Photo: Brian Chandler
Photo: Pauline Priano
In Whorlton (St John) Churchyard is a family headstone which reads:
In
loving memory of
Mary A Weddell
who died June 11th 1941
aged 75 years
Also William
dear husband of Mary
who died Dec. 30th 1946
aged 81 years
Also George E Weddell, Royal Fus.
son of the above
killed in France, Nov. 15th 1916
aged 19 years
and son Douglas
died March 17th 1961
aged 58 years
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
George Edward Weddell, one of 4 children, was the 2nd eldest of 3 surviving sons, 1 deceased, gender unknown, offspring of William Weddell born August 15th 1865 at Charlton, Northumberland and Mary Annie Moore born September 12th 1865 at Barrasford, Northumberland. Married at Benwell, a suburb of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, November 14th 1892, their eldest son Thomas William was born April 3rd 1895, George Edward during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1897. They were living in 3 rooms at 192, Philip Street, Elswick in 1901, William was employed as a railway porter. Ten years later they were still at the same address and had welcomed their youngest child Douglas, born July 20th 1902, William Weddell was now a cash porter for the railways, Thomas William (16) a commission agent’s clerk, George Edward (13) a scholar, Douglas (8) although of school age is not listed as a such.
When war with Germany was declared, August 4th 1914, George Edward was 17 years of age, still too young to enlist, he did so once he turned 18, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, assigned as Private PS8660. The initials PS indicate he joined one of the Pals Battalions raised by Kitchener of mainly former public schoolboys, known as Public School Battalions, of which there were four, the 18th (1st Public School), 19th (2nd Public School), 20th (3rd Public School) and 21st (Public School), attached to the Royal Fusiliers, 98th Brigade, 33rd Division whilst in England. The division departed to France in November 1915 and transferred to the 19th Brigade, 33rd Division, however Private Weddell was not amongst them, not yet 19 years of age and ineligible for service overseas. The Public School Battalions were disbanded in France in April 1916, when Private Weddell departed for the front, during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1916, upon his arrival he was posted to, “A” Coy 13th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, 111th Brigade, 37th Division, in the field on the Somme.
The division had not participated during the opening battles in July 1916 but was in action during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge and Pozieres on loan to the 34th Division later that month. Private Weddell joined them in the run up to the Battle of the Ancre, November 13th-16th 1916.
Private PS8660 George Edward Weddell Royal Fusiliers was killed in action on the final day of the Battle of the Ancre, November 16th 1916. His sacrifice is recorded as one of 72,315 names inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, Thiepval, France, commemorating servicemen from Britain and South Africa who perished on the Somme before March 20th 1918 and have no known grave. He was 19 years of age and single.
His father received all monies due to him from the Army, his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother applied for and received a pension of 6 shillings 6 pence a week as of March 12th 1918, sent to her at 259, Beaconsfield Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland. After her demise in 1941, aged 75-years, this passed to William Weddell, then living at 8, Ellesmere Avenue, Westerhope, Northumberland, who died aged 81-years, December 30th 1946, effects in the sun of £148 pounds 19 shillings 5 pence to Thomas William Weddell, civil servant.
Thomas William Weddell was also eligible to serve during WW1, however, no record has been found. He was married in 1921 to Beatrice Ruth Robson of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, born, October 16th 1897, in 1939 they were living at Two Ball Lonnen, Fenham, Newcastle. Thomas William Weddell, of Windsor Crescent, Westerhope, died May 23rd 1961, aged 65-years, effects in the sum of 3847 pounds 11 shillings 3 pence to his widow. Beatrice Ruth Weddell. His death had been preceded by that of his brother Douglas Weddell, March 17th 1961. Beatrice Ruth Weddell nee Robson of 13, Briarside, Westerhope, who died aged 72-years, February 22nd 1970, left effects in the sum of £6677.
William Weddell, his wife and son Douglas are buried in a family grave within St John’s Churchyard, Whorlton, Northumberland. It should be noted the CWGC entry and official documents for Private George Edward Weddell list the date of his demise as November 16th 1916 which differers from the mention on his family headstone which states, November 15th 1916.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Acknowledgements: Ron Carson
George Weddell is remembered at Whorlton on W53.01
