Eddie Keenleyside
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Edward Keenleyside Jnr, affectionately known as Eddie, was, of his surviving siblings, the second eldest of 3 sons and had 1 elder and 1 younger sister, (1 deceased gender unknown). His father Edward, true birth name Underwood, mother Jane Underwood, was born March 3rd 1864 at Alston, Cumberland, and baptised by his mother, March 30th. Taken in to the home of William and Sarah Ann Keenleyside of Alston, Edward Snr, at the age of 7 is listed in the census of 1871 under the surname Underwood, but by 1881 as Keenleyside.
The Keenleyside family had left Cumberland and settled by 1871 at Lambley, Northumberland, living at Herdly Terrace, Edward (17) had joined William Keenleyside at the colliery both employed as coal miners. Between 1881 and 1891 they moved to the parish of Medomsley, County Durham, where they occupied 14, Prospect Terrace in the village of Hamsterley Colliery, which provided a place of work for Edward (27), William and his younger son Tom (13).
Edward Keenleyside was married, May 20th 1893, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, to local girl Hannah Johnson, born 1870, their daughter Sarah Annie was born later that same year at Haydon Bridge, John William, December 1st 1896, Hamsterley Colliery, County Durham, as were Eddie, during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1899 and Mary Jane, December 27th 1901, at 2, Prospect Terrace. Edward continued to support his family working as a coal hewer, they had moved into 3 rooms at 2, Prospect Row, by 1911 and he had been joined at the colliery by John William (14), a pony driver underground. Eddie (12) and Mary Jane (9) although of school age are not listed as such, Sarah Annie (17) remained at home assisting her mother with the upkeep of the household and the care of her youngest sibling, Arthur (2), born July 2nd 1908.
When war was declared, August 4th 1914, Eddie was only 15 years of age, too young to enlist, he would not have been eligible to serve overseas until her turned 19-years of age during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1918.
He enlisted in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, in circa 1917 where he was assigned as Private S41811. The prefix, “S,” before his service number indicates General Service, meaning he could have been posted to any infantry regiment. As Private Edward Keenleyside he was posted to the 1st/14th London Regiment (London Scottish) 168th Brigade, 56th London Division, attached to the Gordon Highlanders, joining his regiment in the field on the Somme in France, exact date unknown.
The Germans had launched a new offensive on the Somme, March 28th 1918 in the Arras sector, the First Battle of Arras concluded April 5th, however the troops remained in the sector. Private S41811 Edward Keenleyside London Regiment was killed in action during day to day trench warfare, May 30th 1918.
He was interred within Danville British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, grave I. C. 15 which was begun by the burial officer of the 56th (London) Division as of mid-April 1918. His mother Hannah received all monies owed to her son from the Army, also his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal, sent to her at Anchor House, Ebchester, County Durham. His father commissioned at a cost of 8 shillings 2 pence an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads, In The Midst Of Life We Are In Death,” Private Edward Keenleyside was 19 years of age and single.
Eddie’s elder brother was also eligible to serve, he did so as Private John William Keenleyside with the Northumberland Fusiliers.
Hannah Keenleyside nee Johnson (59) died March 24th 1929 in the district of Houghton, County Durham, Edward Keenleyside (80), September 20th 1944, Durham North.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Edward Keenleyside is remembered at Ebchester on E58.01 and at Hamsterley Colliery on H140.04
