John Richardson Balmer
Photo: James Pasby
20/160 Private
J.R. Balmer
Tyneside Scottish N.F.
19th June 1917 Age 39
Thy will be done.
William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
John Richardson was the son of Thomas and Mary Ann (nee Philipson) balmer who had married in 1875 at Tynemouth. He was born at Teams, Gateshead on 25th April 1878 and had several brothers and sisters.
As father, Thomas, was a coal miner the family seemed to move around a lot, probably following the work. When his brothers, Thomas and William were older they joined Thomas snr. and John to work at the pit also.
John married twice. His first wife was Ellen Robson Percy whom he married at Killingworth on 2nd May 1902. The couple went on to have at least six children. She died the 12th September 1909.
By 1910 John had married Isabella Gibson. They married at Spennymoor on 8th October 1910. The couple went on to have further children.
John enlisted into the army at Newcastle on 28th October 1914 but was not posted until 10th September 1916. He served with the Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) Regiment. He was eventually transferred to N.F. Depot probably due to his illness.
His record shows him to be 5’6” tall, with fair complexion and fair hair, blue eyes. His character was later noted as very good.
Unfortunately, John’s health suffered badly through his service. His medical record reports him being admitted to hospital in May 1915 for 10 days.
Then more serious problems occurred with his lungs, pains in his back, stoppage of water for 3 days, swelling of knees and chronic nephitis (inflammation of the kidneys). His kidney damage apparently was due to exposure (to water) while on active service on or about 10th July 1916 at Bethune. From 10th September 1916 until 29th November 1916 he was hospitalised at the Military Hospital, Shorncliffe for 81 days. It is also noted he had previously suffered from pneumonia and convulsions. On 14th December 1916 he was considered for discharge as being medically unfit for war service then subsequently officially discharged on 4th January 1917. He was awarded a Silver War Badge number 101888. His pension records show John to have been allocated 2/6d for each of 7 children mentioned.
He died at his home at 4 Burnt Houses, Greenside on 19th June 1917 aged 39 years. His total service amounted to 2 years 69 days.
He was awarded British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service.
John Richardson Balmer is remembered at Greenside on G42.02 and G42.03
