2418 Hedworth Lodge
Year of Warrant 1891
Freemasons Hall Ingram Street South Shields
Thomas Ralph Abbot Mercantile Marine Master S.S. Lorca
A Master Mariner of 7 Ravensbourne Terrace, South Shields, he was Initiated on the 17th March 1904; Passed 15th April 1904 and Raised on the 28th March 1907. He died on the 15th November 1916 aged 37. He is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Lorca, (4129 GRT) owned by C. T. Bowring of London, was torpedoed by the German submarine U 29 two hundred miles from Ushant on a voyage from Gulfport & Norfolk Virginia, USA to Cherbourg, France.
Charles Alan Bruhn
(Commonwealth War Graves list him as Allan)
Mercantile Marine
Sea Pilot S.S. Northumbria
The son of Charles Christian Bruhn and Annie Bruhn of 5 Village Terrace, Westoe, South Shields. A Master Mariner, he was Initiated into Hadrian Lodge No 1970, South Shields, Province of Durham on the 7th April 1914; Passed in Hedworth Lodge No 2418, South Shields, Province of Durham on the 27th August 1914 and Raised on the 21st November 1914, becoming a Joining Member of Lodge of Friendship No 100, Great Yarmouth, Province of Norfolk on 10th May 1917. He died on the 9th January 1919 aged 40 and was the husband of Kate Bruhn of Rodney House, 4 Endsleigh Street, Victoria, London. He is buried in South Shields (Harton) Cemetery, Grave Reference D.672.
The S.S. Northumbria, (4215grt) built in 1906 by the Northumberland Shipbuilding Company Limited, Howdon on Tyne for Westminster Shipping Company Limited (Sir John Jackson), London. She was the second ship of this name to be lost during World War One. She struck a mine off Middlesbrough. What is believed to be the only lifeboat that got clear of the vessel was washed ashore at Newton by the Sea on the Northumberland Coast with two survivors and twelve dead, some of whom are buried in the nearby Embleton Churchyard. It has been suggested that the boat had no row locks hence it drifted so far.
Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Archibald Straughan Clark
(Some Records show him as Strachan or Strachen)
The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) 13th Battalion
A Butcher, he was Initiated on the 29th August 1912; Passed 24th October 1912 and Raised on the 27th December 1912. He was killed in action on the 8th October 1918 aged 33 and is buried in Forenville Military Cemetery, Nord, France Grave Reference A.1.
30056 Private Daniels Albert Victor
East Yorkshire Regiment 1st Battalion
The son of Albert Victor and Mary Elizabeth Daniels of South Shields. A School Master, he was Initiated on the 18th March 1913; Passed 29th January 1914 and Raised on the 4th March 1914. He died on the 1st December 1918 aged 28 and is buried in Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte, France, Grave Reference VII.B.2.
Robert Newlands
Mercantile Marine First Mate S.S. Garthwaite
The son of Janet Newlands and the late Mr. Newlands, he was born at South Shields. Residing at 75 Marine Approach, South Shields, he was Initiated on the 7th January 1909; Passed 12th February 1909; there is no record of him being Raised. He died on the 13th December 1917 aged 42 and was the husband of Mary Anna Newlands (nee Payn) of 92 Marine Approach, South Shields. Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The S.S. Garthwaite of London (5690 GRT) owned by Sir W. Garthwaite of Glasgow, was torpedoed by the German submarine UB 22 four miles east from Whitby on a voyage from the Tyne to New York, USA with the loss of fourteen lives.
Lieutenant Daniel Richardson
Royal Naval Reserve
HMS Lady Cory Wright
The son of George and Mary Richardson of Sunderland. A Master Mariner, he was a Joining Member of Hedworth Lodge No 2418, South Shields, Province of Durham on the 25th April 1907 from the Scottish Constitution. He resided at 124 St. Vincent Street, South Shields and was Commissioned on 5th August 1914. He died on the 26th March 1918 aged 57. The husband of the late Catherine Richardson (nee Pickersgill). He is Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire, Panel 30.
HMS Lady Cory Wright was an ammunition and mine carrier. Shortly after sailing from Devonport for Maltashe she was attacked and sunk by the German submarine UC 17 with the loss of 42 lives.
