WHO, WHERE, WHEN, HOW
For ease of reference, I have numbered the Old Boys from one to
fifty eight, and they are roughly in alphabetical order. For
each I have recorded the following information in note form:
Full name and address, parents, date of birth, previous schools,
Years at Dukes School, civil occupation, service and age at date
of death. After each entry, I have recorded a brief account of
Their school career, their civilian job and their service career,
quite short, for little is known of them. Others are short
stories in themselves.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 J.R. ANDERSON
John Ronald Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs S. Anderson, Plough Hotel,
Alnwick, born 28 August 1914, school in Alnwick then Dukes from
13 September 1926 until 27 March 1932. Insurance, then Army.
Date of death 6 December 1942, aged 27 years.
Ronnie excelled in sport at school, gaining both football and
cricket colours; he was also a Prefect and was awarded the Old
Boys Prize. In 1939 he joined the 4th Survey Regiment, R. A.
(T. A.) and went to Egypt in October 1940. In April 1941 he was
in Greece and Crete, then the Western Desert from November 1941
to April 1942. He then went, as a Bombardier, to Palestine, until
the Battle of EL ALAMEIN, September 1942. He was blown up on a
tank mine when returning from reconnaissance of German guns at
Adge Dabia on 6 September 1942. He was 27 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
2 T.J. BASTON
Thomas James Baston, c/o Mrs Crosier, East Bolton, Alnwick then
Birling South Farm, Warkworth, born 16 October 1919, South
Charlton School, Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 18 December
1936. Civil Service Clerk (Dole Office, Ashington) then R.A.F.
Date of death 17 June 1941, aged 21 years.
Thomas was in both football and cricket XIs at school, and a
keen member of 1st St Laurence Scout Troop, Warkworth. He joined
the R.A.F. and became a Sgt Pilot. As captain of his aircraft
(Bomber Command) he was reported missing presumed killed on 17
June 1941 having failed to return from a raid on the Ruhr. His
Commanding Officer stated, “He was a very popular and a most
efficient Captain of his crew. ” He was 21 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 C.L. BEATTIE
Christopher Lowery Beattie, twin brother of William, son of Mr.
and Mrs George Beattie, 14 Walkergate, Alnwick (Tory Agent).
Born 19 December 1919, school in Alnwick then Dukes from 14
September 1931 to 18 December 1936. Lloyds Bank Clerk, North
Shields, living at 49 South Street, Durham from 1937, then Army.
Date of death September 1944, aged 24 years.
Chris was commissioned in the Durham Light Infantry in 1937 and
was with the 50th (Northumbrian) Division from 1939. He was
awarded the Croix de Guerre in Flanders, and was evacuated from
Dunkirk. From January 1941 to September 1943 he served with the
8th Army in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, then landed in North
West Europe on D-Day. For his service with the 8th Army, during
which he was wounded on three occasions, he was awarded the
Military Cross. At the age of 23 he was promoted to Major (in
the Field) making him one of the youngest Field Officers in the
British Army - he had a most distinguished military career ahead
of him. He died of wounds received in action in North West
Europe in September 1944, aged 24. (His twin brother William
served in the Royal Navy.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
4 J. BERRY
Joseph Berry, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Berry, 3 Elmfield Terrace,
Hampeth (Deputy, Whittle Colliery) born 28 February 1920, Newton
on the Moor School then Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 24 July
1936. Civil Service, then R.A.F.V.R. . Date of death, 2 October
1944, aged 24.
Joe was remembered at school as being small, quiet and
unobtrusive; he started his R.A.F. career in the ranks. He was
commissioned in 1942. In March 1944 the Gazette printed a story
- “Alnwick D.S.O. B wins D.F.C. ” - “A 23 year old Flying Officer
in the R.A.F.V.R., F.O. J. Berry, Pilot, has been awarded the
D.F.C. for destroying three enemy aircraft in a long and
strenuous tour of duty. The citation from the Air Ministry
states that during operations in Salerno in September 1943 he
shot down a JU88 in flames and on the following night he
destroyed a ME210 over the Italian coast. He claimed his third
victory over Naples in October 1943 when he shot down another
JU88. On two occasions he has been forced to abandon his
aircraft. As a Flight Sergeant, he was flying night fighters for
two years. ”
In September 1944 he was awarded a bar to his D.F.C. for being
“ …. a highly skilled and resolute pilot. He has completed a
large number of sorties and throughout his keenness and devotion
to duty have been exceptional. ” “This Officer has, within a
short period of time, destroyed numerous flying bombs, as leader
of a Tempest Squadron. ”
He ended up the top-scoring R.A.F. pilot at shooting down
Doodlebugs having shot down more than 60 in four months. The
quotation from the Guinness Book of Records reads, “Human
Achievements - Honours, Decorations and Awards - Top Scoring Air
Aces - The greatest number of successes against Flying Bombs
(V.I.s) was by Squadron Leader Joseph Berry, D.F.C. **
(b. Nottingham 1920, killed 20 October 1944) who brought own 60
in four months. ”
On 2nd October 1944 he was missing believed killed, later
presumed to have been killed in air operations over Holland.
Squadron Leader Berry D.F.C. and Bar was then 24 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
5 J.H. BOLTON
Joseph Hagan Bolton, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Bolton, 18 Dandsfield
Place, Radcliffe, born 15 August 1920. School at Amble R. C. then
Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 19 June 1937. Civil Service
Clerk (Employment Exchange, Newcastle) then R.A.F. Date of death
7 August 1941, age 20.
Joe was a Sergeant Air Gunner in Bomber Command, and was shot
down over the North Sea; lost through enemy action on 7 August
1941. On 19 December 1941 he was presumed to be dead; he was 20
years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
6 V.G. BREWIS
Victor G. Brewis, son of Mr. and Mrs V. G. Brewis, 1 Walkergate,
Alnwick (Telephone Exchange) born 17 October 1915, school in
Alnwick, then Dukes from 14 September 1925 to 18 December 1931.
