William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Thomas Norman (usually known as Norman) was born at Newcastle upon Tyne in 1896 and was later baptised at St Paul’s Church, Elswick on October 4th 1896.
His parents were Jonathan and Judith (nee Bowman) who married in 1894. The couple had 5 children together including Alfred, Edith and John and Robert (probably twins).
The 1901 census shows the family living together at 38 Mount Pleasant Seaham. Father Jonathan was working as a colliery engine fitter.
Unfortunately, Judith died in 1905 so by 1911 Jonathan and his family had moved to Helen Street Dawdon Colliery.
Jonathan had been promoted to foreman engine fitter so he was able to afford a housekeeper, Mary Clark.
By this time eldest son Alfred James was working at the pit as a clerk above ground whilst Norman was a student.
Jonathan married Catherine Wright in 1912 but the married was short lived as Jonathan died between January - March 1918 about the same time as his son was killed in action on march 22nd 1918 in the Peronne region.
Norman served with 13th (Service) Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. This battalion was also known as Forest of Dean Pioneers. He achieved the rank of Lance Corporal.
Peronne was held by the Allies until March 23rd 1918 when it was retaken by the Germans. This was the day Norman lost his life.
The inscription of his headstone reads :-Their glory shall not be blotted out.
Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Brother Alfred also fought in WW1 enlisting into Royal Warwickshire Regiment as service number 242707. Although he was wounded on October 11th 1917 he survived the war and died in 1940.
Thomas Norman Wilkinson is remembered at Seaham Harbour on S117.06