Brenda McMahon submitted the following :-
Walter Staley (some records show name as William) was born to parents Thomas (coal miner overman) and Ellen (nee Bamford) (some records incorrectly show mother’s name as Helen) at Gurney Valley, Bishop Auckland in 1878. The couple had 9 children but only 4 were still living on 1911 census. Walter’s siblings included Elspeth, Albert, Arthur, Susannah and Charles.
His father Thomas worked as a miner but was promoted to overman and eventually became a manager.
Walter married his sweetheart Annie (nee Sinton) at Durham in 1899. They had a son, Cyril.
Walter was killed in action 18 September 1916 aged 38 years. As well as being listed on the Thiepval Memorial he is also shown on the Commonwealth War Grave headstone for his brother, Arthur, located at St James Churchyard at Coundon.
Arthur Staley died at Sunderland Royal Infirmary 13 March 1915 suffering from ulcerative endorcarditis.
Their father, Thomas, a widower died the following year in 1917.
He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Walter Staley is remembered at Auckland Park on A42.01 and at Coundon on C117.01
