William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
William was the son of Edward and Eliza (nee Lloyd) born (c) 1896. The couple had 10 children who all survived childhood. They were named Sarah Ann, Frederick, Leonard, Herbert, Charles Edward, George Thomas, Jessie, Albert Henry and James.
The family originated from the Brownshill area of Staffordshire but possibly came to this area for work.
Father, Edward was a coal miner/stoneman who died at the age of 56 years in 1913.
In 1911 the family lived at 86 Edward Burdis Street, Southwick, Sunderland. The remaining family members at home were William, Fred, Leonard and Herbert although William was the only lad old enough to work. At the age of 15 he was working as a pony driver in the pit.
William joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and was transferred to a hospital ship on 22nd December 1915 en route for France.
His service records are missing but it is known that he died of wounds at one of several general hospitals near Etaples on 2nd November 1918 aged 22 years.
The following inscription, “Safe in the arms of Jesus” was added to his headstone probably by his mother.
Medals :- RAMC Medal, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
William Harley is remembered in Dawdon on D41.02, D41.04 and D41.08 and in Gateshead on G39.030
