Photo; Bacon; Captain William Raine M.C.
The following has been submitted by John Taylor:
William was born in about 1891, the son of John and Mary Raine of Station Cottages, Byers Green. John was employed as a platelayer on the North Eastern Railway. William married Sarah Ann Dodds Raine in 1916 and they lived in Prospect Terrace, Eighton Banks.
William served firstly as a Trooper with the Northumberland Hussars, regimental number, 2216. He was promoted through the ranks, becoming a Captain with 9th Battalion (Territorial), The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment. He also served his company as acting adjutant.
He was awarded the Military Cross in January 1917, whilst a 2nd Lieutenant. This award had been created in December 1914 for ranks of captain and below. It was to be awarded for 'an act/acts of exemplary gallantry during active service operations against the enemy on land'. His citation reads:
“For consistent good service and devotion to duty for a period of 25 months in France.
This officer rendered good service as a platoon commander in this Battalion from October, 1915 to April, 1916. Since May 1916 he has rendered particularly good service as Acting Adjutant.
He proved of great assistance during active operations on the Somme, from August to October 1916, working under very trying circumstances and often heavy fire, particularly during the attack near GUILLEMONT 12.8.1916 and operations near FLEURS 25.9.1916”
He was wounded in France on 7th September 1918, and died the following day. His widow, Sarah was now living at Red Lion Inn, Eighton Banks. He is also remembered with a photograph in the Gateshead War Honours Scrapbook 1914-1920.
William's brother Matthew also served with the Northumberland Hussars and was killed in action on 30th October 1917. They are both remembered on the Byers Green War Memorial.
Captain Raine's granddaughter Shireen Hocknell has added:
"Sarah Anne Dodds gave birth to William's daughter Wileen 2 days before his death in September 1918. She never remarried but lived at 14 Prospect Terrace until her death. My mother's name was Wileen. Nanna wanted a name with a connection to William but incorrectly thought the name Wilhelmina was German so instead invented mam's name. The Red Lion pub and buildings were owned by Sally's (as Sarah was known) family and according to mam she often slept there if nanna was helping out in the pub but no.14 Prospect Terrace was their family home and has remained in our family until 2005 when mam had died and dad came to live with us."
Mark Darling has added the following:
I have a few more details regarding him that I discovered whilst researching my relative, 2nd Lieut Robert Darling, MC.
Raine joined the 1/9th Kings Liverpool Regiment with Robert following a recommendation for a field commission for both men made by Major Duncan Campbell. Neither man had requested this, but Campbell was asked for the names of two 'likely officers' and this was accepted. Both men joined the Kings Liverpool on 21st November 1915. It seems they spent several periods of leave together until Robert was wounded in 1917. Whilst he was recuperating, Raine was promoted captain and was killed by shellfire a couple of days before Robert in 1918. Robert heard about Raine's child and wrote home how sad he felt that the news came just after Raine was killed.
William Raine is remembered in Eighton Banks on E50.01 and E50.02 and in Byers Green on B157.01
