John Edward Disberry was the eldest of 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter, born to Joseph Disberry of Satley, County Durham, born 1870 and Mary Dawson born 1868 at Shotley, near Hexham in Northumberland. His parents married in the district of Hexham in 1890, newly married they were living with Mary’s parents Edward and Catherine Dawson at Burn Hill, Shotley Low Quarter where Joseph was employed as a labourer at the flour mill. John Edward was born in 1892, his brother William 1894 and sister Catherine in 1900.

Along with his parents and sister in 1901 they were still living at Burn Hill, William however was a visitor along with his widowed grandmother Catherine in the home of George and Harriet Rochester at 7, Townley Cottage West, Ryton, County Durham. By 1911 John Edward Disberry had left home, now 19 years of age he was employed as a butcher living as a boarder in the home of Edward and Margaret Moore and their 3 daughters at Cornsay Village, County Durham.

One of the first to enlist in 1914 he was assigned as Private 176 to the 28th (Reserve) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, later posted to the 11th (Service) Battalion. He departed for the Western Front as of January 1916 joining his regiment in the field after the conclusion of the Battle of Loos now concentrated near Bruay for a period of rest. They took over the front line March 3rd 1916 between Boyan de L’Ersatz and the Souchez river from the French 17th Division where they were subjected to heavy shelling.

During March a Tunnelling Company was formed and he was transferred to the Royal Engineers as Sapper 306391 and later posted as Sapper WR/275722 assigned to the operation of waterways and railways. He survived the conflict and was the recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

John Edward Disberry died in 1968 aged 76 years, registered in the district of Durham North Western, County Durham.

John Edward’s brother William Disberry whilst serving during WW1 as Private 22/928 Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in action October 2nd 1916.

The death of Joseph Disberry aged 69 years in 1938 was preceded by that of his wife Mary Disberry-Dawson in 1934 aged 66 years.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.