Photo: Dorothy Hall
Medal Card
19/1148 Private
Herbert Crone
Northumberland Fusiliers
15th November 1916 Age 28
Son of Thomas and the late
Mary Jane Crone
Low Fell
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Herbert was born at Chester-le-Street in 1887. He was the son of Thomas Crone and his wife Mary Jane (nee Hetherington). His parents had married at Chester-le-Street in 1875.
Herbert had 6 siblings – Eleanor 1876-1948, John Thomas 1879-1930, George Ernest 1882-1953, Frederick 1885-1931 then later Jane Ann 1892-1919 and William Glendinning (known as Glen) 1893-1972.
The 1891 census shows the Crone family living at a dwelling in Teams Colliery, Gateshead. His father, Thomas, was working as a coal miner to support his family.
By 1901 the family was progressing. Thomas had by now been promoted to the position of deputy overman. Most of his sons had work by this time. John, a coach builder, George, a railway clerk whilst Frederick, worked as a saddler. Herbert was unemployed during this time although had previously been employed as a draper and also a coal miner. Their address was Ellison Buildings, Chowdene, Low Fell.
Unfortunately, Herbert’s mother died in 1910 when Herbert was still a young man so by 1911 his unmarried sisters Eleanor and Jane Ann kept house for their brothers who continued in their chosen trades. Youngest brother, Glen, was also working now as a baker. The family lived in a 5 roomed dwelling house at 4 Victoria Terrace, Gateshead where they continued to live for a number of years.
Once again service records are very limited but it is recorded that Herbert attested for war service at Newcastle in December 1914. He was recorded as being 5’9” tall.
He was discharged from service on 16 July 1915.
He died at home on 15 November 1916 aged 28 years. However the British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Card shows his death as being 1915. This appears to be an error as all other records read 1916.
At least one of his brothers also served in WW1 ie his youngest brother, Glen. He seemed to have had a colourful service career having been disciplined for several offences including outstaying his pass and desertion. He served at Taranto in Southern Italy. He was eventually discharged from service suffering from malaria. His height was recorded at only 4’11”. He served with the Durham Light Infantry.
Herbert Crone is remembered at Low Fell on L61.05, in the Battalion History and in the list of Durham County Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers
