Photo: Geordie at War Project
W.V. Thompson
Durham Light Infantry
17th November 1918 age 24
Dearly loved husband
of Margaret A. Thompson
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
William was born to his parents John Henry and Margaret (nee Naylor) on 14 February 1894 at Chester-le-Street. His middle name was chosen because of his being born on St Valentines day. He was baptised 25 March 1894.
His father worked as a boring machinist.
In 1901 the family were living at 24 Hilda Street including his 2 brothers and 1 sister named James, Ellen, John Joseph.
His enlistment date is not known but his few records show he served with the Yorkshire Regiment (Regimental Numbers 2512, 8/6689). He was later transferred to 1/5th Durham Light Infantry. In the late summer of 1918 William married his sweetheart, Margaret McGee. But unfortunately within a few weeks he was dead.
William died soon after the Armistice ie on 17 November 1918 aged 24 years. It appears that he died at home in a Newcastle Hospital.
His widow was entitled to £27.2s.3d in wages (including £25.10s.0d war gratuity). At the time of Williams’ death, she was residing with Mrs Lamb, Sherburn House Durham. She added the following words to his headstone :- “Dearly beloved husband of Margaret A. Thompson”
Medals :- British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His brother James Easton Thompsonalso served in the Great War in the Royal Air Force. He died 4th March 1919.
William Valentine Thompson is remembered at Gateshead in G39.004 at Gateshead Fell on G39.064 and at Low Fell on L61.02 and L61.03
He is not remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance
