W.B. Longbotton and his two sisters
Family headstone: Photo Dorothy Hall
In Ropery Lane Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:
In
affectionate remembrance of
William Wilson Banson
died Feb. 29th 1906
aged 45 years.
Frances Isabella
wife of the above
died June 16th 1910
aged 95 years.
Also Charles Clarence E.
Longbottom,
son-in-law of the above
died 1st February 1924
aged 59 years.
William Banson Longbottom
died a prisoner of war 3rd Sept. 1918 aged 18 years.
Frances Anne Longbottom
wife of Charles V.E. Longbotton
Died 26th Sept. 1959 aged 82 years.
William Banson Longbottom was born, enlisted and resided in Chester-le-Street. He was formerly in the DLI with Service Number 118122.
The Scouts First World War Roll of Honour states that he was serving with the Durham Light Infantry, that he was Assistant Scoutmaster for the 1st Chester-le-Street Troop, and that he died of dysentery while a prisoner of war.
The Chester le Street Chronicle 27/12/1918 reports:-
Longbottom - died while prisoner of war on September 3rd, at Dercy, William Banson aged 18 years and 10 months, dearly beloved don of Clarence and Frances Longbottom, Finchdale Terrace, Chester-le-Street. Buried in Crecy Churchyard (France).
Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 02/05/1919 reports:-
Presentation to Boy Scouts
Mrs Longbottom of Finchdale Terrace Chester-le-Street has presented a handsome Union Jack to the Boy Scouts in memory of her son Wm. Longbottom who was a prisoner of war and died October last year. An inspection of Boy Scouts who were augmented by Troops from Sacriston, Usworth and Birtley was held on the Rectory lawn by Mr B. Sadler Assistant Commissioner after which a short service was held in the Parish Church when the flag was dedicated by Rev. A.E. Titcombe. An adjournment was then made to the Institute where tea was provided and a pleasant evening followed.
Andrew Barnett has submitted the following:
William Banson Longbottom was a first cousin of my mother. I am attaching a photo of him with his two sisters, Frances Elizabeth (right), and Constance Isobel (left, who lived two months short of 100 years).
In addition, there were two brothers, Robert Edward and John David, who was not born until 1920 and therefore never knew their oldest brother. Comparing their photos, however, there is a striking resemblance!
William Banson Longbottom is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.01, C105.12, C105.15 and C105.40
