Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Hall was born at Brandon in 1889 the son of Matthew and Mary. The couple had 6 children together.
The 1901 census shows the family living at Merrington Village at the Bay Horse Inn. During their thirty-year marriage apart from son, Hall, there were also children Moses, Margaret, William, Dinah Elizabeth, and Mary Ann. As well as keeping an inn Matthew also worked as a coal hewer. His wife assisted in the business.
By 1911 life was much as before. Some of older siblings had moved on whilst Hall was now working as a colliery labourer above ground. His sisters Dinah and Mary Ann were still at home.
Hall enlisted at Ferryhill on December 8th 1915 with the 22nd (Service) Battalion (3rd County) (Pioneer) Durham Light Infantry, the Durham Pals. He was later medically examined at Sunderland on February 29th 1916 where he was shown to be aged 27 years, height 5’5”, weight 164lbs with a good physical development. In fact, it was stated he was a fine healthy man.
He was mobilized on February 29th 1916 and by November that year was appointed Lance Corporal with 22nd DLI.
On May 1st 1916, not long before Hall, was sent to France his mother died of influenza and pneumonia aged 54. Her husband Matthew was with her when she died in the Bay Horse Inn.
Whilst at Scotton Camp June 9th 1916 he overstayed his pass for 9 hours. He was admonished by his senior officer and forfeited 1 day’s pay.
Hall embarked at Southampton for France on June 16th 1916. He went missing on March 26th 1918. On June 1st 1918 he was struck off the battalion strength as death was presumed by the War Office due to time lapse since he was reported missing.
His total service was 2 years 109 days.
His father was entitled to monies due to Hall which amounted to £21.11s.11d plus a later war gratuity of £11.10s.0d
As his body was never found Hall is listed on the Pozieres Memorial alongside 14720 of his comrades.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
Hall Kell is remembered at Kirk Merrington on K26.01
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 60
