Colin McMillan has provided the following:
John William Croyle was born in 1894 at Henhill near Lucker, north Northumberland. In 1901 he was 7 and was the second son of 32 year old Richard William Croyle who was born in Hazelrigg near Alnwick and worked as a coal miner hewer, and 32 year old Isabella who was born in Wooden, Northumberland. John had an older brother; 9 year old Joseph James Croyle who was born at Wandylaw near Chathill, and two younger sisters; Violet Eleanor Croyle (4) and Evelyn May Croyle (2). There was also a younger brother, 6 month old Norman Henry Croyle. All of the younger children were born in Morpeth. The family were then living at 4 Wansbeck Street, Morpeth.
By 1911 the family had moved to 20 West Greens, Morpeth, and had been joined by four more children: Ernest Percy Croyle (7), Richard Stanley Croyle (5), Florence Croyle (2) and 7 month old Gilbert Croyle. All were born in Morpeth. The father, Richard was now an overseer down the pit and 17 year old John and his older brother Joseph also worked as pitmen. 14 year old Violet was described as “assistant at home”.
John William Croyle served with the 21st (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion, Northumberland fusiliers. He was killed in action 27th July 1916. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Morpeth Herald 09/03/1917 carries a brief obituary:
Official news has been received by Mr and Mrs Croyle, of 20 West Greens, Morpeth, that their second son, Private J.W. Croyle, 21st N.F.,T.S., has been killed in action on July 27th, 1916.
John William Croyle is remembered in Morpeth on M17.01 M17.02 M17.09 and M17.29
