Photo: Brian Chandler

Newton was born at Sunderland in 1881, the son of John and Esther. He lived and enlisted in Newcastle upon Tyne and prior to his enlisting he worked as a machine hand at Armstrong Whitworth (Elswick Works).

He was posted to Etaples, France where he joined the 7th Battalion on 19th January 1917. He was given 5 days detention for losing his equipment by neglect on 11th May 1917. Newton was admitted to the field hospital on several occasions between July and August 1917, before finally being sent home to England on 13th August 1917, suffering from Trench Fever. He was declared a deserter on 27th January 1918.

On his return he was transferred to the 468th Protection Company, Royal Defence Corps (73178, Private) on 2nd April 1918. Newton was sent to a rest camp in Dublin for dispersal on 13th September 1919 and was eventually discharged on 14th October 1919, due to debility after suffering Trench Fever.
He had been recorded as formerly serving with the Fusiliers as (6124, Private).

His next of kin was given as his sister Esther Pritchard, 6 Dunns Cottage, Off Elswick Terrace. Newcastle.

Acknowledgements: Ron Carson

The CWGC entry for Private Kelly