Assistant Clerk of Works, Estates Office, Alnwick Castle, then
Marquis of Zetlands Estate, then R.A.F. Date of death 6 June
1944, aged 29.
Victor was a Pilot Officer in the R.A.F. (Bomber Command
Mosquitoes?) and in 1942 was wounded taking part in a raid over
Germany. He spent some time in an English hospital and then
returned to duties. He was posted missing on D-Day, 6 June 1944.
He was 29 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
7 F. BROWN
Frank Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs George Brown, The Croft,
Whittingham, (Holly House, Glanton) born 20 March 1921, school at
Whittingham then Dukes from 12 September 1932 to 29 October
1937. Clerk, then Army. Date of death, 29 November 1944, aged
23 years.
Frank was the youngest son, and on leaving the Dukes School with
his School Certificate worked for Alnwick Council and the Poor
Law Institute in Alnwick. He joined the Territorials at 18 and
at 19 was in France with the 9th Bn R.N.F. , being evacuated at
Dunkirk. He went with the 9th to Singapore and was captured in
February 1942, and held prisoner at No 1 Prisoner of War Camp,
Siam. By then he was a Lance-Corporal and he died of black-water
fever as a Japanese Prisoner of War while working on the Railway
on 29 November 1944, aged 23. He is buried at KANCHANABURI
Cemetery, Thailand, grave number 2971.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
8 J. BROWN
James Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Brown, 3 Gordon Street, Amble,
born 27 May 1906, school at Amble then Dukes from 17 September
1918 to 27 July 1921. Merchant Marine from school. Date of
death, 5 December 1940, aged 34.
When Jim left school he went to sea and was 2nd Mate in Moor Line
Steamships. By 1940 he was 3rd officer of the “Empire Statesman”
(London) and sailed from Leith with a cargo of tyres on route for
Sierra Leone. There were 39 ships in the convoy but his had
engine failure and stopped. It was then torpedoed and he was
lost at sea on 5 December, 1940 aged 34.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
9 R.M. BUCK
Robert M. Buck, son of Mr. and Mrs George Buck, born 14 May 1913,
Aln View, Glanton, school at Glanton then Dukes from 14
September 1925 to 26 July 1929. Alnwick Castle Estate Office,
then R.A.F. Date of death December 1943, aged 30.
Bert trained in Canada and became a Pilot in Bomber Command,
having joined the R.A.F. in 1940. In June 1941 he crashed and
was seriously injured, being off duty for twelve months. As a
Flight Sergeant he returned to operational flying and was killed
in an air crash on return from night operations over Germany. He
was buried at Harrogate in December 1943, aged 30 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
10 R.H. CARR
Robert Henry Carr, son of Mr. and Mrs R. M. Carr, 15 Centre Row,
Radcliffe, born 17 January 1925, school at Radcliffe then Dukes
from 7 September 1936 to 11 February 1941. Mining Engineer, then
R.A.F. Date of death, 10 January 1947, aged 21.
Robert was a Flight Engineer in Bomber Command but became ill and
died from natural causes in Westminster Hospital, London, seven
days short of his 22nd birthday. He actually died after the end
of the war but from causes directly attributed to it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
11 R.B. CRISP
Robert Brown Crisp, son of Mr. and Mrs George Crisp, 13 Dovecote
Street, Amble, born 6 September 1918, school at Amble then Dukes
from 16 September 1929 to 25 July 1934. Worked for uncle in
building trade, then R.A.F. Date of death 31 July 1941, aged 22.
Bobby trained at Cranwell to become a Sergeant Wireless
Operator/Air Gunner in Bomber Command. He was posted missing
believed killed on 31 July 1941, when shot down over France. He
was later found and buried at CAMBRAI, being given a military
funeral by the Germans at SOLMESNIA. He was 22 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
12 W.H. COCKBURN
William Hugh Cockburn, son of Mr. and Mrs Chris Cockburn, 5
Station Cottages, Akeld, Wooler, born 31 January 1920, school,
Wooler then Dukes from 15 September 1930 to 23 April 1937.
Clerk at Blackshaws Garage, Alnwick then R.A.F. Date of death,
August 1944, aged 24.
When Hughie left school he worked as a clerk at Blackshaws
Garage then joined the R.A.F. at 17 years old. He became a
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and in 1941 was awarded the D.F.M.
as a Flight Sergeant, for conspicuous bravery. He completed a
tour of 30 operations with Bomber Command and was posted to Nova
Scotia, Canada as instructor. In 1942 he married a Canadian
girl. In his seven years in the R.A.F. he was once shot down and
spent 17 hours in the sea, being picked up by a British vessel.
In August 1944, as a Pilot Officer, he went missing in air
operations over France; he was later confirmed killed, having
been shot down by an enemy vessel - there were three survivors.
He was 24 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
13 D.J. COOK
James Douglas Cook, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Cook, 7a Canongate,
Alnwick, born 14 September 1922, school Alnwick, then Dukes from
10 September 1934 to 28 July 1939. Civil Service Clerk, then
R.A.F. Date of death, 25 April 1944, aged 21.
Douglas was a civil servant in Meteorology and joined the R.A.F.
in 1941. Thanks to his nephew, Gary Cook, I have been privileged
to see his log book - a pilots prize possession - in which his
whole flying career is mapped out. A summary appears below.
1941-42 Flying PT17 (U. S. Aircraft) Lakeland
Florida, U.S.A.