2462 Clarence Lodge
Year of Warrant 1893
New Masonic Hall West Hartlepool
158255 Gunner Battersby William Fosdick
Royal Garrison Artillery
A Clerk residing at 19 Eamont Gardens, West Hartlepool, he was Initiated on the 23rd May 1907 aged 29; Passed 22nd August 1907 and Raised on the 12th December 1907. He enlisted at Hartlepool on the 1st December 1915 and went to France on the 13th July 1917 to 9th January 1919. He was ‘Demobbed’ at Ripon on the 10th January 1919 and subsequently placed on the ‘Z’ Army Reserve. He died on the 5th December 1919 aged 42. The husband of Ethel Battersby (nee Johnson) of 10 Billingham Avenue, Norton on Tees, Co. Durham. He was buried in a grave with his parents at North Road Cemetery, West Hartlepool on the 9th December 1919 aged 42.
Editor’s note:
Military records state that he was awarded the Great War and Victory Medals. He was involved in an accident on the 9th December 1918, being drunk in charge of a Government vehicle, and was sentenced to 14 days Field Punishment No 1 at the Fifth Army Detention Centre (France). On 14th December 1918 he was admitted to hospital for seven days with cut lips. There were three children to the marriage all born before the outbreak of war.
2674 Ravensworth Lodge
Year of Warrant 1897
Masonic Hall, Jackson Street, Gateshead
4603 Sapper Robson Robert
Royal Engineers 1st Division Signal Company
He was born at Hexham, Northumberland. A Clerk he was Initiated on the 9th January 1903; Passed 11th March 1903 and Raised on the 12th June 1906. He enlisted at Newcastle on Tyne and died of wounds on the 1st December 1914 aged 42. The husband of J.D. Robson of 178 Alexandra Road, Gateshead he is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France, Grave Reference III.B.50.
2791 Hudson Lodge
Year of Warrant 1899
Masonic Hall, Wolsingham
Captain Joseph Thompson Monkhouse
Durham Light Infantry 6th Battalion (Territorial)
The son of Octavius and Mary Hannah Monkhouse of “Fairfield” Stanhope, Co. Durham. He was educated at Christ’s Hospital and had been a Territorial Officer since 1907. An Electrical Engineer, he was Initiated into Hudson Lodge No 2791, Durham on the 6th February 1907; Passed 6th March 1907 and Raised on the 3rd April 1907, resigning in 1913. He was a Founder Member of Stanhope Lodge No 3520, Durham in 1911. He was killed in action on the 27th April 1915 aged 29. The husband of Bessie Vickers Brown-Humes (formerly Monkhouse) of Prospect House, Hamsterley, Witton le Wear, Co. Durham. Remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium Memorial Panel 36 & 38.
2929 Coronation Lodge
Year of Warrant 1902
Church Institute Stanley
A Plaque bearing these names is situated in the Masonic Hall, Stanley at the foot of the staircase leading to the Temple.
12901 W.0.CL.II A/RSM Noble Arthur DCM & Bar
Durham Light Infantry 10th (Service) Battalion
He was born at Dundalk, Co Louth, Ireland, and was a Driving Instructor at the time of the outbreak of WW1. He was awarded he D.C.M. in 1900 whilst serving in the Boer War at Vaal Krantz on or about 5th /6th February 1900 with the 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry (London Gazette 27th September, 1901). Residing at West Pelton he was initiated 15th May 1907; Passed 25th October 1907 and Raised on the 15th January 1908 and was a Steward in the Lodge
He re-enlisted at Newcastle-on-Tyne and was awarded a Bar to the D.C.M. on 31st July 1915 (London Gazette 14th January 1916.) “For conspicuous courage and coolness at all times and particularly on one occasion in searching for the wounded under heavy fire. His devotion to duty was most marked” The husband of Anne Noble residing at Grange Villa, Co Durham, and later at Drill Hall, Durham. He was killed in action on 12th February 1916, aged 46 and was buried in Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Reference I.C.29.
Editor’s Note: The Decorations he received a Boer War D.C.M. and a WW1 dated bar are a very rare set of medals.
S/14911 Cpl. Storey Frederick William
Seaforth Highlanders 2nd Battalion
(Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany’s)
(Army Records spelt his name as Story)
He was born at Carlisle and enlisted at Newcastle-on-Tyne. He was a Confectioner, living at Annfield Plain, and was Initiated on 15th April 1914; Passed on 20th May 1914 and Raised on 17th June 1914. He was killed in action on 4th October 1917 aged 29 and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial Panel, Belgium 132 to135
2934 Wearmouth Lodge
Year of Warrant 1902
Masonic Hall, Park Terrace, Sunderland
44965 Corporal Cowie Joseph
Army Records list him as Joe Cowey
Royal Garrison Artillery 14th Heavy Battery
He was born at West Wylam, Northumberland and was a Clerk. He was Initiated into Wearmouth Lodge No 2934, Durham on the 14th October 1907; Passed 11th November 1907 and Raised on the 13th December 1907, resigning on the 4th November 1911. He was a Joining Member of Palatine Lodge No 97, Durham on the 14th December 1911. He died of wounds on the 29th August 1918, aged 36, the husband of M.G. Cowey of 59 Morshead Mansions, Maida Vale, London. He is buried in Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France, Grave Reference V.E. 17.
