W. Bro. Revd. David T. Youngson, PPAG Chaplain, Northumberland has submitted the following:
The information given below in respect of some of the brethren is the best possible conclusions from Lodge records, Grand Lodge records & Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
240 St Hilda’s Lodge
Year of Warrant 1780
Freemasons Hall, South Shields
3217 John Readhead Lodge
Year of Warrant 1907
Masonic Hall, Tyne Dock South Shields
2935 Lord Barnard Lodge
326395 Lance Bombardier URWIN William
CWGC list him as ‘Irwin’
Royal Garrison Artillery 23rd Fire Command
The son of Henry and Mary Irwin he was born at Tyne Dock, South Shields. A Rate Collector residing at 8 Roseberry Terrace, South Shields, he was Initiated into St. Hilda Lodge No 240, South Shields on the 11th March 1901; Passed 9th April 1901 and Raised on the 11th June 1901 resigning on the 31st December 1905. He was a Founder Member of Lord Barnard Lodge No 2935, South Shields in 1902 resigning in September 1907 and also a Founder Member of John Readhead Lodge No 3217, South Shields in 1907.
He enlisted at South Shields and died at home on the 6th November 1918 aged 38. The husband of Mary Irwin of 6 Wadham Terrace, Tyne Dock, South Shields he is buried in Harton (St. Peter) Churchyard, South Shields, Grave Reference Middle. 9.7.
William Irwin is remembered at South Shields on S86.027 S86.043 and S86.086