Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Hugh McDonald was born 1893 in Greencroft near Annfield Plain, County Durham, one of 11 children of whom 10 survived, 5 boys, 5 girls and 1 deceased daughter Elizabeth. His father John McDonald was born 1851 in Tyrone, Ireland, his wife was Mary Jane Martin 1861 of Brooms, near Leadgate, County Durham. They were married in the district of Lancheter the 4th quarter of 1883, John was a coal miner and they settled after a few years at 276, Gardner Street, Brandon and Bychester, before moving to South Pontop by 1901. At the age of 17 Hugh worked at the pit below ground as an incline watcher, his family were now living at 9, Oswald Street, Craghead.
Hugh McDonald enlisted in Stanley, August 29th 1914, assigned as Private 17478 Durham Light Infantry, 11th Service Battalion. The 11th came under the orders of the 60th Brigade, 20th Division, they initially moved to Woking then Pirbright. By January 1915 they were converted into a Pioneer Battalion, moved to Whitley in the February and on to Larkhill in March 1915. July 19th they embarked as part of the British Expeditionary Force and arrived in Boulogne the following day. Concentrated in the St. Omer area, when all units had crossed to France, they were sent forward for trench familiarisation and training in the Fleurbaix area. By September 21st they were in the area of Estaires and it was here September 28th 1915 that Private 17476 Hugh McDonald Durham Light Infantry was killed, nature unknown, this was later recorded as, “killed in action”.
The body of Private McDonald was firstly buried at Rue du Bacquerot (Winchester Plot) Military Cemetery, Laventie, three and a half miles from Estaires, France and marked with a cross baring his military details. After Armistice his body was exhumed and brought into Aubers Ridge British Cemetery, Nord, France, where it was reburied with due respect and military honours, grave VIII. A. 13. At the time of his death Hugh was 22 years old and single.
His father John received all monies due to him, a pension and the only personal item remaining, his disc, along with his awards of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In Gods Safe Keeping. Rest In Peace.
Hugh McDonald is remembered at Craghead on C120.01 and C120.04 and at Stanley St. Joseph's S135.03
