Photo: Brian Chandler
J.W. Mulgrew
K.O. Scottish Borderers
15th June 1918 age 18
R.I.P.
Dorothy Hall has submitted the following:-
John William, the son of Thomas and Janet Elizabeth (nee Little), was born at Stanley 17th May 1900. The couple went on to have 11 children but sadly 4 died.
The 1901 census shows Thomas and his wife and 3 children visiting the home of Robert W. Smith who lived at Darlington.
By 1911 Father Thomas was employed by Barnard Castle Gas works as a general labourer. His living children were Emily (spinner at flax works), Thomas (jnr), John, Arthur, Ethel, Leslie and Ruth. The entire family of 11 were living in 2 rooms at Thorngate, Durham. Young Thomas aged 14 is entered as being unemployed at this time.
John Willie enlisted into the 1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers at Newcastle in August 1915. He was 5' 2 inches high and weighed 82 pounds. He was discharged in January 1916.
He died June 15th 1918 and is buried in Elswick Newcastle.
The Teesdale Mercury 26/06/1918 reports:-
Mulgrew, on June 15th died in hospital aged 18 years the dearly beloved son of Janet Elizabeth and the late Thomas Mulgrew, late a band boy in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Buried with military honours on Wednesday June 19th at Elswick Cemetery.
John Willie Mulgrew is remembered at Benwell on B86.02 and B86.19b