BT13 Gunter Field, Alabama, U.S.A.
AT6A Craig Field, Selma, Alabama
U.S.A. (8th Aviation Cadet Class)
Hours Flown 67 Dual 104 Solo by day
3 Dual 9 Solo by night
4 May 1942 Flying Masters - No 5 F. T. S., Harrogate
22 May 1942 Flying Masters - 57 O.T.U. , Hawarden, Chester
Also Spitfire I, II and Dominie
24 Aug 1942 No 171 Squadron - Tiger Moths, Tomahawks
20 Nov 1942 No 1 (C) O.T.U. , Silloth - Battle, Lysanders
No 6 (C) O.T.U. , Silloth - Martinet
Nov 1942 - 245 hours as Pilot - classed as single-
Oct. 1943 engined - average - employed on Target Towing
at No 6 O.T.U.
25 Oct 1943 520 Met Squadron, Gibraltar (Operational)
Gladiators
This involved flying up to 24,000 ft at temperatures of
-37º both morning and afternoon to assess the meteorological
conditions - call “THUM” Flights (Temperature and Humidity)
31 Jan 1944 Gladiator N5630 - Taxying accident -
“carelessness”
Feb 1944 - Spitfire V. B. 1st Operational Tour - 199
hours on operational day flying
Douglas was promoted from Flight Sergeant to Warrant Officer No
1127087.
On the 25 April 1944 he took off from Gibraltar on a Met. flight
and shortly after take off was seen to crash into the sea. A
search was made but neither he nor his aircraft was ever found.
He was 21 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
14 A. DOBSON
Alexander Dobson, son of Mr. and Mrs R. Dobson, 8 Clayport Gardens,
Alnwick, born 15 September 1922, school in Alnwick then Dukes
from 10 September 1934 to 25 September 1939. Clerk to Alnwick
R.D.C. then R.A.F. Date of death, August 1944, aged 21.
Sandy was remembered as a brilliant scholar at school,
particularly in mathematics, and a keen sportsman (swimming,
boxing) winning the school mile and cycling at the Playhouse on
rollers. On leaving school he became a Clerk to the R.D.C. (Poor
Law Institution) and joined the Local Defence Volunteers. He
joined the R.A.F. in August 1941 and trained in Rhodesia in March
1942. In October 1943 he became a Flight Sergeant Navigator/
Observer (having crashed on pilot training) in Bomber Command.
On his first operation from Suffolk, on a raid on Hamburg and the
Kiel Canal, he went missing. He was presumed killed in action
over the Kiel Canal, his body never being found. He was 21 years
old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
15 A.J. DODD
Alan Dodd, son of Mrs and the late Mr. T. W. Dodd, Twizell Lodge,
Belford, born 1 September 1921, school at Warenford then Dukes
from 12 September 1932 to 1 April 1938. Civil Service Clerk then
R.A.F. Date of death, March 1942, aged 20.
Alan was the only son of Thomas Dodd, Estate Agent/Surveyor for
Belford District Council. He became a Spitfire pilot in the
R.A.F.V.R. and as a Sergeant he was killed on active service in
March 1942, crashing near to his home at Belford. He was 20
years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
16 R.L. DODDS
Robert Leslie Dodds, son of Mr. and Mrs John Dodds, Police
Station, Wooler, born 1 July 1921, school at Wooler then Dukes
from 12 September 1932 to 10 October 1935 (then to Lemington,
Newburn). Worked for Carse and Goodger then Gazette. Joined the
R.A.F. Date of death, September 1944, aged 23.
Leslie was the son of Inspector Dodds, Northumbria Police, and a
member of the Gazette staff. He joined the R.A.F. in 1940 and by
1943 had gained his wings. As a Pilot Officer (Navigator) he
went missing on air operations in September 1944, aged 23 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
17 G. EARNSHAW
George Earnshaw, son of Mr. and Mrs Albert E. Earnshaw, 12 King
Edward Street, Amble, born 25 January 1920, school in Amble then
Dukes from 1 September 1930 to 30 March 1935. Ringtons Tea
then Army. Date of death, December 1942, aged 22.
George was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and was killed in the
Battle of El Alamein, 1942, aged 22 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
18 R.D. FENDER
Richard William (?) Miss Brown, 6 Percy Cottages, Alnmouth, born
5 December 1924, school in Alnmouth then Dukes from 7 September
1936 to 26 July 1940.
Nothing known - research continues.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
19 J.S. FERGUSON
James Scott Ferguson, son of Mr. and Mrs G. Ferguson, School House,
Whittingham (Headmaster), born 6 June 1921, school in Whittingham
then Dukes from 12 September 1932 to 28 July 1939. Teacher then
R.A.F.
Nothing known - research continues.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
20 T.A. FORSTER
Thomas Alan Forster, son of Mr. and Mrs Thomas Forster, The Rigs,
Ramsay Lane, Wooler, school in Wooler then Dukes from
12 September 1927 to 29 July 1932. Clerk.
Nothing known - research continues.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
21 J.D. FORSYTH
John Dickinson Forsyth, son of Mr. and Mrs John Forsyth, Hope
Farm, Gloster Hill, Amble, born 9 February 1920, school at Amble
then Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 23 July 1937. Edinburgh
University then R.A.F.V.R. Date of death, 11 July 1942, aged 22.