2935 Lord Barnard Lodge
Year of Warrant 1902
Masonic Hall Tyne Dock South Shields
323083 Sapper Butterley John Nelson
Royal Engineers 96th Light Railway Operating Company
The son of John and Jane Ann Butterley, he was born at Sunderland. A Clerk, he was Initiated on the 17th March 1908; Passed 22nd April 1908 and Raised on the 27th May 1908 and was the Senior Warden of his Lodge. He enlisted at South Shields. He died on the 14th January 1918 aged 31 and was the husband of Beatrice E. Butterley of 447 Stanhope Road, Tyne Dock, South Shields. He is buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt, Grave Reference F.20.
1469EA Ch. Er. Artificer Le Touze Francis Charles
Royal Naval Reserve HMS Bergamot
The son of John Philip and Margaret Annie Le Touze of 7 St. John’s Terrace, South Shields, Co. Durham. He served on HM Submarine “No 32” in the Dardanelles. A Marine Engineer residing at South Shields, he was Initiated on the 19th June 1917. There is no record of any further Advancement. He died on the 13th August 1917 aged 24 and is Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, 26.
HMS Bergamot was an Anchusa class sloop built in 1917. She was attacked and sunk by the German submarine U84, west of Killybegs, Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean.
1481 Engine Room Artificer Scott William
Royal Naval Reserve H.M.S. Clan McNaughton
A Marine Engineer, he was Initiated on the 22nd March 1912; Passed 29th December 1913 and Raised on the 26th January 1914. He died on the 3rd February 1915 aged 29 and is Remembered on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent 14.
H.M.S. Clan McNaughton was a Clan Line passenger cargo ship (4985 GRT) registered at Glasgow launched in 1911. She began war service as an auxiliary armed cruiser and was last heard of on the 3rd February 1915 off the north coast of Ireland. Wreckage was found in the sea and she was presumed lost during severe gales and sunk with the loss of 20 Officers and 261 Ratings. No U boat claimed to have sunk her.
326395 Lance Bombardier Urwin William
CWGC list him as ‘Irwin’
Royal Garrison Artillery 23rd Fire Command
The son of Henry and Mary Irwin, he was born at Tyne Dock, South Shields. A Rate Collector residing at 8 Roseberry Terrace, South Shields, he was Initiated into St. Hilda Lodge No 240, South Shields on the 11th March 1901; Passed 9th April 1901 and Raised on the 11th June 1901, resigning on the 31st December 1905. He was a Founder Member of Lord Barnard Lodge No 2935, South Shields in 1902, resigning in September 1907, and also a Founder Member of John Readhead Lodge No 3217, South Shields in 1907. He enlisted at South Shields and died at home on the 6th November 1918 aged 38. The husband of Mary Irwin of 6 Wadham Terrace, Tyne Dock, South Shields, he is buried in Harton (St. Peter) Churchyard, South Shields, Grave Reference Middle. 9.7.
2975 Lodge Benedict Biscop
Year of Warrant 1903
Masonic Hall Monkwearmouth Sunderland
38622 Pte Lacon Frederick William
Durham Light Infantry 2nd Battalion
The son of the late George and Ellen Lacon. He was born at Sunderland and was a Grocery Manager, residing at 37 Booth Street, Millfield, Sunderland. He was Initiated on the 27th April 1914; Passed 8th July 1914 and Raised on the 3rd December 1914. He enlisted at Sunderland and was killed in action on 28th June 1917 aged 37 and is Remembered on the Loos Memorial, France, Panel 106 and 107.
The Lodge records have the following casualty
Herbert Harvey Hewison
A Leading Signalman residing in Ryhope, he was initiated on 26th November 1917 aged 22; Passed 15th January 1918 and there are no records of any further advancement. He died from Pneumonia contracted from immersion at Sea after being torpedoed by an enemy submarine whilst engaged in the Merchant Marine. Lodge Records state that he died in December 1918.
Editor’s Note:
He is not listed as a War Casualty.
