherald, either at this time or when the Bantam units ceased to exist in 1917, with a new service number, 400529. He remained with the Labour Corps for the remainder of the war until he was discharged, November 25th 1918, receiving a disability pension as he was suffering from, otorrhoea, discharge from the ear, often associated with hearing loss, attributed to his war service. Awards British War Medal and Victory Medal.

His brother Private William Norman Weatherald serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps was killed in action August 9th 1918 on the Ypres salient in Belgium. He was 23 years of age and has no known grave.

Married in 1921 in the district of Bishop Auckland to Sarah Elizabeth Roe born November 25th 1889 at Evenwood, County Durham, the couple settled at 2, Brewer Street, Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland, where he was employed as a miner. His wife gave birth to 2 children in England, Lily in 1922, Jeanie 1923. The family departed for Australia, final destination Adelaide, aboard the, “Orama,” of the Orient Line, March 6th 1926, from the port of London, Jennie in error was listed as Master J. Weatherald. He and his wife are listed in 1946 as living alone at 57, Dudley Street, Semaphore, Hindmarsh, South Australia, listed as Anthony he was employed as a labourer. Thomas Anthony Weatherald died April 16th 1988 at Linden Park, Burnside City, South Australia, aged 91 years and is at rest within Enfield Memorial Park, Clearview, Port Adelaide Enfield City, South Australia. Sarah Elizabeth Weatherald-Roe died December 7th 1992 aged 93 years and is also at rest within Enfield Memorial Park.

Their daughter Lily married David Morris born September 9th 1921, South Australia, who enlisted at Adelaide, October 2nd 1940, in the Royal Australian Air Force, official number 26999, based in Australia and saw service at R.A.A.F Madang, New Guinea, discharged March 3rd 1948. Further details unknown.

Details as regards Jennie Weatherald, unknown.

In God’s safe keeping Rest In Peace.

Thomas Anthony Weatherald is not remembered on a local War Memorial.