Photo : Lionel Dodds Collection
Photo : Lionel Dodds Collection
Illustrated Chronicle 18th August 1916
Newcastle Journal Wednesday 9th August 1916
Medal Index Card
Andrew Blake Dodds was born on the 8th May 1891, North Shields, and baptised on the 7th June 1891, at St Cuthbert's Church, North Shields, Northumberland.
He was the son of Lionel Dodds [Labourer born 1865, London] and Mary Ann Dodds [born North Shields 1868?](nee Blake) of 9 Stephenson Street, North Shields. Grandson of Bridget Blake born about 1831, born in Ireland.
They had 9 children, Florence, Violet, Elizabeth, Lionel, Ellen & Jane Dodds, but two died.
In 1911, Andrew was residing at 63 Little Bedford Street, North Shields, Northumberland. He was a putter in a Coal Mine.
He enlisted as a private, then promoted to Lance Corporal, before coming Sergeant in the 12th Battalion (Service) Durham Light Infantry, and went to France on the 26th August 1915.
12th DLI (Service) Battalion. Formed at Newcastle in September 1914 as part of K3 and came under orders of 68th Brigade in 23rd Division. Moved to Aldershot in November. Moved to Willesborough (Kent) in February 1915 and went on in May to Bramshott. On the 26th August 1915 : landed at Boulogne. Moved with Division to Italy in November 1917.
He was killed in action on the 17th July 1916.
"At 8pm 12th Durham Light Infantry (68th Brigade), which had relieved 112 Brigade, delivered an assault on TARA Trench, south of Pozieres after a bombardment but was stopped by machine-gun fire. [The machine gun's held its fire until at least 70 yards had been covered before opening fire]. 'A' Company on the left ['C' Company were on the right], managed to get within 40 yds of the German Lines, but had to withdraw due to heavy casualties and intense machine-gun fire. 'D' Company, [following up with 'B' Company], were saved from annihilation by laying down in shell-holes, 30 yards from their original line. No 9 Platoon from 'C' Company under 2nd Lieutenant Harrison reached X 4.d 11/2.1 [Trench Map Reference], where they were attacked by enemy bombers. 2nd Lieut being Killed, Sergt Hughes called off the attack."
Casualties Officers killed 6, Wounded 4, Ordinary ranks Killed 27, Wounded 82, Missing 16, Shell Shock 4.
Shields Daily News08/08/1916,
"Dodds - Killed in action in France on July 17, 1916. Sergt Andrew B. Dodds, D.L.I., dearly beloved husband of Dora Dodds (nee Smith), of 63 Little Bedford Street, North Shields, Deeply mourned by his loving wife and Sonny."
Shields Daily News 05/08/1916:
"NEWS OF LOCAL MEN. Killed and Wounded in Action. SERGT. A. B. DODDS. Official news has been received by Mrs Dodds, 63 Little Bedford Street, North Shields, that her husband, Sergt. Andrew B. Dodds, of D.L.I. was killed in action in France, on July 17th, 1916."
Shields Daily News 10/08/1916:
"NEWS OF LOCAL MEN. Killed and Wounded in Action. Sergt Andrew B. Dodds, D.L.I., killed in action in France, on July 17th, 1916. He resided at 63 Little Bedford Street, North Shields."
He was awarded three Medals, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Andrew Blake Dodds is remembered at North Shields on N34.49 and N34.16