2981 Connaught Lodge
Year of Warrant 1903
Masonic Hall Hart Road West Hartlepool
Master Frederick William White
3000 Saltwell Lodge
Year of Warrant 1903
Bewick Hall High West Street Gateshead
3520 Pte Swannell Ralph
Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry) 1st Battalion
The son of Charles and Hannah Laura Swannell of Muswell Hill, Middlesex. He was a Traveller, and was initiated on 5th July 1906; passed 4th October 1906 and Raised on 1st November 1906. He enlisted at Armoury House and died of wounds on the 9th May 1917 aged 38. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Grave reference XIX.R.7.
3076 Bernard Gilpin Lodge
Year of Warrant 1904
Masonic Hall Hetton le Hole
2nd Lieutenant (TP) Hugh Carr
Corps of Royal Engineers (172 COY)
The son of Thomas and Mary A. Carr of Chilton Moor, Fence Houses, Co. Durham, a native of Houghton-le-Spring. An Apprentice residing at Fence Houses, he was Initiated on the 15th April 1913; Passed on the 24th June 1913 and Raised on the 18th November 1913. He died of wounds on the 23rd January 1916. Age 24. He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave Ref: II.A.28
John Penney
His name does not appear in the Grand Lodge Roll of Honour but appears on the Scroll. There are no CWGC Casualty Records.
An Assistant Insurance Superintendent of 94 Houghton Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Co. Durham. He was Initiated on the 15th February 1916 aged 37 years; Passed 18th April 1916 and Raised on the 25th May 1916. Lodge records state that he resigned on the 6th February 1919. Recorded as deceased (no date given).
3105 Moseley Lodge
Year of Warrant 1905
Church Institute, Birtley, Co. Durham
19/972 Corporal Hedley Thomas
Northumberland Fusiliers “Z” Coy, 19th Battalion
The son of Eliza Hedley of Dene House, Chow Dene, Low Fell, Gateshead and the late Thomas Hedley. A Draper residing at Low Fell, Gateshead, he was Initiated on the 13th November 1907; Passed 12th February 1908 and Raised on the 13th May 1908 and was the Senior Warden of his Lodge. He enlisted at Newcastle on Tyne and died on the 1st June 1918 aged 41. He is buried in Martinsart British Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave Reference I.B. 33.
3110 Vane Lodge Year of Warrant 1905 Masonic Hall, Bishop Auckland
2nd Lieutenant George Cockburn Robertson
Durham Light Infantry 6th Battalion
The son of William and Jane Robertson of Alnwick, Northumberland. A Bank Clerk residing at Alnwick, Northumberland, he was Initiated into Alnwick Lodge No 1167, Province of Northumberland on the 12th May 1909; Passed 1st September 1909 and Raised on the 6th October 1909. He became a Joining Member of Vane Lodge, No 3110, Bishop Auckland, Province of Durham, on the 11th December 1911 when his occupation was given as a Bank Manager. He was killed in action on the 21st July 1915 aged 37. He is buried in La Chapelle D’Armentieres Communal Cemetery, Nord, France, Grave Reference H.10. He is Remembered on the Alnwick War Memorial.
2nd Lieutenant Herbert Walker Summerson
The Royal North Lancashire Regiment
9th Battalion
The son of Mr and Mrs. H.W. Summerson of Garden House, Cockfield, Co. Durham. A Solicitor, he was Initiated on the 11th December 1914; Passed 12th March 1915 and Raised on the 14th May 1915. He died of wound on the 5th June 1918 aged 28 and is buried in Marfaux British Cemetery, Marne, France Grave Reference VII.D.6.
Lieutenant Thomas Taft
Durham Light Infantry 6th Battalion
Yorkshire Regiment attached 4th Battalion
The son of Thomas and Margaret Taft of Hulme, Manchester he was Initiated on the 10th December 1915 and there is no record of any further Advancement. He died of wounds on the 23rd December 1917 aged 59 the husband of Jane Taft of 17 Zante Street, Kirkdale Road, Liverpool. He is buried in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium, Grave Reference XIII.H.4.
3137 Vedra Lodge
Year of Warrant 1905
Grand Hotel, Sunderland
Captain Frederick Middlemost Wawn
Durham Light Infantry
7th Battalion (Territorial)
A Chartered Accountant residing at 6 Belle Vue, Sunderland, he was Initiated into Fenwick Lodge No 1389, Sunderland on the 20th December 1901; Passed 17th January 1902 and Raised on the 5th March 1902. He was Worshipful Master in 1910. A Founder of Vedra Lodge No 3137, Sunderland in 1905, he resigned on 27th September 1907. He was killed in action on 25th May 1915 aged 35 and is Remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium, Memorial Panels 36 and 38.
