Photo: Brian Chandler
In Newcastle (St. John Westgate & Elswick) Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:
Erected
by
George and Elsie Pennie
in loving memory of
their children
Alexander K.O.Y.L.I. M.M.
died of wounds received in action
26th July 1917, aged 24
Wallace N.F.
died of wounds received in action
8th April 1918, aged 27.
Elsie
died 17th Nov.1918, aged 16.
Lily and George
died in infancy
Also the above
Elsie Pennie
who died 25th Jan.1922, aged 62,
Also the above,
George Pennie
who died 27th Feb.1936, aged 80.
Wallace was born in Byers Green on the 14th July 1890, the son of George and Elspet Janet, 138 Farndale Road, Benwell.
He originally served with the 19th Battalion but was transferred to a number of battalions (18,14,19,21) before finally joining 'C' Company, 10th Platoon, 25th Battalion (2nd Tyneside Irish).
He was originally listed as missing between 21-23 March 1918 but was later reported wounded and captured during the Battle of Arras. He died as a Prisoner of War in Germany.
His brother Alexander Craig Pennie also died.
Acknowledgements: Ron Carson.
Wallace Pennie is remembered at Benwell on B86.02, Panel 6 and also in the Battalion History page 212.
