Photo: Geordie at War Project

Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:

Alfred was the eldest son of Martin & Alice Jane (nee Barnfather) Crame having been born in Gateshead in 1876. Both Alfred’s parents predeceased him, his father dying in 1917 whilst his mother died in 1901.

Alfred worked as a warehouseman in a hat and cap warehouse. In late summer of 1901 He married Annie Reay. They had 4 children, 2 daughters living.

Alfred enlisted into the army on 7 March 1917 in Newcastle. He had 2 service numbers within his regiment the first being 34941 then later 27122. He was soon sent to France and embarked in Boulogne later that month. His health seemed a bit problematic as he was in and out of hospital several times during 1918/1919. In fact shortly before his death he was due to be examined by the medical board but unfortunately died before attending. He had been transferred to Reserve 8 April 1919.

His widow Annie added the words ‘At Rest’ to his headstone. She later remarried and became Mrs Clark.

Alfred James Crame has not been found on any Gateshead memorial.

The CWGC entry for Private Crame