Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Ralph was born at Chester-le-Street 23 October 1888 but it was 2 years later before he was baptised on 7 October 1890.
His father, Thomas originated from Carlisle whilst his mother, Jane (nee Lewins), was a local girl.
The marriage of at least 32 years produced 8 children (3 of whom died) including Libby (died aged 9 years), Isaac (died at the early age of 21), Jane Ann, Margaret Jane (died aged 1), Honoria, Thomas Ellen (or Nellie) and James.
The 1891 census shows Thomas working as a colliery labourer whilst his son Isaac was a colliery driver. At this time the family lived at ‘Canada’, Chester-le-Street.
By 1901 the family had moved to 5 Kent's Terrace, Sheriff Hill. Two of Ralph’s brothers were also working by this time ie Thomas (coal miner shifter underground) and James who worked as a mason’s labourer. Their eldest brother, Isaac, had died in 1897.Nellie worked as a servant for a family who lived at 11 Kent's Terrace, so just a few doors away from her home.
In 1911 the census records Ralph as being the only offspring remaining at home with his parents. He was unmarried. He is working as a grave digger at this time.
There is little information available about Ralph’s military record except that he originally joined the Durham Light Infantry serving with service number 3086 before transferring to 10th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment.
He is reported killed in action 21 March 1918 probably during the following action. A shortened report of the War Diary for 21 March 1918 is as follows:-
“At 5.00am the enemy opened a heavy bombardment on the whole battalion. Trench mortars and shells of all calibres were used including shells containing gas.
At about 10.00am the barrage was lifted and the enemy advanced over the top. This action was east of Canal du Nord.
The enemy was dealt with by rifle and machine gun fire so failed to reach our wire. Further along the line the Lancashire Fusiliers evacuated their front line. The enemy got in the front line here and bombed along it. Several officers were killed or wounded.
At 1.00pm a bombing party was formed and the enemy was driven out of the whole of the 10th West Yorkshire’s front line.
The situation for the rest of the day was fairly quiet.”
Medals :- British War Medal and Victory Medal
Ralph Cartner is remembered at Gateshead on G39.004 and G39.064