Jack was the only son and gained a County Major Scholarship to
Dick Veterinary College, University of Edinburgh, where he
studied until he joined the R.A.F.V.R. in February 1941. He
gained his wings in eight months training in Canada, becoming a
Sergeant Pilot with “one of the most famous Bomber Squadrons”
(censorship - 1942 - actually 97 Squadron). He was 2nd Pilot
on Lancasters and went missing from operations over enemy
territory in a daylight raid on Danzig on 11 July 1942. He had
already taken part in some of the larger raids. He is buried in
a communal grave at Marlburg, near Danzig. He was 22 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
22 E. GOODFELLOW
Edward Goodfellow, son of Mr. and Mrs Luke Weatheritt Goodfellow,
20 Stott Street, Alnwick, born 5 May 1924, school in Alnwick then
Dukes from 9 September 1935 to 26 July 1940. Apprentice Officer
Merchant Marine direct from school. Date of death, 26 August
1941,aged 17.
The following account was given to me by Mrs Mary Swordy, sister
of Edward, and I quote it in its entirety.
“He was the fifth of six boys and three girls. Father
ran a family tobacco business in Alnwick. He was keen
on chess, tennis, cricket and played the latter for
school. Average ability. Choir boy at St. Pauls, cubs,
scouts, keen swimmer. Left school, went to Marine
School, South Shields, after basic training entered
Merchant Marine as apprentice officer and joined Blue
Star Line of Newcastle, owners Hall Bros. His first and
only ship was the M.V. Embassage; he had two voyages to
Canada and U.S.A. His third and last voyage was to
Freetown, West Africa, carrying aeroplane parts. Set
sail from Scotland early August or late July 1941.
Travelling in convoy with usual Royal Navy escort of
destroyers etc. Attacked by U-Boat 24 hours later off
Oban. U-Boat thought to have been sheltering in
Southern Irish port. Embassage torpedoed twice
only three of crew survived, picked up after five or
six days drifting at sea clinging to overturned life-
boat. I went to see one survivor, the boson who
lived in South Shields, and he gave us hope. He said
hed seen Eddie and his friend Trevor from Alnmouth
(Morpeth High School) on an improvised raft and with
a torch. We hoped for years hed been taken prisoner
by a U-Boat but our hopes never materialised. No
Royal Navy vessel was permitted to leave convoy to
pick up Merchant Navy survivors. They had to sail on
regardless.
Eddie never wanted to do anything other than go to sea
and he loved the life, the travel, the sea and the
companionship. He was 59”, light red hair and brown
eyes; sturdy build and strong. He was on leave and came
to see all of us who were at home in July. I was
teaching at Percy Main then. ”
Mary Swordy
The ship was sunk on 26 August, 1941 when Eddie was 17 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
23 W.L. GRAHAM
William Lilburn Graham, son of Mr. and Mrs W. Graham, 4 Prudhoe
Street, Alnwick (later 52 Bondgate Without), born 29 May 1915,
school in Alnwick then Dukes from 13 September 1926 to 16
December 1932. Insurance, then Army. Date of death, 26
September 1943, aged 28.
William was the only son and was a keen cyclist, played for
Alnwick Lawn Tennis Club and was on the Cricket XI for the
Dukes. He was also a chess player for Alnwick and once beat the
English champion at Newcastle. He was an Insurance Inspector
with Law Insurance Company, Newcastle. He became a Warrant
Officer (S.Q.M.S. ) with R.A.M.C/R.A.O.C. in the Central
Mediterranean Forces, and died as the result of an accident on 26
December 1943, aged 28 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
24 C. HALL
Charles Hall, son of Mr. and Mrs R. Hall, Market Place, Alnwick,
then Amble, born 18 July 1909, Dukes Preparatory School then
Grammar School from 2 October 1922 to 27 July 1923 (then to
Spennymoor Secondary School). Linotype Operator, Gazette, and/or
Pearl Assurance, then Army. Date of death, 21 January 1945, aged
35.
Charles was an only son and husband of Emma (nee Dixon, daughter
of the tobacco spinner) and father of Margaret, 14 Acklington
Road, Amble. He was a keen billiards player and played for
D.S.O.B. Football XI and Amble Cricket Club. He was a linotype
operator with the Gazette, later becoming assistant manager in
Amble for Pearl Assurance. He joined the Army in 1941, becoming
a Lance Bombardier in the R.A. (Field) 14th Army. He was reported
missing in Burma in January 1945 and later presumed killed in
action at sea 21 January 1945. (Presumably being transported as
Prisoner of War by Japanese). He was 35 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
25 W. HALL
Walter Hall, son of Mr. and Mrs W. Hall, High Street, Wooler, born
8 October 1914, school in Wooler then Dukes from 13 September
1926 to 26 July 1929. Fathers business - grocer/general
merchant, then R.A.F. Date of death, April 1942, aged 27.
Walter joined the R.A.F. in 1940 and became a Sergeant Air
Gunner. In November 1941 he took part in several raids on
Germany and in April 1942 he went missing from operations, having
taken off from Lossiemouth - presumably lost over Norway. He had
only been in the R.A.F. fifteen months and was 27 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
26 P. HEDLEY
Peter Hedley, son of Mr. and Mrs George R. Hedley, Castle Street,
Warkworth, born 20 October 1921, school in Warkworth then Dukes
from 11 September 1933 to 10 May 1939. Joined R.A.F. from
school. Date of death, 15 October 1941, aged 19.
Peter joined the R.A.F. from school as a career, but was not
accepted for aircrew due to colour-blindness. He became a
Wireless Operator on Air-Sea Rescue Launches based at Gosport,
Hampshire, whose job it was to rescue ditched airmen, both allied
and enemy, from the Channel and North Sea. At that time they
were painted bright yellow and, like the Red Cross, immune from
attack. The launch was machine-gunned by a German aeroplane,
killing those on the bridge. Peter went to the bridge and was
also killed outright. He was five days short of his twentieth
birthday. He is buried at Warkworth Cemetery. The survivors of
the launch attended his funeral.
