Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-

Edmund James Patterson was born at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham on the 11th May 1882, the youngest of 5 sons and a daughter. His parents, Daniel Thomas Patterson and Euphemia Hebron, natives of Heworth, Gateshead, County Durham, born in 1844, were married at South Shields in 1862.

In 1871 the Patterson family was living at Windy Nook Village where Edmund’s father was a quarryman, supporting his wife, sons Thomas (7) a scholar and John (2). Thomas ten years later was an apprentice stonemason, his younger siblings, John (12), Daniel (7) and Robert (5) with the exception of Jane (2) were scholars, Edmund was born later that year.

By 1891 they had moved to 13 Wallis Street, Felling. Daniel Patterson was still employed at the quarry, now a fireman, Thomas was married and had left the family home, Daniel (17) and Robert (15) were employed as clerks, Jane (12) and Edmund (8) were scholars, also living with them was Daniel’s widowed mother Mary, listed as living by her own means.

Edmund’s father Daniel died in 1895 aged 50 years. In 1901 his brother Robert Hebron Patterson is listed as head of the household, employed as a merchant’s clerk and Edmund was working as a carpenter/joiner in order to support their widowed mother, they were now living at Coldwell House, Felling, Gateshead.

In 1912 Euphemia emigrated to Canada, travelling on the Empress of Britain ship number 120940, arriving at St John, New Brunswick, Canada on the 3rd February 1912. She was aged 68 and was to be employed as a house keeper.

Aged 24 years old, Edmund was married in 1906 at Gateshead to Margaret Jane Tulip, born at Felling on the 12th November 1881 and with whom he had 2 children, only one of which survived, a daughter, Gertrude Isabella born in March 1911.

On the outbreak of war Edmund James Patterson enlisted as Private 21/840 with the Northumberland Fusiliers, attached to the 21st (Reserve) Battalion which trained at Catterick and in April 1916 at Hornsea providing drafts of men for overseas service.

His military record no longer exists, one of the 70% destroyed during the blitz of WW2, however, he served on the Western Front and was promoted during his service to the rank of Company Sergeant Major. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal on August 19th 1916, for gallantry relating to a bombing attack he led against the enemy. The medal was presented to him at the Empire Theatre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne by Sir Thomas Oliver. Edmund was transferred to the 3rd Battalion.

The presentation of a gold watch which took place at the Imperial Picture House, Felling, to Sergeant Major Patterson D.C.M. N.F., was attended, amongst others, by some 60-70 wounded soldiers and the nursing staff of Whinney House, Low Fell, Gateshead where he too had convalesced. Mr William Morrison of Gateshead Tramways Company had provided transport to the event for the men. Sergeant Major Patterson D.C.M., 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, survived the conflict of WW1 returning to his home at Felling.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Heslop's Local Advertiser "Sergt. Major Patterson, D.C.M.

We are pleased to give a few particulars respecting another Felling man, Sergeant-Major E.J. Patterson who, it is gratifying to state, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Sergt.-Major Patterson is a son of the late Mr. Daniel Patterson, a well-known Windy Nook resident, and a brother of Mr. Tom Patterson, sculptor, and Mr. Daniel Patterson, of Heworth. His wife is a daughter of Mr. Sep. Tulip of Booth Street. He was, previous to the outbreak of war, frequently in demand as a humorous singer and took part in many local entertainments. According to the official Gazette, Sergeant-Major Patterson was awarded the D.C.M. "for conspicuous gallantry in leading a bombing attack on the enemy, and for repulsing several counter-attacks extending over a considerable period."

In 1920 they were residing at 78 Rodsley Avenue, Gateshead.

By 1939, Edmund and his wife were living at 423 Lobley Hill Road, Gateshead.

Edmund James Patterson died at the Darlington Memorial Hospital on the 5th January 1950. He left effects of £4898 1s 9d to his widow Margaret Jane Patterson, they were residing at 423 Lobley Hill Road, Gateshead.

FOOTNOTE

The gold watch presented to Sgt. Major Patterson was inscribed:

Presented to
Sergt.Major E.J. Patterson
2nd Tyneside Scottish
by a few Felling friends
in recognition of his winning
the D.C.M.
on 1st July 1916.

The watch is in the hands of somebody who bought it at a Sunday market. They have contacted us to say they are prepared to sell it back to the family. If a family member is interested, please contact janet@newmp.org.uk who will put you in touch.