Photo : North Eastern Railway Magazine

Photo : Thomas Coates

At the time of the bombardment Mr. Sarginson was on duty at Slag Island in the dock area and was in the act of dealing with wagons when he was struck by fragments of a shell. He called to his mates-Mr R. Coates for assistance, which was promptly rendered, but even while he was being carried away on his friend's back he was again struck - Mr Coates, also suffered injury. In all, Sarginson received about 20 wounds in various parts of his body. Mr Sarginson was 22 years of age, and was unmarried. He entered the company's [North Eastern Railway], service in June 1913, and was well respected'.

Source : North Eastern Railway Magazine

Thomas Coates was also a shunter, who resides at 16 Dundas Street, West Hartlepool carried William Sarginson on his back to the ambulance men, and himself was wounded whilst doing so.

William Sarginson is not remembered on a WW1 War Memorial in the North East.