(Subsequently Air-Sea Rescue Launches were camouflaged.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
27 D. HORN
David Horn, son of Mr. and Mrs James Horn, 8 Oswald Street, Amble,
born 26 October 1901, Dukes Preparatory School then Grammar
School from 15 September 1914 to 3 July 1917. Merchant Marine
Master Mariner. Date of death, 1943, aged 42.
LOST AT SEA, 1943. Last seen climbing down a ladder to a
lifeboat after his ship was torpedoed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
28 H.G. HUNTER
Herbert Goward Hunter, son of Mr. and Mrs William Hunter, 36
Chevington Crescent, Red Row, born 20 August 1920, school Red Row
then Dukes from12 September 1932 to 26 July 1935. Estate
worker (Eshott) then Army. Date of death, 12 September 1944,
aged 24.
A keen sportsman, Herbert played football and cricket for the
school and later had a trial for Arsenal Football Club. He
worked for Mr. F. M. Sanderson of Eshott and joined the Territorials
when he was 18 years old. He went with the 9th Bn. R.N.F. to
France - with his father in the same unit. He was evacuated from
Dunkirk - his father was captured. He then went to Singapore
with the 9th and was reported missing 15 February 1942. Later he
was presumed lost at sea on 12 September 1944, from a Japanese
transport ship on route for Japan - it was torpedoed by the
United States Navy. He was 24 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
29 G.T. JOBSON
George Trueman Jobson, son of Mr. and Mrs John Jobson, 141 Hadston
Road, Broomhill, born 8 March 1922, school at Broomhill then
Dukes from 11September 1933 to 23 February 1939. Worked on
fathers farm at Broomhill, then R.A.F. Date of death, December
1942, aged 20.
George was Sergeant Observer in the R.A.F. He died as the result
of an accident on active service and was buried with full
military honours in East Chevington Cemetery. He was 20 years
old.
(As part of a New Zealand Crew on a Wellington bomber he took
part in a daylight raid on Cologne. His plane crashed while
being guided in to Mildenhall, Suffolk.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
30 R.M. KAY
Ronald McDonald Kay, son of Mr. and Mrs D. Kay, 12 South Avenue,
(or Lindisfarne Road), Amble, born 24 June 1919, school at Amble
then Dukes from 16 September 1929 to 26 July 1935. Skerrys
College, then Civil Service Clerk, India Office, London, then
Army. Date of death, 20 May 1940, aged 20.
Ronnie was an only son and became a Lance Corporal in the Royal
Sussex Regiment. He must have been with the B. E. F. in France,
where he was killed in action on 20 May 940, near Amiens. He is
buried in SAOUEL Military Cemetery, near Amiens. He was 20 years
old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
31 R. LISLE
Robert Lisle, son of Mr. and Mrs R. Lisle, 24 Ladbrooke Street,
Amble, born 11 October 1900, school in Amble then Dukes from
16 September 1913 to 31 July 1917. Merchant Marine (Runciman Line
Wireless Operator). Date of death, 26 February 1940, aged 39.
Robert left school during the First War and by 1939 was a ships
captain (Master Mariner). On a return trip from America the
cargo of iron bars shifted, sinking the ship, and he was lost at
sea on 26 February 1940, aged 39 years. (Other sources state: he
fell overboard and was drowned; his ship was torpedoed.
Neither confirmed.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
32 A.M. LORIMER
Alan Marriot Lorimer, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Forbes Lorimer
(Solicitor), Swansfield Park Road, Alnwick, born 7 November 1919,
school in Alnwick then Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 22
November 1937. Clerk, Barclays Bank, Newcastle then Army. Date
of death, 16 December 1942, aged 23.
Alan was a noted sportsman at school, playing for the Football
and Cricket XIs, also an athlete, winning the 1937 Victor
Ludorum, the Governors Cup and the Duke of Northumberlands Pin.
In 1938 he enlisted in the Northumberland Hussars (R. H. A.) and
served in 1940 in the Middle East (Africa), Greece and Crete as a
Gunner. He was at Florina Gap. He was evacuated to Greece on
H.M.S. BARHAM, and went missing on 2 June 1941 - Salonica.
Subsequently it was found he had been taken prisoner in the
Battle of Crete and was in hospital at Chanea, near Athens. He
contracted beriberi and died as a Prisoner of War in German hands
on 16 December 1942, aged 23 years. He is buried at ROTTWELL-ON-
NECKAR in Germany.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
33. W.C. McKENZIE
William Cecil McKenzie, son of Mr. and Mrs Roderick McKenzie, 14
Dunstan View, Seahouses, born 11 October 1916, school in North
Sunderland then Dukes from 10 September 1928 to 26 July 1933.
Railway Clerk, then Army. Date of death 31 August 1944, aged 27.
William was a railway clerk at Seahouses Railway Station, and
enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry. He was posted to
Edinburgh then Folkstone, and went with the Durham Light Infantry
to Italy where he was drafted into the Sherwood Foresters. He
died of wounds received in Italy on 31 August 1944, aged 27 years
and is buried at Montecchio War Cemetery, Italy. His name also
appears on the honours list at York Railway Station.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
34. A.G. MICHIE
Andrew Gordon Michie, son of Mr. and Mrs A. Michie (Gardener),17
Victoria Crescent, Alnwick, born 7 February 1916, school in
Alnwick then Dukes from 12 September 1927 to 23 May 1933.
Clerk, then Army. Date of death, 14 November 1944, aged 28.