3193 Amity Lodge
Year of Warrant 1906
Masonic Hall North Bridge Street Sunderland
Arthur Ernest Bennett
Mercantile Marine
2nd Engineer S.S. Willingtonia
The son of Thomas H. Bennett. A Marine Engineer, he was Initiated on the 20th December 1917. There is no record of any further Advancement but Grand Lodge records state that he was Initiated on the 20th February 1917. He died on 25th August 1918 aged 33. The husband of Edith Bennett of 44 Bede Street, Roker, Sunderland. He is buried in Bizerta Cemetery, Tunisia, Grave reference 12.
Editor’s note:
The S.S. Willingtonia was a steel hulled steam cargo ship of (3228 GRT). She was built on the Tyne by the by Iron S. B. Company Limited of Newcastle and completed in January 1918. Owned by the Ericsson Shipping Company Limited of Newcastle, she sailed from Barry en route to Corfu with a cargo of coal. She was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC27 on 25th August 1918, 13 S.W. by W. of Marittimo Italy. 4 of the crew were lost.
Charles Henry Crowther
Mercantile Marine
Master S.S. Camellia
A Master Mariner residing at 6 Harrogate Street, Sunderland he was Initiated on the 8th February 1912; Passed 29th November 1912 and Raised on the 3rd January 1913. The husband of Jane Isabella Crowther of 47 Riversdale Terrace, Sunderland. He died on the 27th November 1917 aged 40 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Editor’s Note:
The S.S. Camellia was posted missing after sailing from Dakar, West Africa to the UK on the 27th November 1917. No incident is to be found in the U Boat Diaries.
William Read
Mercantile Marine
Master S.S.Tatarrax
The son of Joseph and Elizabeth Read of Sunderland. A Master Mariner residing at 6 Oakwood Street, Sunderland, he was Initiated on 24th January 1911; Passed 18th January 1912 and Raised on the 15th February 1912. The Husband of Alice Coates (formally Read) of 7 Portland Place, Staten Island, New York. He died on the 10th August 1918 aged 39 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Editor’s Note:
The S.S.Tatarrax, (6216 GRT) owned by the Standard Transportation Company of Hong Kong was torpedoed by the German submarine U34 off Rosetta in the Mediterranean on a voyage from Port Sid to Alexandria
John Dodd Storey
Mercantile Marine
Engineer S.S. Vine Branch of Sunderland
The son of the Late Ralph and Elizabeth Storey. A Marine Engineer, he was born at Sunderland and resided at 64 Nora Street, Sunderland and was Initiated on the 18th April 1907; Passed 16th May 1907 and Raised in Williamson Lodge No 949 on the 18th November 1908. He died on the 11th April 1917 and was the husband of Sarah Annie Storey (nee Buckley) of 5 Nelson Street, Sunderland. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Editor’s Note:
The S.S. Vine Branch, (3442grt) owned by F.W. Ritson of Sunderland, was torpedoed by the German submarine U55 south west of Ireland on a voyage from Valparaiso, Chile to Liverpool.
Williamson Lodge No 949 is the Mother Lodge of Amity Lodge No 3193
31449 Private Ernest Sanderson
Reserve Cavalry Regiment
Hussars 11th Battalion
He had previously served in the South African War. A Postal Clerk he resided at 6 Egerton Street, Sunderland, and was Initiated on the 15th April 1909 aged 33; Passed 20th May 1909 and Raised 29th June 1909. The Lodge Records state that he died of wounds on the 15th May 1918. His Attestation paper dated 11th December 1915 show him as a Post Overseer aged 40years 6 months, residing at 25 Peel Street, Sunderland. He had previously served with R.E. and Telegraph Battalion. It appears that he asked to be enlisted in the R.E. Signalling Corps. The enlistment took place at the Co-operative Hall, Sunderland and is date stamped 16th May 1916, Cavalry Depot, Scarborough. He was a Non-conformist and his next of kin was his Wife, Emily Sanderson of 25 Peel Street, Sunderland who he married on 13th November 1905; there were four children. He was discharged at Tidworth – “no longer physically fit for war service” (neurasthenia) “not a result of and not aggravated by military service” on the 3rd August 1916 (239 days service)
Editor’s note: There is no Medal Index Card or CWGC casualty records to support this as his service was solely in the United Kingdom.
