Photo: Pauline Priano
Photo Jack Turton
In St. Paul's Churchyard, Quarrington Hill, is a headstone for Applegarth which reads
In
loving memory of
Richard Applegarth
(East Yorkshire Regt.)
the beloved husband of
Catherine Ann Applegarth
who died 6th Dec. 1914 aged 32 years
Also of Pvte. James Tunstall (East Yorks Regt)
Brother-in-law of the above
who was killed in action
31st March 1916 aged 25 years.
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
James Tunstall, was born 1891 in Castle Eden Colliery, one of 9 children, 2 boys, 4 girls and 3 deceased, born to Thomas Tunstall, 1855 of Hartlepool and his wife Margaret born in Trimdon 1861. His father worked all his life as a miner as did both James and his elder brother. James was a putter, emptying the baskets of coal collected by the hewers and emptying them into the tubs. The barrow man pulled the tub to the shaft while the putter pushed. The family later moved to 8 Back Double Row, Quarrington Hill.
James enlisted in Durham in 1914 and was assigned as Private 13872 8th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. 61st Brigade, 21st Division. The 8th Battalion was mobilised September 9th 1915 and landed in Boulogne headed for the front line, however, James did not arrive in France until October 7th 1915 just at the time of the conclusion of the Battle of Loos. His battalion fought on the Western Front and November 16th 1915 was transferred to the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. Private 13872 James Tunstall was killed in action March 31st 1916. His sacrifice is recorded on the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, built as a memorial to those killed in action before midnight August 15th 1917 and have no known grave.
His widow Margaret would have received a pension and also his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
James was born at Castle Eden in 1891 the son of Thomas and Margaret. The couple had 9 children together although sadly 4 died. His siblings included George, Jane, Elizabeth, and later Sylvania Lottie.
At the 1891 census James is only 3 months old. The family lived at Armstrong Street near Castle Eden Colliery where his father, Thomas, might have worked as a coal hewer. All his siblings were at school. It is noticeable that the children were born in different villages as though his father is moving to where the work is.
By 1901 they were now living at 5 Short Terrace Thornley. Son George is now also working at the pit as a coal miner putter. On this census night niece, Gertie Cowie was also staying at the home.
In 1911 9 folk (including 3 boarders who were all miners) were living in 4 rooms. James like his brother is now a coal miner putter.
James enlisted at Durham and by October 7th 1915 he was on his way to France.
A few days before his death James’ battalion were fighting with his battalion for the capture of St Eloi Craters ie March 27th 1916. He was killed in action on March 31st 1916. St Eloi is a small village about 5km south of Ypres. Although the Canadians did make some progress due to craters, shell holes, water logged ground they lost their gain and the Germans recaptured the craters.
Monies due to James amounted to 17s 11d and later a war gratuity was added which was divided amongst family members.
His pension was refused as his dependant (his mother) was deceased.
For his services James was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
James Tunstall is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12 and at Quarrington Hill on Q3.02, Q3.03 and Q3.05
