Photo: Geordie at War Project

Medal Index Card

Newcastle Chronicle 06/12/1915

In Gateshead East Cemetery is a headstone which reads:

Thomas Alexander Ainslie was born in Forster Street, Gateshead, on the 2nd August 1874, to John and Isabella (nee Crymer). Both parents were from Spittal, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. John was a stone mason.

Thomas was one of eight children John, born 1862, George, born 1863, Eleanor, born 1867, Isabella, born 1868, James, born 1870, Margaret Eleanor, born 1878 and William, born 1881. All three daughters died at an early age. In 1891, the family were residing at 10 Spencer Street, Gateshead. Thomas then 16 was employed as a Engine Fitter.

On the 20th June 1893, Thomas a riveter, joined the 4th Durham Rifle Volunteer Battalion, at Fenham Barracks at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for the short service, 6 years with the colours and 6 years in the reserves, Ser, Nu 4937. He was 5 foot 7 inches with a fresh complexion and brown hair. He has a tattoo – three dots on the back of his left hand. Age stated as 18 Years, 9 months old.

He was posted to the 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry on the 6th July 1893. On the 2nd November, 1894 he was promoted to unpaid Lance Corporal and on the 2nd December 1895 to Corporal. Thomas was posted to Dublin on the 11th October 1895. He reverted back to Private by his own request, on the 18th July 1896.

In September 1897, there was a Court of inquiry held relating to an "accident" not on duty not likely to interfere with future efficiency. [No further details were given]. After 6 years and 57 days he left the army on the 25th July 1899 aged 24.

Whilst in the army he spent about 101 days in hospital with various conditions (some severe), he contracted Scarlet Fever on the 6th December 1893, spending 6 days in Hospital, then he had bronchitis's for 7 days, again admitted to hospital on the 11th March 1895, for another 7 day stay. While serving in Dublin he was admitted for 15 days on the 30th January 1896, for Infection external meatus (the point where urine exits), then returned back to hospital on the 14th February 1896 for another 12 days, for Infection: external meatus Orchitis (an inflammatory bacterial infection of the testes). On the 9th June 1897, he again had bronchitis and was in hospital until the 6th August 1897, for a total of 59 days. He returned to Aldershot on the 9th September 1888, and from there on the 14th February 1899, was transferred to Aldershot infirmary hospital for further treatment for possible Dementia.

Thomas was then admitted to the Lunatic Hospital at Netley, Hants. He was diagnosed on the 25th May 1899, stating the cause as "hereditary influence". On his arrival there his medical report stated that "on arrival he appeared to be recovering, but was rather eccentric and exalted in his expressions. He has improved considerably but is of unstable mind and no doubt would be easily upset again, and is unfit for the duties of a soldier. This disease is not the result of service or climate and has not been aggravated by intemperance vice or misconduct".

The considered opinion of the time stated that his disability was not probably permanent, and would have a duration of 12 months and he was proposed for discharge on the grounds of permanent unfitness. His diagnosis was given as dementia.

The Army form B179 is a form of 'Medical Report on an Invalid', was dated 25th July 1899, resulting in his discharge.

He married Elizabeth Woof on the 27th June 1900 at St. Edmund's Church Gateshead. In 1901 they were residing at 3 Chandless Street, Gateshead.

Moving again to 35 Cross Keys Lane then by 1911, Thomas was living at Rose Cottage, Rose Hill, Low Fell with his wife, they had 5 children Isabella, born 15th May 1901, died in 1910. George Alexander, born, 30th March 1904, Thomas, born 18th October 1906, Margaret Ellen Crymer, born 12th October 1908 and Annie Elizabeth, born 13th April 1911.

At the outbreak of war Thomas rejoined the army and enlisted into the 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry with the service number of 3/11342. He became a sergeant in the 14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Thomas went to France on the 11th September 1915. He died of wounds on 30th November 1915.

Thomas was serving as a Sergeant with the 14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry when he was killed, less than three months after he arrived in France. The 14th (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry was raised at Fenham, Newcastle in September 1914 and after training they proceeded to France landing at Boulogne on the 11th September 1915. They were moved up into the reserve trenches on the Loos battlefield on the 25th September, and went into action the next day. The War Diary for 26th September 1915 reads; 64 Brigade had instructions to go into action, objective Aivnay via Hill 70 in support of 62nd and 63rd Brigades. About 9am the Battalion deployed and attacked Hill 70 but the whole brigade was driven back on reaching the crest of the hill. They reformed and again attacked the hill but were driven back and occupied the original first line English trenches and went into bivouac.

The Battalion suffered heavy casualties and on the 28th November 1915 they transferred to the 18th Brigade of the 6th Division and were involved in the defence of Potijze and a gas attack near Wieltje.

Sgt. Thomas Alexander Ainslie died of his wounds at No 7 British Red Cross Hospital, Etaples. He was 41 years old. He was awarded the Victory Medal, The British War Medal and the 1914/15 Star.

After his death the family moved to 19 Weathercock Lane Low Fell. Elizabeth added "Peace Perfect Peace" to Thomas’ CWGC headstone.

Research by Brenda McMahon and Jean Atkinson.

Thomas Alexander Ainslie is remembered at Low Fell on L61.05 and at Durham in the DLI Book of Remembrance page 324.

History of the DLI Pre World War 1
History of Fenham Barracks
The CWGC entry for Sergeant Ainslie