Heslop’s Local Advertiser 22/12/1916
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Thomas Henderson Wrightson was born at Offerton Haugh, County Durham in 1886, one of 10 children of whom only 9 survived, he was the 4th born of 6 sons and 3 daughters. His father William Wrightson originated from Yorkshire where he was born at Fearby, near High Ellington in 1851. As a young man he was employed by farmer William Raw as a servant but had moved to the north east where he married in the district of Sunderland in 1876, Sarah Henderson, born 1855 in the village of Cox Green, Sunderland. in 1881 William was employed by the railway as a signalman whilst they were living at 22, Church Street, South Hylton and also in 1891 when he and his family lived at Railway Cottages, Dubmire, near Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham. His eldest son Robert (14) was also employed by the railway as a clerk, his older children were all scholars. They transferred to Felling between 1891 and 1893, daughter Margaret (22) was a dressmaker for her own account working from home, Charles (19) and Thomas (15) were employed as draper’s assistants, John unlike his father who was still working as a signalman was a colliery labourer, Arthur and Ernest were at home, eldest son Robert was married and living at Wylam.
William Wrightson died at Gateshead aged 50 years in 1901, his widow, living in 1911 in 4 rooms at 1, Hewiston Terrace, Felling was supported by sons John and Thomas employed by a chemical manufacturer as labourers and Arthur and Ernest both of whom worked at the colliery as drivers.
On the outbreak of war Thomas enlisted at Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, assigned as Private 4352 Northumberland Fusiliers he joined his Regiment at Newcastle where he was posted to the 8th (Service) Battalion. After initial training at home they were transferred to Belton Park, Grantham until April 4th 1915 when they assembled at Whitley and Frensham for final training attached to the 11th (Northern) Division. As part of the 34th Brigade, 11th Division Private Wrightson departed for Gallipoli, July 10th 1915.
Departing from Liverpool bound for Mundros the 11th Division landed near Lala Baba at Sulva Bay, August 6th 1915 confronting the Ottoman forces. December 20th 1915 they were withdrawn from Gallipoli to Imbros and then by January 1916 to Egypt where they took over the defences of the Suez Canal.
During March 1916 whilst on leave at Gateshead Private Wrightson married Mary Cahill before rejoining his Regiment in the field.
The 8th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers was recalled via Alexandria, July 3rd 1916 to France as reinforcements to the Battles of the Somme. Private Wrightson was transferred in the field to the 9th (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, 52nd Brigade, 17th Northern Division.
During the final phases of the Battles of the Somme Private 4352 Thomas Henderson Wrightson was killed in action November 2nd 1916, his body buried on the battlefield by his comrades. His widow Mary received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, sent to her at 24, Cannon Street, Shade, Todmordon, Yorkshire, where Mary had given birth to their daughter Kathleen, during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sept) 1916.
After Armistice during the clearing of the battlefields his remains, identified by means of a disc, numerals, clothing and boots, were found, exhumed and brought into Bienvillers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France and buried with all honour and reverence by an Army chaplain, October 24th 1923. Private 4352 Thomas Henderson Wrightson Northumberland Fusiliers is at rest grave XVIII. L. 6. At the time of his demise he was 30 years old, the disc found on his remains was returned to his widow.
Prior to the death of Thomas his family were already suffering, not knowing the fate of his younger brother Arthur Wrightson serving as Private 2230 Durham Light Infantry who had been declared missing since September 15th 1916. It was confirmed July 1917 that he had not been found and was presumed to have been killed in action. Arthur had nominated his mother as sole beneficiary, as such she received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Sarah Wrightson nee Henderson died aged 71 years at Gateshead, County Durham in 1927.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Heslop’s Local Advertiser 22/12/1916 carries an In Memoriam notice which reads:
“Private T. Wrightson, N.F., killed in action on Nov.9th. Son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Wrightson, Hewitson Terrace, Felling.
Thomas Henderson Wrightson is remembered in Felling on F32.23 and in Windy Nook on W95.01
