Chester-le-Street Chronicle 1916
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Vivian Lathan was born May 19th 1896 in Northumberland, one of 5 children, all boys, sons of Michael Lathan of Ovingham, born October 20th 1857 and Lydia Featherstonhaugh born November 11th 1855 in Witton Gilbert, County Durham. Michael and Lydia were married in 1881 setting up home at 6, Avenue Terrace, Crossgate, Durham where Michael was employed as a railway booking clerk. They moved on to live in Westoe in 1891 until in 1901 they can be found living in Horsley, near Ovingham where Vivian was born. The family remained there consisting of Vivian’s parents, his brother Lisle and himself. His father Michael continued to be employed by the North East Railway Company as a clerk, Lisle was a stone mason and Vivian now 14 years old worked as an errand boy for an estate agent. At the outbreak of the Great War the family were living in the Craghead area.
Vivian Lathan enlisted in Stanley in 1914 and was assigned to the 7th (Service) Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers as Private 16613. The 7th was a battalion of the new armies attached to the 48th Brigade, 15th Scottish Division. They were moved to Boldon and in February 1915 went into billets at Winchester, arriving at Park House and Chisledon Camps, Salisbury Plain in April 1915. Mobilised the 7th Battalion was embarked in England July 9th 1915 and landed at Boulogne July 10th. They served on the Western Front at the Battle of Loos in September 1915, May 28th 1916 in Bethune they merged with 8th Battalion to form the 7/8th which also saw action on the Somme. During his service Private Lathan rose through the ranks to Corporal and was posted Acting Serjeant then Serjeant. Wounded in action on the Somme, Serjeant 16613 Vivian Lathan K.O.S.B. died of his wounds August 16th 1916. He is interred in Warloy Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France, grave VII. C. 27.
His family received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Vivian was 20 years old and single. His mother died February 18th 1927 in Bloemfontein, Stanley, County Durham.
Vivian’s brother Lisle Lathan also served and perished in the Great War just prior to the declaration of Armistice.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest in Peace.
Vivian Lathan is remembered at Craghead on C120.01 and C120.04 and at Lanchester on L62.01
