Hedley

Hedley, Sarah Ann, Matthias, Wm. Henry & William

Hedley Emmerson was born April 23rd 1899 at Willington, County Durham, the second born of 3 sons all of whom survived. His father William Henry Emmerson native of Willington born 1873, married in 1895 in the district of Durham to Sarah Ann Burdon born 1878 at Spennymoor. William was employed as a deputy at the coal mine, in 1891 they were living at 12, Railway Terrace, Willington, later moving to Russell Street, Brandon and Byshottle where his younger brother William was born, July 15th 1902 at 7, Catherine Street. In 1911 his elder brother Matthias (14), born September 5th 1896, was employed as an apprentice barber.

On the outbreak of war he was only 15 years of age, September 30th 1916, aged 17 years, he was attested and sent to the Army Reserve, it was not until May 31st 1918 when he was 19 years and 5 months old that he left his employment at the colliery as a putter to join the Durham Light Infantry at their barracks at Newcastle-upon Tyne. He was mobilised, posted to 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry November 10th 1918 and departed for the Western Front, France.

Whilst on leave at Willington January 23rd 1919 Private Emmerson was taken ill and visited by his local doctor who arranged with the military that he should be admitted to the 1st Northern Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He was to leave his village and travel by train to Newcastle Central Station, arriving at 11:15 where he was to be met by a van that would transport him to the hospital. York Infantry Record Office and in turn the B.E.F. in France were informed of his admission and also that his doctor had attached a notification that Private Emmerson should be discharged as he was suffering from Catarrhal Appendicitis.

In response the Infantry Office stated that he had been transferred to England as a coal miner December 13th 1918 and was therefore struck off from the strength of the 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry.

Transferred to Class Z he was free to return to his home address of 9. Catherine Street and his employment as a miner. He was permanently discharged from the Army, March 31st 1920. Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Hedley Emmerson married at Darlington in 1926, Violet Johnson with whom he had 2 known children, Matthias born 1926 and Thomas Hedley Emmerson born 1931.

Hedley Emmerson died in the district of Darlington December 28th 1958 aged 59 years.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.