Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Edward Eccleston was born 1888 at Bill Quay. In 1891, aged 3 years old, he was living at Bottle House, Heworth with his sister Eleanor (34) listed as head of the family, brother John (14) was the breadwinner, working as a rivet heater at the ship yards, the youngest Henry (Harry) only 8 months old, both parents deceased.
Edward Eccleston a labourer, enlisted, January 19th 1906, aged 19 years and declared he had previously served 3 years with the West Yorkshire Regiment. Assigned to the Northumberland Fusiliers, he joined the regiment at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, January 20th. Edward was granted a bounty of 2 pounds 2 shilling to transfer to the 3rd Border Regiment as Private 9059. Transferred to the 1st battalion, November 1906, he departed with the regiment to Gibraltar until leaving from there October 23rd 1908 to serve in India. Private Eccleston was brought home to the United Kingdom prior to the end of his term, cause unknown (illegible), agreeing, July 12th 1912, to be transferred to the Army Reserve, this was actioned April 3rd 1913.
On the outbreak of war he was recalled and departed to France October 5th 1914 until returning to the U.K. November 14th having been wounded. Once recovered he was drafted as part of the British Mediterranean Force attached to the 1st Battalion Border Regiment to Gallipoli. They embarked from Avonmouth, March 17th 1915 sailing via Malta to Alexandria then on to Mudros in April. They landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, April 25th 1915 and were involved in heavy fighting.
Private 9059 Edward Eccleston Border Regiment was killed in action on the first day of his arrival in Gallipoli, April 25th 1915, aged 27 years.
His sacrifice is recorded as one of the names inscribed on the Helles Memorial which stands on the tip of the Gallipoli Peninsular in the form of a 30 metre high obelisk that can be seen by shipping passing through the Dardanelles. It is a Commonwealth battle memorial for the whole of the Gallipoli campaign but also commemorates all those from the Commonwealth who have no known grave.
The 3rd Echelon sent a telegram from Alexandria, Egypt, May 15th 1915 informing of the presumed death of Private Eccleston, word was passed to his next of kin named as John Eccleston of 5, Hall Terrace, Bill Quay and his aunt, Kitty Craig of Bolton Street, Bill Quay.
Awards; 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Edward Eccleston is remembered as E. Ecclestone at Felling on F32.06 and at Heworth on H92.03