Andrew was a driver with the R.A.S.C. Little is known of his
wartime service, other than he was accidentally killed in North
West Europe, result of a motor accident on 14 November 1944, aged
28. He is buried in an American War Cemetery at JALONS. (One
source thought he was blown up by a land mine - not
corroborated.) No T/6213732 - Army Regimental No ?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
35 K.F. MIDDLEMIST
Kenneth Forrest Middlemist, son of Mr. and Mrs James Middlemist, 1
Sea View, Shilbottle Grange, born 9 April 1920, school in
Shilbottle then Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 23 July 1937.
Civil Service Clerk, Woolwich Arsenal, then R.A.F. Date of
death, 15 September 1943, aged 23.
Kenneth was a keen footballer and played outside left for the
D.S.O.B. Also a cricketer, being on the XI in 36/37 as a bowler.
Two versions - neither confirmed - a Sergeant Pilot ferrying
aircraft to North Africa, engine cut out on take-off at
Gibraltar, crashed OR Wireless Operator on Bombers, shot down by
own guns on returning to Italy. Memorial in Gazette, 14/9/45
states “killed in accident in Italy, 15 September 1943”. He was
23 years old and trained in Canada. He was promoted to Warrant
Officer. (The Gazette of 24 September 1943 states “missing on
active service in Sicily, result of air operations”.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
36 J.W. MOORE
John William Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Moore, 8 Dunstan View,
Seahouses, born 13 November 1907, school in North Sunderland then
Dukes from 14 September 1920 to 20 December 1923. Bank Clerk
then Army. Date of death, 10 August 1944, aged 37.
John was a bank clerk with Martins Bank in Berwick, moving to
South Shields in 1931. He enlisted with the R. A. and was
commissioned, becoming a Lieutenant. He was awarded the Military
Medal in February 1942 in the Middle East, then was reported
missing. In July 1942 he was confirmed as a Prisoner of War, but
later escaped and was safe in Southern Italy. Presumably he was
then repatriated, because he was killed in Normandy on 10 August
1944, aged 37. He is buried at Bayeaux. (Military Medal - to
N.C.O. - promotion to Lieutenant after February 1942.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
37 K. ORD
Kenneth Ord. son of Mr. and Mrs W. Ord, School House, Newton on the
Moor, born 18 July 1920, school at Newton on the Moor then Dukes
from 15 September 1930 to 22 July 1938. Sheffield University
then R.A.F. Date of death, 1948 (?), aged 28.
Kenneth was on the Cricket XI 1937/38 and went to Sheffield
University in 1938 to study Geography. He was called up to the
R.A.F. in 1939 and trained in the United States of America
(Denver, Colorado). Ken was aircrew but was discharged due to
ill health and died at Newton on the Moor in 1948. As he lay ill
in bed his room was struck by lightning but he was unharmed. He
was 28 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
38 J.W. PATTERSON
John Watson Patterson, son of Mr. and Mrs M. G. Watson, Peth Head,
Wooler, born 16 December 1926, Northallerton Grammar School then
Dukes from 22 September 1941 to 24 July 1942. Marine School,
South Shields then Merchant Marine. Date of death, April 1945
aged 18.
John was an only son and was reported missing at sea, his ship
having been sunk by enemy action. He had been in the Merchant
Marine since 1943 and was only 18 years old. (Report in Gazette
April 1945.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
39 R.R.G. PERETT
Reginald R. G. Perrett, son of Mr. and Mrs George Perrett, Foxton
Hall, Lesbury, born 1 October 1900, Lesbury school then Dukes
from 16 September 1913 to 26 July 1916. Apprentice Engineer
(Merchant Marine).
In Merchant Marine in 1939 but cause and date of death not known.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
40. N.G. RIDDELL
Norman Grey Riddell, son of Mr. and Mrs James R. Riddell, 4 Station
Cottages, Amble (or Garden Cottage, Radcliffe), born 7 February
1919, Radcliffe School then Dukes from 16 September 1929 to 27
July 1935. Clerk for Shell Oil (New Zealand Shipping Company,
London) then R.A.F. Date of death, 20 December 1940, aged 21.
Norman was a Sergeant Wireless Operator/Air Gunner in either
Coastal or Bomber Command and, on returning from operations on 20
December 1940, was killed in a crash landing at Thornaby-on-Tees.
He was 21 years old. He was buried at Amble West Cemetery with
full Military honours. (A report in the Gazette states his parents
received notification of his death on 21 December, then
on 22 December received a letter posted before his death saying
he was coming home for Christmas on leave.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
41 A. ROBSON
Allan Robson, son of Mrs and the late Henry Robson, Roddam Dene,
Wooperton (County House, Alnwick?), born 27 May 1920, school in
Wooler then Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 24 July 1936.
Gamekeeper then R.A.F. Date of death, 21 July 1943, aged 23.
Allan trained in the United States and became a Pilot in Bomber
Command, flying Wellingtons. As Flight Sergeant he went missing
on operations on 21 July 1943. He was found and is buried in a
named grave at Dusseldorf. He was 23 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
42 J.V. ROUTLEDGE
James Vincent Routledge, son of Mr. and Mrs James Routledge, 43 St
Georges Crescent, Alnwick. Born 10 September 1915, school in
Alnwick then Dukes from 12 September 1927 to 19 February 1930.
Apprentice professional Golfer at Morpeth Golf Club. Date of
death, 17 March 1940 or 1941, aged 24 or 25.
James was a Navigator/Observer in 42 Squadron, Coastal Command,
and flew from Scotland on the Kiel Canal raids, in which he was
injured. He returned to duty and was later shot down over Norway
on St Patricks Day,17 March 1940/41 (?). He flew in torpedo
bombers. (Another account states he was on the ground when a
plane crashed, killing him. He was 24/25 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
43 W.H. SCOTT
William Henry Scott, son of Mr. and Mrs M. Scott, 53 High Street,
Amble, born 29 August 1923, Amble school then Dukes from 9
September 1935 to 23 November 1940. Worked for R. Carse and Son
(Standard Telephone Cable Co?) then joined R.A.F.V.R. Date
of death 12/13 August 1944, aged 20.
