Illustrated Chronicle July-Nov. 1916
Photo: Cynthia Kent
Peter Nisbet was born at Saltgreen Road, in the small fishing town of Eyemouth in Scotland 14th April 1887, the son of William and Elizabeth Nisbet (nee Patterson). He was the second son to be named Peter as his namesake had died not long after birth - he had an elder sister and six younger siblings, Jeannie born 1885, Janet born 1890, John William born 1892, Elizabeth born 1895, George born 1898, Henry, born 1901 and Isabella 1905.
The family moved south after the 1891 Census, and settled at 70 Edith Street, South Shields, living a short distance from St Stephen’s Church. He worked for Messrs Liptons and Co.
Peter enlisted for Short Service in the 22nd (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry on the 8th December 1915 at the age of 28. He undertook a Medical at John Street, Sunderland and was 5 feet 3/4 inches high with a fair development.
At the time of enlisting, Peter was a grocer by trade living with his parents and two younger brothers and two sisters - another brother and two sisters were living close by.
After enlisting he went into training and was mobilised on the 24th February 1916 and posted on the 29th.
Peter embarked from Southampton on the 16th June, and arrived at Le Havre in France the following day 17th June 1916.
Military Service Record reads, Home from 8th December 1915 to 15th June 1916 - total of 191 days; France from 16th June to 1st Aug 1916 - total of 47 days - he served his country for a total of 238 days. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British Medal.
The 22nd (Service) Battalion (3rd County Pioneers), was formed at West Hartlepool on the 1st October 1915, by the Durham Parliamentary Recruiting Committee under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Thomlinson, who had offered to raise a further battalion on behalf of the county, or on his own account. The necessary authority was given, and the formation of the 22nd Battalion commenced. The Headquarters of the 19th Durham Light Infantry, being no longer available, those of the 22nd were established in large office buildings, formerly occupied by Messrs Furness, Whithy and Co., in George Street. Captain C.W. Spanton, of Seaham Harbour, was appointed Adjutant and, after the lapse of two or three months, Major Harding was chosen by the Commanding Officer as the second in command. Numbers outgrew the accommodation in George Street. So temporary billets were found by companies, the old premises of the Co-Operative Society and in the Congregational School rooms in Park Road. Also the Howbeck Lane schools were also used.
At the end of February, 1916 the whole Battalion moved to Scotton-Camp under Lieutenant Colonel C. B. Morgan D.S.O.,
Whilst at Scotton Camp, Peter had overstayed his leave by almost 1 day, arriving at 8 pm on the 25th April 1916, instead of the day before, he was confined to Barracks for 7 days, and forfeited 2 days pay. [this was a common occurrence, sometimes due to travel arrangements, and the distance travelled, and other delay's would upset the timetable].
Moved to Catterick on the 9th March 1916. 17th June 1916, landed at Le Havre and then attached to 19th (Western) Division. 2nd July 1916, were transferred to the 8th Division and became the Pioneer Battalion.
On the 3rd July 1918, they were absorbed by the 1/7th Battalion Durham Light Infantry at Allenay the 22nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry ceased to exist.
On Tuesday, 1st August 1916, Peter was killed in action aged 29, by machine gun fire whilst they were working on Trench improvements. He was the only man killed on that day.
The Newcastle Daily Journal Saturday, 16/09/1916 reports under their Roll of Honour entry.
South Shields. Private Peter Nisbet, D.L.I., who lived at 70 Edith Street, South Shields, son of Mr and Mrs W. Nesbit was killed in action on August 1st.
A pension awarded to his mother, of 12s 1d, which consisted of 8s 7d Separation Allowance and 3s 6d allotment of pay.
Information: Cynthia Kent/James Pasby
Source: James Hoy Archive
Source: The Hartlepools in the Great War page 34
Source: 22nd Battalion DLI War Diary
Peter Nisbet is remembered in South Shields on S86.053 and at Durham in D47.013c page 200.
