On the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium is the name of 19742 Private Ralph Haddon Hill, serving with the No. 3 Company 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards who died 11/09/1917.

The son of James John and Margaret Hill, of 255, Milburn Road, Ashington, Northumberland.

Ralph Haddon Hall was born in December? 1897 the eldest son of James John, (born 1st September 1873 died 19th May 1949), and Marguerite Hill, (nee Haddon, born April 1875 died 27th November 1927)], at 76 Minster Street, Ashington. Ralph was the eldest of five children.  His younger brother Sidney, born 1st October 1899, died April 1958 at Winchester.  Lillian was born 25th January 1903 and died June 1983, Nora was born 20th January 1908 and died March 1989.  Ada was born July 1902, but died at an early age. His parents were married in 1896.

Ralph was educated at the Seaton Hirst Wesleyan Sunday School. He was an apprentice House painter and in 1911 the family were residing at 16 Richardson Street, Seaton Hirst, Ashington.

Ralph was formerly employed by The Equitable Co-operative Society, Ashington.

He was living at 255, Milburn Road, Ashington, Northumberland when he enlisted.  This was about October 1916 at Newcastle upon Tyne. Service number 19742.

He was in the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards and on the 8th September 1917, the 3rd Battalion started to relieve the 2nd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards in the trenches at Widyendrift, 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards on the right and the French 201st Infantry regiment on the left. The Germans raided the Coldstream trenches on the night of the 9/10th September and the following night 10/11th September, both raids were repulsed. However, Losses were recorded as 13 killed, [1 officer and 12 men], 41 Wounded and 3 missing.
Source : War Diary Coldstream Guards

A letter written to his parents reads:
Seaton Hirst Wesleyan Methodist Sunday School.
To Mr. & Mrs. Hill.
On behalf of the above named School, I am requested to convey to you the heartfelt sympathy of the teachers in the dark hour of bereavement caused by the death of your oldest son in action. He was associated with the School, first as a scholar and afterwards as book steward – it will be a comforting thought to you now that he gave evidence of intending to live a good pure life – it is to be hoped that he fell asleep in Jesus & that he was so out of pain – as his name is on the Roll of Honour so will he be remembered as one who gave his life for King & Country.
Signed on behalf of the teachers.
George Robson
Secretary.

A war Gratuity of £3 was paid to his mother.

In 1939, James John Hill, Ralph’s father was still residing at 255 Milburn Road, Ashington. Now a widower, he was a Colliery Charge Man below ground, employed at the Ashington Colliery, residing with daughter Lillian Hill. Lillian was a qualified first aider and was an A.R.P. warden in WW2.

Photograph: Natalie Hyde

Source of letter: Richard Houghton via email.

Ralph Haddon Hill is remembered in Ashington on A17.01 (A17.27) and A17.43 and at Hirst on H62.05