Harry was the only son of Henry and Catherine Scott. At school
he was known as a good swimmer and played football for the First
XI. In the R.A.F.V.R. he trained at East London, South Africa and
became a Flight Sergeant Navigator. On the night of 12/13 August
1944 he went missing, presumed killed, over Russelheim, Germany.
A headstone was erected in Amble Cemetery in his memory. He was
three weeks short of his twenty first birthday. As well as being
a Navigator he was an aerial photographer and gained awards for
his photography. One source says he was shot down while
descending by parachute. He is buried at DURNBACH Cemetery, BAD
TOLZ, on the German border.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
44 A.L.P. SHEARER
Alexander Lloyd Percy Shearer, son of Mr. and Mrs A. M. Shearer, 4
Kirkwell, Hauxley or 7 Council House, Hauxley or 20 Long Row
South, Radcliffe, born 13 January 1913, school at Radcliffe, then
Dukes from 15 September 1924 to 21 December 1928. Fitter at
Hauxley Colliery then Seagoing Engineer. Merchant Marine
(Ellerman Hall Line). Date of death, 12 June 1942, aged 29.
Lloyd was the 4th Engineering Officer, Merchant Marine, on board
the M.V. Clifton Hall. While crossing the Indian Ocean it was
torpedoed by the Japanese. Lloyd and a friend were sunbathing on
deck - they were the only two killed on 12 June 1942. He was 29
years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
45 A.C. SHELFORD
Arthur Charles Shelford, son of Mr. and Mrs P. Shelford
(Headmaster) Dukes School, Alnwick. Born 16 August 1914,
private school then Dukes Preparatory then Grammar 15 September
1924 to 29 July 1932. Edinburgh University - Medicine - M. B. A.,
Ch. B., then Royal Navy. Date of death, 31 August/1 September
1940, aged 26.
Arthur was a keen cricketer, playing for the Cricket XI 1931/32
and an able scholar - he won the Old Boys Prize 1932/33. On
leaving school he studied medicine at Edinburgh and joined the
R.N.V.R. as a Surgeon-Lieutenant on board H.M.S. Express. This
was a destroyer of 1350 tons, built by Swan Hunter in 1934. In
1940 the ship was in the 20th Destroyer Flotilla of the Home
Fleet when, at sea off the coast of Holland, North West of Texel
on he night of 31 August/1 September 1940, part of the Flotilla
steamed into a German minefield. H.M.S. Esk and H.M.S. Ivanhoe
were sunk and Express was severely damaged. Arthur was 26 years
old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
46. G. SMAILES
George Smailes, son of Mr. and Mrs R. Smailes, Newburgh Colliery,
Radcliffe. Born 1 May 1921, school at Radcliffe then Dukes from
12 September 1932 to 1 April 1938. Civil Service Clerk, London
then Royal Navy. Date of death, 24 December 1941, aged 20.
George was an Able Seaman (Coder) serving on board H.M.S. Salvia.
He took part in the battle of Crete and Cape Matapan and was
missing at sea when the ship was sunk off Crete. (One source
reports that the ship ran aground after striking a mine, and
George was the only casualty.) He was 20 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
47 G.A. SMITH
George Armstrong Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs M. Smith, Reading
Cottage, Broomhill. Born 1 August 1919, school in Broomhill then
Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 24 July 1936. Pearl Assurance,
Alnwick then Army. Date of death, 2 June 1941, aged 21.
George joined the R. A. just before the war and was sent out East
with the 4th Survey Regiment as a Bombardier . He was accidentally
killed at sea on 2 June 1941 and is buried at TOBRUK. (One
source states he was on board a destroyer off Tobruk which was
hit by a bomb.) He was 21 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
48 J.T. SMITH
John Thomas Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Smith, Common Road,
Wooler. Born 28 July 1916, school at Wooler, then Dukes from 13
September 1928 to 19 December 1930. Apprentice plumber then
R.A.F. Date of death, August 1943, aged 27.
Jackie won the Old Boys Prize at school, and became a plumber
with T. B. Ford, Glendale Road, Wooler. He joined the R.A.F. in
1942, and by May 1943 was a Sergeant Air Gunner. In August 1943
he went missing. In March 1944 the International Red Cross
informed his widow that he was buried with his crew in Holland.
He was 27 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
49 J.G. STEWART
John George Stewart, son of Mr. and Mrs J. W. Stewart, North Side,
Amble, born 16 December 1916, school at Amble then Dukes from 10
September 1928 to 29 July 1932. Became an R.A.F. Apprentice.
Date of death, 15 November 1940, aged 23.
John entered the R.A.F. at 16 as an apprentice and spent some
time at Upper Heyford; at the outbreak of war he was stationed in
Egypt. He became a Sergeant Rear Gunner (No 566189) and was
killed in action on 15 November 1940, aged 23 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
50 J. STOREY
John Storey, son of Mr. and Mrs William Storey, 49 Clayport
Gardens, then Royal Oak, Alnwick. Born 20 December 1921, school
at Alnwick then Dukes from 19 September 1932 to 14 July 1937.
Clerk at Alnwick Trustee Savings Bank then R.A.F.V.R. Date of
death, 1 January 1944, aged 22.
John was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs William Storey, Royal Oak.
