In Struma Military Cemetery, Greece is the Commonwealth War Grave of Lieutenant John Dingle, serving with the 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, who died 10/09/1916.

The son of John Martin Dingle and Phillis Dingle, of 5, Ravensbourne Terrace, South Shields.

He was born 10th April 1893 at 49 Eleanor Street, South Shields, and was the son of John Martin Dingle (Architect) and Phillis Dingle. They were still at  49 Eleanor Street in 1901.

John was educated at Westoe Secondary School, and transferred to the Boys High School in September, 1908, at the age of 15, then residing at 5, Ravensbourne Terrace, South Shields.

He left school in July, 1911, and was articled to the late Mr Hadaway, a North Shields Chartered Accountant, from the firm T. E. Rowell, and had passed the Institute of Chartered Accountants intermediate examination in 1914.

John was an assistant Scout Master with the St Mark’s troop in South Shields.

He joined the O.T.C. at Newcastle shortly after the war broke out, and a little later he was granted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.

2nd Battalion in August 1914 were in Sabathu in India. Returned to England 22nd December 1914. Joined 84th Brigade, 28th Division. Landed at Le Havre on the 18th January 1915. Moved to Egypt October 1915 and thence to Salonika. June 1918 : left Brigade and moved to France. Joined 150th Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division.

After a further course of training at Boldon, he left for France on the 8th October 1915, where shortly after his arrival he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. From France he accompanied his regiment to Egypt, and later they received orders to join the Salonica forces. In 1915 he earned a commission with the 3rd Northumberland Fusiliers (a training battalion).

In 1916, after being promoted to Lieutenant, he went with the 2nd Battalion to Salonika, in Greece, and was part of the advance from there when he was killed on the 10th September 1916. Aged 23.

His Colonel and Captain, in letters to his parents, speak very highly of him, of his coolness, and bravery in action, and of the way he led his men.

A message of sympathy has been received from their Majesties the King and Queen.

Source: Shields Gazette Friday 03/11/1916

John Dingle is remembered at Harton on H104.03, H104.06 and at South Shields on S86.020, S86.046 and S86.047