Medal Index Card
Hartlepool News Wednesday 28/07/1920
Sunderland Echo Tuesday 5/04/1921
John Dourish was born on the 26th August 1899, 103 Abbot Street, Gateshead, and baptised on the 1st September 1899 at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Gateshead, son of John and Susannah, [nee Wilson].
John's father also called John, was the son of James and Jane Dourish who had 6 children, James born 1872, married Sarah Ann Grainger, Robert Francis, born 1876, married Catherine Maddison, Mary Ann born 1877 married Thomas Bell, Catherine born 1879 married John James Jack and Elizabeth born 1883 married Robert Robson.
John was married to Emily [nee Douglas], in 1923 in Gateshead, he was brother to James Wilson, born 1901 died 1905, Robert Fawcett, born 1903 died 1904, Elizabeth Simpson, Agnes, born 1908 died 1918 and Jane Hannah born 1911 died 1914, and son to John Dourish and Susannah [nee Wilson].
John was married to Emily Douglas in 1923. Their residence address was 6 Sunderland Street. Gateshead. John enlisted into the 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers with the service number 89854, after 1918. He was initially in India, but he was sent to Iraq in September 1919 as part of the reinforcements ordered to Iraq.
The Garrison Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers appears to have remained in Mesopotamia until the winter of 1918/1919 as the last recorded death there was on January 4th 1919 at Amara. Amara was further North than Basra and was the headquarters from where the 13th Division started demobilisation in February 1919. The final death in the 2nd Garrison Battalion was recorded in India on March 21 1919. The 2nd Garrison Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers returned to England and was disbanded on January 8th 1920.
Paris Peace Conference Determines Fate of Mid-East (1920): The British promised Arabs in Iraq, Syria and Palestine independence for their help in WWI. After providing their assistance, the promise was rescinded. The Allies redrew the boundaries in the Mid-East, establishing the modern borders of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Iraq was awarded to the British (British Mandate of Mesopotamia). Syria and Lebanon were awarded to France. Palestine was also awarded to the British, which included Jordan.
Turkey War of Independence (1919-23): Allies attempt to maintain control over Turkey following WWI conquest of Ottoman Empire, but Young Turks lead successful fight for independence, establishing modern Turkey. This derails Allied plans to settle the Kurds and Assyrians inside modern Turkey borders, forcing them into Northern Iraq instead, a cause of ongoing conflict with the majority Arab population.
Kuwait: At British insistence, Kuwait was made an “independent sheikhdom” under the British Empire, separate from “Mesopotamia/Iraq”. Kuwait consisted of the best ports into the Persian Gulf, while Iraq’s access to the Persian Gulf was primarily via marshy coastlines, not suitable for maritime competence. Therefore, despite its access to the Persian Gulf, Iraq would never become a naval or commercial power.
Turbulence in British-Ruled Iraq: Initial British rule in Iraq was chaotic, as inhabitants were discontent with the broken British promise of independence. Shi'a-Sunni tensions inside Iraq continued to escalate, as Shi'a were suspicious of the disproportionate number of Sunni in administrative positions, and Sunni were suspicious that the Shi'a would push for expansion of Shi'a-Iran into Iraq.
King Faisal Installed and Upheld by British (1921-33): Faisal was seen by many Arabs as a legitimate ruler, with bloodlines leading to Muhammad, and his leadership role in the Arab revolt during WWI also added to his credibility. He was initially appointed king of Syria, but was ousted by the French when he attempted to drive them out and reclaim Lebanon. From the British perspective, he had enough legitimacy to pacify the majority Arab population, while also being viewed as a leader that could still be controlled. Although somewhat problematic based on his revolt in Syria, the British were desperate to achieve some semblance of order after a year marked by mayhem. Iraq was in deep debt to the UK, and Faisal also recognized his position was dependant upon the British. Therefore, he was forced to agree to keep British officials in his cabinet, and to submit to British demands as they arose. This balance would work for some time, yet nationalistic dissension would surge beneath the surface, as Iraqis recognized that they were essentially under British control. King Faisal sought greater relations and ties with Syria, inviting many skilled workers and professionals into Iraq. He was allowed to establish an army. He was fairly effective at stabilizing Iraq, which was given a fair amount of autonomy by the British. The UK carefully orchestrated a balance of power where Faisal held sufficient power to maintain stability, while the tribal chieftains were supported by the British to the extent that they could be used to overpower Faisal if necessary. Faisal ruled until his death in 1933. He was succeeded by his son, then grandson who ruled until the monarchy was overthrown in 1958.
John was awarded the General Service Medal with the Iraq Clasp. A soldier had to either: A) Have served at Ranadi or North of a line east and west through Ramadi between 10th December and the 13th June 1920. B) Be part of an establishment within the boundaries of Iraq between the 1st July and 17th November 1920.
In 1920 his service number was re-numbered to 4257426. In 1920, the army was allocated 7 figure numbers and the Northumberland Fusiliers were allocated a block from 4256001 to 4334000.
In 1939 he was residing at 31 Argyle Street, Gateshead. John was employed by the Northern General Transport, Queen Street, Bensham.
His wife Emily passed away on the 10th October 1960, in hospital, 1 Pinewood Gardens, Gateshead.
John died on the 18th July 1957, at hospital, 1 Pinewood Gardens. interned at Saltwell Cemetery.
Research: Jean Atkinson and James Pasby
