Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Ernest was born at Barnard Castle on March 31st 1894 the son of Thompson Bowman Young and Mary (nee Elliott) who had married in 1889. He was baptised the following day. The couple had 5 sons together, Alfred, Frederick, Walter and Robert.
Father Thompson was a cooper by trade. He died in 1917.
Before the war Ernest worked as a Plate Layer for the North East Railway.
Ernest married Emma Toland February 21st 1914. Their daughter, Greta was born later that year.
In a letter to his wife in June 1915, Ernest wrote how “there is very little chance of sleep with the shells constantly whistling overhead, but it is surprising how long one can keep fresh and eyes open when one is compelled. He said it would make some people wonder if they saw what the shells did with the railways. They twisted the rails all shapes. He would like some of the young fellows who have not yet listed to see what the men out there are going through, and then they would be eager to go and help finish it. It would be a good job if it was all over. It is hell itself, and nothing else.“
Teesdale Mercury 02/06/1915 William reports that “we are now a short distance behind the firing line and are expected to move further back still where they can get a little rest."
Teesdale Mercury 24/04/1918 reports:-
Official information has been received that Sgt. E. Young, of Ware-Street, Barnard Castle, has been killed in action. Sgt. Young, who had seen much fighting with the Durham Light Infantry, was the eldest of three brothers on active service. He leaves a widow and family.
Ernest was described as having died in heroic action and was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre by the Belgians.
Teesdale Mercury 17/07/1918 reports:-
Sgt Ernest Young of the 6th Durhams and son of the late Mr Thompson Young, of Barnard Castle, who had been in France really from the beginning of the war was undergoing six months' training in England was killed in heroic action, and the of King the Belgians has presented a very handsome posthumous Croix de Guerre to his widow who resides in Barnard Castle. Mrs Young received the souvenir on Friday, and a prompt acknowledgment is addressed to the Minister de la Guerre Belgium. It is understood this handsome souvenir will be officially presented. It is the second highest honour which can be presented to a non-commissioned officer.
After Ernest was killed in action Emma married for a second time to Henry Brownless then later to Thomas Gibson.
His brother Robert Elliot Young was also killed in 1918.
Ernest Young is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25 and at York on NER Memorial
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 60
