John Craigs was born January 29th 1895 in Craghead, County Durham, one of 6 children, 5 boys and 1 girl, born to Stephen Craigs 1868 Half Way House, County Durham and Margaret Ann Clarke a native of Coxhoe, County Durham. They were married the last quarter of 1890 in the district of Lanchester, their first home was at 7 Thomas Street Craghead, his father worked at the colliery as a winding engiineman. As the family grew they moved to 35, Railway Street where they took in two colliery workers as boarders. The family remained at this address and in 1911 at the age of 17 years John was working along with his father and brothers at the local colliery as a bank boy, pit top.

He enlisted at the outbreak of the Great War in the Royal Army Medical Corp, unfortunately his war record no longer exists, one of about 70% destroyed during the blitz of WW2. John Craigs served his country and survived the conflict.

Two of his brothers Stephen and Joseph also served.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

John Craigs' service is remembered at Craghead on C120.02