Photo: Angela Conroy

Photo: Angela Conroy

Photo: Angela Conroy

In Whitley Bay Cemetery is a family headstone which has the following inscriptions on three kerbs:

In loving memory of Clara
beloved wife of Henry William Clothier
who fell asleep Sept. 30 1927, aged 74 years.

Also of William Henry Clothier,
died August 2nd 1939 aged 88 years.

William Henry Clothier
killed in action July 23rd 1917

Angela Conroy has sent these entries from the Rockcliffe School, Whitley Bay. He was the teacher at this school before he left to become a headmaster at Belford:

27.11 1908: W. H. Clothier, having been granted leave of absence for one week to sit for B. Litt. examinations.

4.12.1908: W. H. Clothier returned to duty today. He succeeded in obtaining the B Litt degree.

29.9.09: At the suggestion of Mr (?) (?) I am leaving this school under the charge of Wm Clothier in order to meet (?) who is visiting the North School this morning.

Feb 27 1913: W. H. Clothier, certificated assistant absent this afternoon owing to circumstances attending his removal from Whitstable to Whitley Bay.

May 29 1913: A swimming club, consisting of older boys in the school, has been formed. The number of children joining for the first bathe this afternoon is 13. Wm Clothier, (1st Assistant), has undertaken the duties of instructor. The present plan is to proceed to the Table Rocks Bath, on three or four afternoons per week from 4- 4.30. The use of the Clubhouse on the rocks has been obtained for dressing.

12.2.14: W.H. Clothier (Certif St 7) having been selected as a candidate for the Headship of the Belford Presbyterian School, is absent today by permission of the Managers for the purposes of an interview with the Belford local committee.

31.3.14: W.H. Clothier (Certif Assistant St. 7) severed his connection with the staff of this school today, to take up his appointment as Headmaster of the Belford Presbyterian School (Northumberland).

William was the brother of Reginald Clothier (Whitley Bay) who died during WW2.

William Henry Clothier is remembered at Belford on B16.01, B16.02, B16.05 and B16.07, in Morpeth on M17.11, in Durham on D47.151, in Newcastle on NUT063 and in Teachers Who Fell in 1914-18.

Rockcliffe Remembers
Universities at War
The CWGC entry for Bombardier Clothier