3194 Penshaw Lodge
Year of Warrant 1906
Masonic Hall Shiney Row Penshaw
285331 Pte. Liddell James Atkinson
Royal Garrison Artillery 226 Anti Aircraft Section
He was born at Houghton le Spring, Co. Durham, and was a Builder residing in 1909 at 3 Voltage Terrace, Philadelphia, Houghton le Spring. Initiated on the 21st July 1909 aged 31; Passed 20th October 1909 and Raised on the 17th November 1909. He enlisted at Houghton le Spring and died of wounds on the 9th November 1917 aged 39. The husband of Ruby Liddell of 3 Naidstone Terrace, Philadelphia, Houghton le Spring. He is buried in Duisans British Cemetery Etrun Grave Reference VI.D.12.
3216 Thornhill Lodge
Year of Warrant 1907
Freemasons Hall Queen Street East Sunderland
34213 Shoeing Smith Tilly William Maughan
(Some records show him as William Maugham Tilley)
Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery
He was born at Durham and was a Colliery Engineer residing at 3 Claypath, Durham. He was Initiated on the 16th April, 1913 aged 30; Passed 21st May 1913 and Raised on the 22nd August 1913. He enlisted at Durham and died on 30th October 1916. He is remembered on the Kirkee (India) 1914-1918 Memorial Face 1.
3217 John Readhead Lodge
Year of Warrant 1907
Masonic Hall, Tyne Dock South Shields
Walter John Scott
Mercantile Marine Chief Officer S.S. Clintonia
The son of Mary Wright Scott of 6 Ocean View, Whitley Bay and the late John Scott. He was Initiated on the 17th May 1915; there is no record of any further Advancement. He was lost at Sea 1st August 1915 age 34 and is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial.
Editor’s Note:
The S.S. Clintonia, built by William Doxford and Sons, Sunderland in 1907 (3830 grt) was a cargo ship owned by the Stag Line of North Shields. She was captured and sunk by torpedoed by the German Submarine U28 30 miles SW x W from Ushant on a voyage from Marseilles to the Tyne.
326395 Lance Bombardier Urwin William
CWGC list him as ‘Irwin’
Royal Garrison Artillery 23rd Fire Command
The son of Henry and Mary Irwin, he was born at Tyne Dock, South Shields. A Rate Collector residing at 8 Roseberry Terrace, South Shields he was Initiated into St. Hilda Lodge No 240, South Shields on the 11th March 1901; Passed 9th April 1901 and Raised on the 11th June 1901, resigning on the 31st December 1905. He was a Founder Member of Lord Barnard Lodge No 2935, South Shields in 1902, resigning in September 1907, and also a Founder Member of John Readhead Lodge No 3217, South Shields in 1907. He enlisted at South Shields and died at home on the 6th November 1918 aged 38. The husband of Mary Irwin of 6 Wadham Terrace, Tyne Dock, South Shields, he is buried in Harton (St. Peter) Churchyard, South Shields, Grave Reference Middle. 9.7.
3242 St Paul Lodge
Year of Warrant 1907
Masonic Hall Grange Road Jarrow
John Davidson Bruce
Mercantile Marine
Master SS Hans Jost
He was born on 6th July 1855 at Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. A Master Mariner, he was Initiated into the Scottish Constitution. Residing at ‘Ardallie’, Victoria Terrace, Jarrow, Co. Durham he became a Joining Member of St. Paul Lodge No 3242, Jarrow, Province of Durham on the 2nd April 1908. He was Ticketed Second Mate on 29th April 1886 at Leith, Scotland; First Mate 21st October 1887; Master 7th February 1890 at Dundee, Scotland. He died on the 30th May 1919, the husband of Margaret Bruce of ‘Ardallie’ Bethecar Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill. He is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The Lodge Minutes of the 5th June 1919 recorded that letter of sympathy be sent to his relations of the late Brother Captain Bruce. Estate records indicate that Mercantile Marine Medal and British Medal were issued to his widow in March 1922.
The Hans Jost (954 grt) was built by Flensburger Schiffsbau Ges of Flensburg in 1889. She was managed by Everett & Newbigin of London and was attacked and damaged on the 25th February 1916. Records indicate that she struck a mine off the entrance to the River Tyne. Research has indicated that fifteen of the crew were lost and are recorded on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. A crew member, William Peterson, Boatswain was a native of Sandsting, Shetland Isle and his name is recorded on a Family Memorial in Lerwick New Cemetery, Shetland Isle.
