Photo: James Pasby

Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-

George Donohoe one of 9 known children, was the youngest of 5 sons, he had 3 elder and 1 younger sister. His parents were both born in Northumberland, father Thomas Donohoe in 1852 at Alnwick, where he was baptised, December 5th, mother Eleanor McIntyre at Harbottle in 1854. They were married, June 30th 1872 in the district of Alnwick, where their daughter Ellen was born in 1873, Thomas Jnr 1874, John James 1878 and Esther Elizabeth in 1880. By 1881 they had moved to Dunstan Square, Embleton, Thomas Donohoe was employed as an agricultural labourer. They remained at Embleton for a few years, Eleanor gave birth to William Edward in 1882 and David Henry in 1883, however, the family had returned to Alnwick by 1888 for the birth of George Septimus baptised March 4th and lastly Kathleen. Living with them in 1901 at 7, Third Double Row, North Seaton, was their daughter Eleanor, her husband Matthew Turnbull and 2 children, Henry and Lily. Matthew was employed as a tailor, the Donohoe men all worked at the colliery. Thomas as a stoneman, William (19) a hewer, David (17) below ground as a putter and George (15) a driver.

George at the age of 21 years was married July 10th 1909 at the Registry Office, Morpeth, Northumberland, to Margaret Ann Dawson born at Newbiggin, Northumberland in 1889 and with whom he had a daughter Mary Ellen December 13th 1912 and son George William January 13th 1914 who died April 10th 1915.

Having been a part time soldier between February 8th 1904 and February 7th 1907 he had gained two proficiency certificates in transport and was posted to the Army Reserve between February 8th 1907 and August 4th 1914. Following the declaration of war August 4th 1914 he was mobilised the following day joining the Northumberland Fusiliers at their barracks at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland. Private 379 George S. Donohoe 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers departed to France August 13th 1914 attached to the 9th Brigade, 3rd Division, British Expeditionary Force, landing at Le Havre, August 14th. The battalion participated in most major battles, at Mons and the rearguard action at Solesmes, the Battle of Cateau August 26th, Battle of the Marne September 6th-12th, Battle of Aisne September 12th-15th, at La Bassee, Messines and Armentieres October 12th-18th and the 1st Battle of Ypres on the Belgian salient October 19th - November 22nd. During the Winter Operation of 1914-15 they saw action at the First Attack at Bellewaarde and at Hooge. In 1916 they took part in actions at the Bluff and St Eloi Craters before moving to the Somme.

Private Donohoe was repatriated to England, February 23rd 1916, where he was admitted to a Military Hospital, March 10th 1916 showing signs of Phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis), the first signs of which had manifested in 1913. It was advised that he be permanently discharged, which he was, under King’s Regulations 392(xvi), “no longer physically fit for service”, June 26th 1916, Silver Badge No.11262. Recipient of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

George returned to his family now living at 25, Albion Road, South Shields. Ex Private 379 George Septimus Donohoe Northumberland Fusiliers died March 3rd 1918 and was interred at Tynemouth (Preston) Cemetery, Northumberland, grave J. R.C. 1515. He is listed with the CWGC as a casualty of war. At the time of his demise he was 30 years of age.

His widow married in the district of Tynemouth in 1921 to John C. Summers and moved to 238, Milburn Road, Hirst, Ashington, Northumberland.

George’s elder brothers also served during WW1. Private William Edward Donohoe who had married Mary Elizabeth Dawson, his wife's sister, was killed in France, July 1st 1916, Private David Donohoe was killed in action, October 14th 1918 in Belgium.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In peace.

George Septimus Donohoe is remembered at Tynemouth in T36.14 pages 1-20

The CWGC entry for Private Donohoe