William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Fredrick (known as Fred) was born at High Spen in 1888.
He married Lilian Howey at Chester-le-Street 1911. The couple set up home at 7 Eden Terrace, Oxhill, Stanley soon afterwards. He worked as a coal miner hewer.
Fred enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was sent to France with his regiment on 04/10/1915.
He died of wounds 08/07/1916 at Suffolk (Auxiliary) Hospital, Bury St Edmunds.
Fred was awarded 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service.
Frederick Balmer is remembered at Usworth on U9.01
