Heslop's Local Advertiser
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
George Docherty was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland in 1890, one of 4 sons born to James Docherty and his wife Agnes Jamieson both natives of Newcastle born 1873 and 1870 respectively. They were married during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1890 setting up home at 3 Dean Court just off Lower Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, his father was employed as a lamp-lighter. After the birth of James in 1892 they moved to 41, Grosvenor Street, Gateshead where James Snr found employment as a labourer at a timber yard. By the time Matthew was born in 1909 they had moved back to a suburb of Newcastle to 60, Charlotte Street, Wallsend. His father still worked as a labourer but now at a shipbuilding yard along with George (21), James Jnr (19) was employed as a miner. Their youngest son Daniel was born June 27th 1912 whilst they were living at Tynemouth.
On the outbreak of war George enlisted at Wallsend assigned as Private 18804 to the 6th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, later transferred to the 8th Battalion. They trained in Ireland at Buttevant then moved to Ballybooley in June 1915. September 4th 1915 he crossed with the battalion to England for final training at Blackdown and departed for the Western Front in December 1915 attached to the 48th Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division landing at Le Havre, concentrating near Bethune.
George was given leave in spring 1916, when he returned to Gateshead he married his sweetheart Priscilla Knowles during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1916.
He re-joined his battalion as preparations were underway for the commencement of the Battles of the Somme, they did not see action until they participated during the Battle of Guillemont September 3rd-6th 1916 when they captured the village and the Battle of Ginchy, September 9th 1916.
Private 18804 George Docherty was killed in action September 6th 1916 on the battlefield. After Armistice during the clearing of the battlefields 4 bodies was found at map reference 57c. T.20. c.15. 50, none of which were marked with crosses bearing any military details, although by means of the remains of their uniform and their cap badges they were all attributed to be of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. They were initially all listed as Unknown British Soldier, it was not until further examination was carried out that one of the bodies was confirmed to be that of Private Docherty as on the inside of his boots was stamped D. F. 18804 in two places.
Private 18804 George Docherty along with his 3 comrades in arms were brought into Serre Road Cemetery No.2, Somme France, for reburial by an Army Chaplain with all due reverence and military honours. He is at rest grave XXV. J. B. At the time of his demise he was 26 years old.
His widow Priscilla received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
His death was reported in Heslop's Local Advertiser 13/10/1916:
"Private George Docherty, of Felling, killed in action, Sept. 6th."
He is remembered at Felling on F32.06
