Photo: Pauline Priano
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
George Strong, one of 5 known children, was the eldest of 2 brothers and had 1 elder and 2 younger sisters. His father William Simpson Strong, native of Walbottle, Northumberland, born 1851, was brought, along with his siblings, to County Durham by his parent, where they settled between 1858 and 1861 at Findon Hill, County Durham. William at only 11 years of age was working as a labourer at the colliery, his father James employed as a coal miner, as was he ten years later. William remained in his parent’s home until the age of 33 years when he was married, June 22nd 1884 at St. Nicholas, Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Christine/Christina Swindle born 1853 at Sacriston, County Durham. Their daughter Elizabeth Jane was born April 23rd 1885, George, June 3rd 1887 both at Sacriston and Ann Simpson Long in 1890 at Kimblesworth. In 1891 they were living there at 9. John Street, William supported his family employed as a coal miner. Sadly, Ann Simpson Strong died in 1891, aged 1-year, her death registered in the district of Chester-le-Street, County Durham. Christina gave birth to their youngest children, James and Emily in 1893 and 1896, by 1901 the family had moved to Crossgate, Durham City as William was now the licensed victualler of a pub, although all his children were of school age they are not listed as scholars. William Strong of Framwellgate Bridge, Durham, died May 30th 1907 aged 57 years and was buried June 2nd district of Durham and 3 years later his widow Christina Strong nee Swindle, aged 55 years, also buried at Durham, December 21st 1910. Their eldest daughter Elizabeth Jane, who had married in 1908 Edwin Alfred Oliver born 1882, native of Gilesgate, Durham, and had a son Edwin Alfred Jnr (1), took her siblings into their home at 10, Lambton Street, consisting of 4 rooms. Her husband was employed as a hotel manager, George (23) and James (18), a time keeper at the colliery and an apprentice organ builder.
George enlisted at Durham soon after the declaration of war and was assigned as Private 12580 to the newly formed 9th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment raised at Richmond, Yorkshire, September 26th 1914. Joining his regiment at Richmond for training the battalion was moved to Frensham in February 1915, then on to Folkestone then Maidstone in Kent. As part of the British Expeditionary Force, the regiment departed August 26th 1915, attached to the 69th Brigade, 23rd Division. Having landed at Boulogne they concentrated near Tilques until moving to Merris-Vieux Bergain area, September 5th, for trench familiarisation as part of the 20th (Light) and 27th Divisions. They took control of the front line at Ferme Grande Flamengrie to the Armentieres-Wez Macquart road and at Bois Grenier which they held during the Battle of Loos until being relieved in January 1916. After a period of rest near Bruay. March 3rd they returned to the front taking over the line from the 17th French Division controlling the Boyau de L’Ersatz and the Souchez River, subjected to heavy shelling. Some of the men with mining experience were sent to a newly formed Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers. Returning mid-April to Bruay for rest they resumed their duty in May on the Souchez-Angres front before the German attack at Vimy Ridge. June 11th the 23rd Division moved to Bomy and began intensive training in preparation for the Battles of the Somme. Due to commence June 29th 1916 the opening attack at Albert was delayed by bad weather until July 1st 1916. The division during the Battle of Albert, July 1st-13th, captured Contalmaison.
Having risen through the ranks, the now, Acting Corporal 12580 George Strong Yorkshire Regiment was killed in action, July 5th 1916. His sacrifice is recorded as one of 72,318 names inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, Thiepval, France, commemorating servicemen from Great Britain and South Africa who died on the Somme before March 20th 1918, and have no known grave. Private Strong was 29 years of age and single. It should be noted the CWGC have listed George a Corporal.
Presumably as she was unmarried, George had nominated his youngest sister Emily Simpson Strong as sole legitimate, she received all monies due to him from the Army and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.,
Tragedy struck the family once again as just over 10 weeks later, September 16th 1916, their brother James serving as Private 19856 Durham Light Infantry was killed in action on the Somme, his name is also inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Elizabeth Jane Strong and her husband Edwin Alfred Oliver had a son Edwin Alfred Jnr born prior to WW1 in 1909 and a daughter Elizabeth in 1917. Although a military record has not been found it is most probable he too served during WW1, his daughter born prior to or during his absence. Edwin Alfred Oliver died aged 72 years in 1954 registered at Durham Central, Elizabeth Jane Oliver nee Strong in 1974 aged 88 years registered at Durham SE.
Further details as regards Emily Strong, unknown.
With the deaths of George and James this branch of the Strong family ceased to exist.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
George Strong is remembered in Durham City on D47.043, D47.054 and D47.125
