Linda Gowans has submitted the following:-
In 1911 the Brydon family, all born in Sunderland, was at 38 Eldon Street. Michael Thomas, born 1867, was a Grocer’s Manager. He and Annabella Matthewson, born 1864, had five children, the eldest of whom was John Cummings, Insurance Clerk, born 1893.
Prior to enlisting John was a cashier for Messrs Mills and Co. Aluminium Works, Bonner's Field. He was also a member of Pallion Golfing club.
At Sunderland on September 18th 1914 John enlisted for three years in the County Battalion of the DLI, the 18th, formed in 1914 and known as the Durham Pals. Be a Pal and Play the Game was their motto: initially all men had to be 5’9” or over. His attestation papers state that he was born in the parish of Bishopwearmouth, his occupation was Cashier, and he had not previously served in the military. His age was 22 years 3 months, and he was 6’ 1” tall, of fresh complexion, with blue eyes and dark brown hair.
His battalion was mobilized on October 9th 1914 at Cocken Hall, Finchale. The house was built in the 17th century: neither it nor its formal gardens survive. The site functioned as a military residence (hutment camp) and training ground during World War 1.
The Battalion embarked for Egypt on December 6th 1915, arriving on the 22nd. On March 5th 1916 they again embarked, this time for France, where they arrived on the 11th. After a bout of influenza in May, John returned to service.
During these years there had been promotions to Lance Corporal, Corporal and Sergeant, until his battalion was involved in the first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1st 1916, and John was killed in an attack on the village of Serre.
The officer in charge of Infantry Records at York returned to his father the only items of personal property that had been recovered: two identity discs. He was survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters, all living at 50 Cleveland Road. His mother requested that his headstone at Serre Road Cemetery should have the inscription ‘Until the day breaks and shadows flee away’.
Recipient of the 1915 star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
John Cummings Brydon is remembered at Sunderland on S140.009, S140.010, S140.048 part 2, S140.071, S140.075, S140.103 and S140.128
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 168 as A/L/Sgt A.C. Brydon.