A note in the Lloyds Law Reports Volume 6 1921 list the Hans Jost as an “Enemy Vessels to be delivered up to the Crown in lieu of sale (1921) 6Ll.L.Rep140” What is clear is that she was originally registered under the DEU flag. In all probability she was seized at the outbreak of war whilst in a British port. The above note from Lloyds would tend to indicate that she was not going to be part of any reparation agreement with Germany.
Editor’s note:
Some researchers state that she was lost on the 5th May 1919 but all the casualties on the Tower Hill Memorial, London are recorded as having died on the 30th May 1919.
Lieutenant Frank Edwards Scott
(Some records show Edward)
Royal Garrison Artillery
Attached 405 Siege Battery
The son of Edward Hawkes Scott and Mary Scott, he was born at Newcastle on Tyne. A School Master residing at Beamish Street, he was Initiated on the 1st April 1909; Passed 3rd June 1909 and Raised on the 2nd December 1909 and was the Senior Warden of his Lodge. He died of wounds on the 4th April 1918 aged 37. The husband of Lilian Scott of 19 Birch Street, Jarrow on Tyne, he is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France, Grave Reference XXVIII.G.18.
3290 Clavering Lodge
Year of Warrant 1908
Bisley Hotel, Blaydon-on-Tyne
The Lodge surrendered it’s Warrant to Grand Lodge in December 2006
Lieutenant (A/Capt) Ernest Jobling
(Some Records show ‘Edgar’
Army Cyclist Corp 6th Battalion
The son of Thomas and Mary Jobling. A Secretary, he was Initiated on the 16th September 1918 and there is no record of any further Advancement. He served in France from 1915 and was Mentioned in Despatches. He was killed in action on 23rd October 1918 aged 25. The husband of Winifred Isabelle Jobling of 36 Bexley Street, Sunderland. He is buried Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Grave Ref: IV.B. 2.
223704 Sapper Tweddle John Hawarden
Corps of Royal Engineers 248th Field Company
The son of Thomas and Catherine Tweddle, he was born at Winlaton, Co. Durham. A Master Plumber, he was Initiated on the 10th June 1914; Passed 8th July 1914 and Raised on the 9th September 1914. He enlisted at Blaydon and died of wounds on 26th August 1918 age 37. The Husband of Florence M. Tweddle of 133 Farndale Road, Benwell Grove, Newcastle on Tyne. He is buried in Bucquoy Communal Cemetary Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Grave Ref: B.5
3349 Tow Law Lodge
Year of Warrant 1908
Masonic Hall Tow Law
Charles Francis Robert Fell
Mercantile Marine 2nd Engineer S.S. San Zeferino
He was born at Durham. A Marine Engineer residing at Bishop Auckland, he was Initiated on the 15th October 1913; Passed 10th April 1916 and Raised on the 7th May 1916. He died on the 26th September 1917 aged 32. The husband of Constance Fell of Briar Cottage, Northumberland Avenue, Gosforth, he is Remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
The SS San Zeferino (6430 grt) was an Oil Tanker built by Palmers’ of Hebburn on Tyne in 1914 and owned by the Eagle Oil Company of London. She was damaged by the German submarine U33 51.52N x 06.25W on a voyage from Avonmouth to Tampico with the loss of three lives.
Lieutenant John William Moore
Corps of Royal Engineers 183rd Field Company
A Mine Surveyor of Railway Street, Tow Law, he was Initiated on the 27th September 1911; Passed 15th November 1911 and Raised on the 20th December 1911. He was killed in action on the 27th August 1918 aged 32. He is buried in Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France, Grave Reference J. 47.
3360 Rowlandson Lodge
Year of Warrant 1909
Town Hall Ferryhill
2797 L/Cpl Bayles William Henry
Durham Light Infantry 8th Battalion
An Assistant School Master residing at Ferryhill, he was Initiated on the 19th May 1913; Passed 23rd July 1913 and Raised on the 11th March 1914. He enlisted at Durham and died of wounds on the 27th April 1915 aged 26 and is buried in Cement House Cemetery, Langemark-Poelkapelle, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Grave Reference XVII.C.4.
