Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Lancelot Fawcett was born 1894 in Toft Hill, one of 7 surviving children, (1 deceased), 3 boys and 4 girls born to Robert Fawcett (1856 Fylands Bridge - 1911 Sedgefield) and Mary Baxter (1858 West Auckland - 1919 Sedgefield). Robert and Mary were married 1882 in the district of Bishop Auckland and in 1891 were living in Toft Hill Lane, Auckland, Robert was working as a coal miner. Over the years as the family grew they moved home and eventually, in 1911, were living at 37, Arthur Street, Windlestone, both Robert and his sons were working at the local colliery as miners.
Lancelot Fawcett enlisted, September 5th 1914, in Ferryhill, joining the Durham Light Infantry, 13th Battalion, as Private 18730 and was assigned to, “A” Coy, 3rd Platoon. The 13th Battalion D. L. I. was attached to the 68th Brigade, 23 Division. His training took place in Aldershot but whilst on leave he married Miss Ada Gash, September 27th 1915. Lancelot was injured during his training period in 1915 and was hospitalised for 46 days with a contusion to his leg and thigh. It was not until May 15th 1917 that he was posted to France, as part of the 18th Battalion, British Expeditionary Force, leaving Folkestone, May 17th 1915 and arriving in Boulogne the same day. A few days later he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, “D” Coy. During April to July 1917 the 2nd Battalion along with the 14th Battalion D. L. I. fought in the coalfields of Lens against the Germans for Hill 60. During this battle Lancelot was wounded and taken to the 17th Field Ambulance Station where he died the same day, June 28th 1917. Private 18730 Lancelot Fawcett, 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry is interred in Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay, near Lens, Pas de Calais, France, grave II. E. 17. Lancelot was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Lancelot’s widow Ada wrote a letter to Military Headquarter dated December 9th 1918 thanking them for the return of his personal item which were letters, photos, a wallet, a watch (broken) and chain, and a match box holder. Ada and their daughter Edna Fawcett were awarded in January 1918 a pension of 18/9 (eighteen shillings and nine pence), a week. His awards were received by her in 1919, by which time she had remarried, in Sedgefield, September 1919, to Joseph Mundy and was living at 108 Guerney Valley, Bishop Auckland.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest in Peace.
Lancelot Fawcett is remembered at Chilton on C107.04, C107.12 and C107.14 (Darlington D40.039)
