Ian Murray has submitted the following:-
George McDonald was born in Wingate, in 1897 to parents Joseph and Eliza Annie. Joseph was also born in Wingate, while Eliza, whose maiden name was Voyzey, was born in Spennymoor.
In 1901 the family lived at 8, Widdrington Terrace, South Moor and Joseph was a coal miner.
In 1911 the family lived at 20 Dene Row, Hamsterley Colliery by which time George, now aged 14 was employed as a Pony Driver (below ground) in the coal mine.
George enlisted in Consett. He initially served in the Durham Light Infantry with the service number 20935 but later served in the Prince of Wales Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment where he was attached to the 180th Company, Royal Engineers. He embarked for France 25th August 1915.
In the summer of 1916, George married Mary Jane Prinn from Oxhill, Stanley, the marriage being registered in Lanchester. The marriage lasted less than three months as, on 10th October 1916, George, aged only 20, died of wounds and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery.
The Stanley News 19/10/1916 Roll of Honour includes the following extract:-
McDonald, Died of wounds received in action in France on October 10th 1916 age 20 Private George McDonald West Yorks. Regiment beloved husband of Mary McDonald Oxhill and eldest son of Joseph and Ann McDonald Lanchester
Awards: 1915 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal.
George McDonald is remembered at Lanchester on L62.01 L62.02 and L62.04 and at Stanley on S135.04