3385 Minerva Lodge
Year of Warrant 1909
Masonic Hall Jackson Street Gateshead
Captain (TP) Llewellyn Alfred Henry Bulkeley
Royal Army Medical Corps
Attached Cheshire Regiment 15th Battalion
The son of the Revd Canon Henry John & Mrs Lucy Margaret (nee Pierson) Bulkeley, late of Gateshead and of Coddington Rectory, Hereford. He was born at Lanercost Priory, Cumberland on the 29th May 1880. Educated at Morpeth Grammar School, Uppingham and Durham University, he matriculated in 1904. He held house appointed at the Darlington and Newcastle Infirmaries and was in practice in Gateshead for six years before joining the RAMC 22ND March 1917. He was Initiated on the 20th December 1912; Passed 18th April 1913 and Raised on the 20th June 1913 and was the Junior Deacon of his Lodge. He was killed in action at Bouzincourt on the 10th April 1918 aged 38. The husband of Mary Elizabeth Moore Bulkeley (nee Lawrence) who he married at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington on the 28th April 1915 of Cotfield House Westward Ho, North Devon, he is buried in Varennes Military Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave Reference I.M.40.
3520 Stanhope Lodge
Year of Warrant 1911
Masonic Hall, Stanhope
Captain Joseph Thompson Monkhouse
Durham Light Infantry 6th Battalion (Territorial)
The son of Octavius and Mary Hannah Monkhouse of “Fairfield” Stanhope, Co. Durham. He was educated at Christ’s Hospital and had been a Territorial Officer since 1907. An Electrical Engineer, he was Initiated into Hudson Lodge No 2791, Durham on the 6th February 1907; Passed 6th March 1907 and Raised on the 3rd April 1907, resigning in 1913. He was a Founder Member of Stanhope Lodge No 3520, Durham in 1911. He was killed in action on the 27th April 1915 aged 29. The husband of Bessie Vickers Brown-Humes (formerly Monkhouse) of Prospect House, Hamsterley, Witton le Wear, Co. Durham. Remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate, Ieper, Belgium Memorial Panel 36 & 38.
3568 City Lodge
Year of Warrant 1911
Freemasons’ Hall, Old Elvet, Durham City
Captain & QM (TP) Charles Young Adamson
Royal Scots Fusiliers 8th Battalion
The son of John Adamson of Little Grant, Wisconsin, USA. He was born on the 18th April 1875 at Neville’s Cross, Durham. Educated at Durham School. He was in partnership with his father and William Henry Wood running a hotel but the partnership was dissolved in October 1917. A keen sportsman, he played Rugby for Durham and Bristol as a Half-back; he was a Barbarian in 1898 and toured Australia with the British Isles team on the first official tour in 1899 when he was a prolific scorer. Whilst there he played in a first class cricket match for Queensland.
He played cricket for Durham City in the Durham Senior League and also for Durham County in the Minor Counties. A Stockbroker residing at Neville’s Cross, Durham, he was Initiated on the 12th March 1914; Passed 14th May 1914 and Raised on the 11th June 1914. He was killed in action in Salonika, Greece on the 17th September 1918 aged 43. The husband of Katherine M. Adamson of 28 Nevilledale, Durham City. He is buried in Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece, Grave Reference F. 1293.
Captain John Wilson
Royal Army Medical Corps
Attached 78th General Hospital
The son of Thomas Leishman Wilson and Jessie Lang Wilson, he was born in 1877 at Glasgow, Scotland. Educated at Hillhead High School, Glasgow. He studied at Glasgow University and took the Scottish triple qualification in 1903. A Medical Practitioner residing at Burnhope, Co. Durham, he was Initiated on the 8th June 1916; Passed 12th October 1916 and Raised on the 9th November 1916. He took a temporary commission as Lieutenant in May 1917 and was promoted Captain in 1917. He was attached to the 78th General Hospital in Palestine and died of pneumonia on the 30th December 1918 aged 41. The husband of Elizabeth A. Wilson of Southcote, Lanchester, Co. Durham. He is buried in Deir el Belah War Cemetery, Israel, Grave Reference C.38
Editor’s Note:
His brother Captain Alex S. Wilson also served with the RAMC.
3626 Shipcote Lodge
Year of Warrant 1912
Masonic Hall Gateshead
20982 Pte. Iley Cecil Christopher
Army Cyclist Corps 7th Battalion
(Formally 2232 Northumberland Cyclist Battalion)
The Son of Frances and the Late James Iley of 61 Bewick Road, Gateshead, he was born at Gateshead and was a Draper. The Lodge was consecrated on 23rd November 1912 and he was the first Initiate on 15th January 1913; Passed 19th February 1913 and Raised on the 19th March 1913. He was killed in action on 29th September 1918 aged 28 and is buried in Ypres Town Cemetery Extension. Grave reference III.D.24.
Editor’s Note:
The Army records show his name as Hey but all other details correspond with those of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
