John William Thompson was one of 11 children, 5 sons, 4 daughters and 2 gender unknown, of whom only 7 survived, the son of James Thompson born 1853 at Sedgefield and Sarah Eggleston of Coundon born 1856, both in County Durham. His parents were married in 1874, district of Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Their daughter Mary Ann was born in 1875 at Sedgefield, son Joseph at Satley, September 22nd 1876, Margaret Rose 1879 at Leamside and John William in 1881 whilst they were living at Bradbury Village where James was employed as an agricultural labourer. Over the next ten years Sarah gave birth to a further 4 children, Martha Eleanor 1883 and Joseph Eggleston 1885 at Satley, James 1887 and Susanna, August 23rd 1889 at Lanchester. Still supporting his family as an agricultural labourer they were now living at Clifford's Farm, the younger children including Joseph are listed as scholars. The youngest of their known children, Thomas E Thompson was born at Quebec in 1892. By 1901 James had changed occupation, now employed as a cartman, John William (20), Joseph (16) and James (14) all worked below ground at the colliery as a putter, engine plane boy and a general labourer respectively. Sara Thompson nee Eggleston died during the 4th quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) 1911 aged 53 years, widower James was living at Hamsteels, working at the colliery as a horse keeper as were his single sons James (24) and Thomas (19), they employed Alma Robinson as a servant.

John William Thompson had left the family home as he was married February 7th 1907 at Hamsteels Church to Elizabeth Ditchburn born 1877 at Ferry Hill, County Durham. By 1911 they were living at 2, Office Street, Hetton Colliery with their young family, daughter Susanna born July 4th 1908 and Doris, November 12th 1909. John William supported his family employed as a coal hewer, living with them was Elizabeth’s nephew, John Ditchburn. Their youngest child Thomas Eggleston Featherstone Thompson was born May 30th 1913 possibly at 9 East Street, West Cornforth, County Durham where they were living in 1914.

When war was declared with Germany John William Thompson aged 34 years, despite his age, received notice to present himself at the recruitment office due to his 6 years past experience in the Territorial Forces. He was attested at Darlington and posted November 7th 1914 as Driver 23599 Army Service Corps. Having undergone training he departed to France, December 17th 1915 posted to the 1st Auxiliary Horse Transport Coy. Having served for the duration of the war he returned to England and was transferred to Class Z Army Reserve as Driver 29095. Class Z allowed John William to resume his employment however he was under the obligation to return to the services should hostilities resume with Germany. After the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which officially brought WW1 to an end Class Z was abolished, March 31st 1920. Awards British War Medal and Victory Medal.

His brother Joseph Eggleston Thompson was killed in action in September 1915.

John William Thompson died in 1948 aged 67 years, death registered at Durham Western. Details as regards his wife and daughters as yet unknown. His son John Eggleston Featherstone Thompson died in 1978 registered at Durham Western, he was 65 years of age.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.