Pte. T. Ballantyne

In 1901 Thomas is living at 46 Thomas Street, Blaydon, Durham. His father is James Ballantyne, age 48, Chemical Works Labourer, an American Subject, his mother Catherine Ballantyne, age 45, born Ireland. The children are Eisbella, (18), James (17) Glass Works Labourer, Thomas, (15), Glass Works Labourer, Nancy, (13), Jane, (11), all born Blaydon.

In the 1911 Census Thomas living at 16 Thomas Street Blaydon is married to Mary (nee True born Birtley) with 2 children - Siebella (1) and Thomas 4 months. Siebella was born in Stirlingshire in Scotland and has (Resident) in brackets.

Thomas enlisted at Blaydon and joined the 1st/9th Durham Light Infantry and embarked for France 20th April 1915.

He was killed in action on 01/10/1916.

By this time Mary was living at 34, Thomas Terrace Blaydon with her three children, Mary Isabella born 29th August 1909, George Thomas born 29th November 1910 and James Ypres born 19th August 1915.

Medals: 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Anne Armstrong says he is listed on the War Memorial in Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire – we assume this is because he had been a resident late 1910 when George Thomas was born. The link below will take you directly to the Bonnybridge page on the Scottish War Memorials Project and you will be able to see his name listed on one of the panels. (His name has been incorrectly spelt!)

Thomas Ballantyne is remembered in Blaydon on B111.01 and at Durham in the DLI Book of Remembrance page 269.

Scottish War Memorial entry
The CWGC entry for Private Ballantyne