At school he was a most able pupil and was employed as a Clerk at
Alnwick Trustee Savings Bank. He enlisted in the R.A.F.V.R. and
after a year in Canada he gained his wings and was a Flying
Officer/Navigator in Bomber Command. He was reported missing in
January 1944 and later missing believed killed on 1 January 1944,
aged 22 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
51 J.O. STRAFFEN
James Octon Straffen, son of Mr. and Mrs G. T. Straffen, 13 George
Street (or 12 Albert Street), Amble. Born 15 September 1919.
School at Amble then Dukes from 15 September 1930 to 24 July
1936. Clerk for R. Carse, then R.A.F. Date of death, 26/27 July
1942, aged 22.
Jimmy was a keen cricketer, Captain of Amble Cricket Club and
played for the County XI. He joined the R.A.F.V.R. and became a
Sergeant Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. He was mentioned in
Despatches when his aircraft was damaged over France - he
rendered first aid to an injured crewman, thus saving his life.
On the night of 26/27 July 1942 he took off from Warmwell to bomb
Hamburg but was shot down over the sea. He is listed at the
R.A.F. Memorial, Runnymede as Missing, presumed killed, no known
grave. He was 22 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
52 F.W. SWAN
Frederick William Swan, son of Mr. and Mrs W. Swan, Police Station,
Acklington. Born 11 February 1906, school at Acklington then
Dukes from 7 September 1918 to 20 December 1921 then Army. Date
of death, 8 May 1945 (V. E. Day), aged 39.
Freds father was a village policeman at Accrington - he was
locked in the mail bag box when a robbery took place at the
Railway Station. He was a Regular Soldier in R.E.M.E., as a
private soldier in India. He rose to the rank of Major. He was
killed in Europe on V. E. Day, 8 May 1945, aged 39 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
53 G.A. TODD
George Adam Todd, born 9 September 1915, son of Mr. and Mrs J.
Todd, 24 Linhope Terrace, East Chevington. School at Red Row
then Dukes from 13 September 1926 to 25 July 1934. Civil
Service, Customs then R.A.F. Date of death 16 July 1941, aged
25.
George was one of three brothers at school (Todd “1,2,3” - John
and Robert). He became a Sergeant Observer in the R.A.F.V.R.
Bomber Command and was killed in a crash on the night of 16 July
1941 as he returned over the South coast from a raid on Germany.
He is buried in Chevington Cemetery. He was 25 years old and had
been married for only six weeks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
54 A.D. TROTTER
Alexander Danham Trotter, born 12 December 1920. Son of Mr. and
Mrs A. D. Trotter, Eshott, Felton. School at Wakefield Secondary
then Dukes from 1 May 1933 to 27 May 1934 (Left in Form 2), then
R.A.F.V.R. Date of death, 30 August 1943, aged 22.
Alex joined the R.A.F.V.R. in March 1942 and became a Sergeant
Navigator. He was killed on air operations on 30 August 1943,
aged 22 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
55 F.J. TURNER
Frederick John Turner, born 30 April 1920. Son of Mr. and Mrs M. J.
Turner, Ember, Warkworth (Birling Cottages). School at Warkworth
then Dukes from 14 September 1931 to 22 June 1937. Civil
Service, Post Office Savings Bank, London then Royal Navy. Date of
death, 12 December 1941, aged 21.
Little known - killed in action 12 December 1941, Egypt, aged 21
years. Seaman in Royal Navy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
56 J. WEDDELL
John Weddell, son of Mr. and Mrs John Weddell, 3 Clayport Street,
Alnwick. Born 13 September 1922. School at Alnwick then Dukes
from 10 September 1934 to 28 July 1939. Worked as a butcher for
his father. Joined the R.A.F. Date of death, 27 November 1944,
aged 22.
John was a keen cyclist for Alnwick Road Club and joined the
R.A.F.V.R. in August 1940. He trained for six months in South
Africa, returning to England as a Flying Officer in Bomber
Command (Pilot Observer). He did a tour on bombers and took part
in the dropping of the S.O.E. agents from R.A.F. Tempsford (161
Squadron). He was killed on air operations on 27 November 1944
and buried at Evere Cemetery, Brussels. (Crashed on take off
coming home on leave from Belgium - unconfirmed.) He was 22
years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
57 G.B. WHITE
George Baston White, born 5 October 1921, son of Mr. and Mrs J. E.
White, 27 Panhaven Road, Amble (Coquet House). School at Amble
then Dukes from 11 September 1933 to 14 October 1938. Railway
Clerk then R.A.F.V.R. Date of death 21/22 December 1944, aged 23.
George was an only child and a nephew of an Old Boy. On leaving
school he was employed as a L. N. E. R. Clerk at Acklington Railway
Station; he was a member of Amble Golf Club, a keen musician and
a member of Amble Congregational Church. He gained his wings in
Southern Rhodesia and flew with Bomber Command, achieving the
rank of Flight Lieutenant. He had completed 28 operations, 2
short of a tour of 30. On the night of 21/22 December 1944 he
was part of a force of 200 Lancasters attacking POLITZ, near
Stettin; three planes failed to return. He was listed as missing
from operations over enemy territory. In September 1945 his body
was found in hills in Southern Norway and he is buried with his
crew of six at AASERAL. He was 23 years old.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
58 R. WILLCOX
Ronald Willcox, born 21 April 1916, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs V.
C. Wilcox (N.S.P.C.C. Inspector), 18 Swansfield Park Road,
Alnwick, then Leicester. School in Alnwick then Dukes from 13
September 1926 to 7 April 1933. Apprentice Clerk in R.A.F. Date
of death, 14 June1941, aged 25.
Ronald was in the Football XI of 1932/33 and joined the R.A.F. as
a clerk. He remustered as aircrew and became a pilot (Fairey
Battles?). He was a sergeant and was missing presumed killed in
action on a flight over France on 14 June 1941. He was 25 years
old.
NamesA11.53