Heslop's Local Advertiser 20/07/1917
Arras Memorial
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Frederick Thompson, known as Fred, was born at Felling, near Gateshead, County Durham in 1894, one of 4 children, 3 sons a daughter. His father John Thompson was born in the district of South Shields in 1849, he married in 1886 to Mary Diamond nee Cahay of Felling born 1854. Mary had been previously married in 1872 to Arthur Diamond and with whom she had a son John Diamond born in 1875.
John Thompson worked as a labourer in 1891 living with his family at Carleton Place, Heworth, his step-son John (16) was employed at the colliery as a coal miner, also living with them were two of Mary’s relatives, brother James Cahey (35) and a Margaret Cahey (14). By 1901 they had moved to Davidson Street, James Thompson (14) had joined his half-brother working as a putter underground at the colliery, Frederick aged 7 years was a scholar, James Cahey and Frederick's father were employed as general labourers. John Thompson by 1911 was unemployed, he and his wife were supported by their sons James, Thomas and Frederick, who was now 17 years old, all working at the colliery underground as coal miners along with John Diamond, James Cahey was now employed at the chemical works, they also had living with them at 11, Garden Terrace, Felling, their grandson Frederick aged 3.
Frederick Thompson enlisted at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1914 assigned as Private 18274 to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. After initial training he was transferred to the1st Battalion R.I.F of the Regular Army when it was recalled from Trimulgherrey, India, arriving at Avonmouth, January 10th 1915. Attached to the 87th Brigade, 29th Division who were in training at Rugby the main body of the regiment departed for Egypt in March 1915 then moved on to Lemons, landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, April 25th 1915, Private Thompson joined them in action, July 10th 1915. They remained on the peninsular until January 1916 when they were evacuated to Egypt and then ordered to the Western Front. March 18th 1916 they landed at Marseilles and entrained for Northern France. They saw action at the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Arras and Third Battle of Ypres in 1917.
Private 18274 Frederick Thompson was killed in action during the Battle of Arras, May 14th 1917. His sacrifice is recorded one of almost 35,000 names of servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand inscribed on the Arras Memorial within Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, commemorating those who fell during the Battle of Arras and have no known grave. He was 23 years old and single.
His father John received all monies due to him and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to him at 11, Garden Terrace, Felling, Gateshead, County Durham.
Frederick’s full brother James Thompson also served having joining the Army Reserve at Newcastle upon Tyne, October 10th 1905, he absconded the following day. Reported to the police as a deserter he was apprehended at 20, Simpson Street, Felling by Serjeant George Wass Hugill, Felling Constabulary, who was given a reward of five shillings. Whilst en-route, December 24th 1905, to No.6 Depot Royal Field Artillery, at Seaforth, he absconded again, found, arrested and committed to prison under Civil Powers. He was retained by the R.F.A with the provisor that should he be unfit for service once his civil sentence was completed he was to be discharged. James Thompson was instead retained and assigned to the 1st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, as Driver 39498, he remained in England but was in and out of trouble several times. January 9th 1913 he was convicted at Gateshead County Court of having assaulting a female, January 1st, his sentence, 21 shillings fine or 14 days hard labour, he served his sentence in gaol. On the outbreak of war he was mobilized at Athlone, Ireland, August 6th 1914, posted to the 34th Battery Royal Field Artillery, 6th Division the following day and August 9th was sent to France. He was transferred May 13th 1915 to the Lahore Division and during the Battle of the Somme, July 13th 1916, to the 84th Battery, 11th Army Brigade. September 30th 1917 he was posted as acting Bombardier and Bombardier November 5th 1917. During his service he was wounded, exact details unknown, recovered and remained with the 84th Battery, on the Western Front for the duration until the expiry of his, “time served” when he was transferred to the Reserve, Class P, “deemed to be of more value in civil life rather than in the Army”, he returned to his employment at Heworth Colliery, November 5th 1918 and received an Army pension. January 29th 1919 he applied for a final discharge which was grated on the grounds of wounds sustained, February 18th 1919. Awarded Silver Badge B.201373. he was 32 years old. Awards 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Heslop's Local Advertiser 20/07/1917 reports:
"Private Fred Thompson, killed in action, May 14th, aged 24 years. Youngest son of John and Mary Thompson, 11 Garden Terrace, Felling."
Frederick Thompson is remembered at Felling on F32.06 and F32.24 and at Heworth on H92.03
