William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
William was born the son of Edward and Mary Rebecca (nee Robinson) at East Hartlepool in 1894. The couple married in 1892 and went on to have 6 children, all of whom survived childhood.
The 1901 census shows Edward (father) born at Seaham Harbour in 1871. He was an engine striker in a boiler shop.
William attended Ann Crookes Endowed School.
In 1911 Edward had died early in the year as the April census shows Mary as a widow. The family was growing up by now. Eldest son John Edward was a shipyard labourer, William an apprentice house painter whilst the other youngsters, Mary, James, Frank and Jane Ann were all at school. The 7 family members were living in 2 rooms at 4 Baptist Street, Hartlepool.
William enlisted at Seaham Harbour around 1914. He first served with R.F.A. with service number 2303. He seems to have been transferred within the regiment and given the number 760744.
He died on Wednesday 2nd October 1918 after suffocating in a dugout in France. His total war service amounted to 3 years 6 months.
He was awarded Victory Medal and British War Medal.
William Coyle is remembered at Hartlepool on H115.09, H115.30 and H115.73
He is included in the Hartlepool Mail's List of casualties
