CLS Chronicle 12/11/1915
Medal Card
Chester Lads (& Lasses) For Ever a HLF supported project by Chester-le-Street Heritage Group has submitted the following:-
Born 1883 at Broomhill, Northumberland to parents Ralph and Mary Ann, William married Maria Maghie at Gateshead in 1904.
In 1911 the family were living at 21 Pelaw Grange Terrace. William was a Hewer. There were 4 children Ralph (1905) Allan (1906) Isabella (1908) and Elizabeth (1910) Two other children were born after the census William (1911) and Maria (1915).
William enlisted and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers after training he embarked for France on the 9th September 1915.
The Chester-le-Street 28/10/1915 reports him wounded but he returned to the Front and was killed April 30th 1916.
The Chesterle-Street Chronicle 23/06/1916 includes an In Memoriam item;-
In loving memory of my dear husband Lance Corporal Armstrong who was killed in France on April 30th.
As I gaze on your picture that hangs on the wall.
Your smile and your welcome I often recall.
I miss you and mourn you in sorrow unseen.
And dwell on the memories of days that have been.
Oh How my heart does ache.
When I think of how you died.
To think that you could not speak to me.
Before you closed your eyes.
From his wife and family
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 27/04/1917 carries an In Memoriam item which reads:-
In loving memory of Lance-Corpl. W. Armstrong of Pelaw Grange who was killed in France 30th April 1916. His cheery face I will never forget. Though the years may pass away. I little thought when he left home. He would never more return. His heart was good, his spirit brave. His resting place is a soldier's grave. We mourn for thee dear husband. But not with outward show. For those who mourn sincerely. Mourn silently and low. Also Isobel daughter of the above. Ever Remembered by his wife and children.
Maria never married again and died in 1950 at Birtley.
Recipient of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
William Andrew Armstrong is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.40