Dunhallow Cemetery
Dunhallow Cemetery
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
John Joseph Tomlinson, was one of 7 children, 4 sons, 2 daughters and 1 gender unknown, the offspring of Ralph Tomlinson born 1870 at Coxhoe, County Durham, and Emily Ann James born 1869, native of Goonhaven, Cornwall. Emily Ann was the daughter of Samuel and Emily James who had migrated to the north east by 1881. The couple were married, December 8th 1890, in the parish of St Andrew, Bishop Auckland. They initially moved in with Emily Ann’s parents and siblings at 122, Gurney Villa, Coundon Grange, where their son Philip Ernest was born in 1891, they were supported by the male members of the family employed as coal miners. By 1901 the Tomlinson family had a home of their own at 10, Gurney Valley, Auckland Park and a further 3 children, Joseph James born 1894, George William 1899 and Elizabeth H. Emily 1901. Daughter Helen Ann was born in 1905, two years later her brother Philip Ernest died aged 16 years, by 1911 John Joseph (16) had joined his father at the colliery employed as a labourer above ground, his surviving siblings were scholars.
Britain declared a state of war existed with Germany in August 1914, John Joseph was amongst the first to enlist at Shildon, County Durham assigned as Private 1468 Royal Army Medical Corps, a Territorial Force. He departed for the front, January 1915, landing in France attached to the 28th Division, posted to the 2nd Northumbrian Battalion, 86th Field Ambulance R.A.M.C. The 28th Division upon its arrival was sent immediately to the frontline on the Ypres salient in Belgium where it participated during the Second Battle of Ypres. The 86th Field Ambulance assisted the numerous casualties on the battlefield wounded by shell fire and suffering from the effects of gas which had been used for the first time by the Germans.
Private 1468 John Joseph Tomlinson Royal Army Medical Corps was killed in action on the Ypres salient, April 24th 1915, and next of kin informed. His body was buried by his comrades at map reference G. 4. d. 3. 5. along with that of Private 1513 F. Hall also of the 86th F. A., who also fell that day, both graves were marked with crosses bearing the words, “in memory of", followed by their military details. After the Armistice at the request of the French and Belgian authorities, small concentrations were brought into newly formed larger cemeteries. During the clearing of the battlefields the remains of Private Tomlinson were found, July 17th 1919, his family was informed of the necessity that he be exhumed. Private John Joseph Tomlinson R.A.M.C. was brought into Duhallow Advanced Dressing Station where he was laid to rest with all honour and reverence by an Army chaplain, grave V. B. 17. At the time of his demise in 1915 he was 21 years of age and single.
George William Tomlinson would also have been eligible for military service, however, no record has been found.
His mother Emily Ann as sole beneficiary received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. His father Ralph commissioned at a cost of 3 shillings 2 pence an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads, “Abide With Me.”
Emily Ann Tomlinson nee James died in 1922 aged 51 years, Ralph Tomlinson aged 69 years in 1938, both registered in the district of Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
In Gods safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
John Joseph Tomlinson is remembered at Auckland Park on A42.01
