Great War>Training Camps

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Cocken Hall Camp    Peter Meadows and Edward Waterson in Lost houses of County Durham describe Cocken Hall as "a little known house in a fine setting beside the River Wear". The core of the house appears to have been 17th century with later additions. The site was better known for its ornamental gardens and picturesque prospects in the late 18th century but seems to have hit hard times in the early 19th century. In 1802 the collection of pictures had been removed, some of the woods had been cut down and the place was no longer "one of the shew places of Durham". It seems to have been reduced in size as some point. In 1804 the house was occupied by a community of nuns who had been expelled from Belgium. They remained until 1830 when the establishment of Cocken Pit to the east made a quiet and contemplative life impossible. Later tenants included John Gully 1783-1863, a remarkable character who started out as a prize fighter and became a Member of Parliament. The property seems to have come into the ownership of the Earls of Durham in the 1870s although more research is required on this subject. A set of sale particulars survives from the 1870s which give a valuable insight into the layout of the house. The ground floor consisted of an entrance hall, large drawing room, music room, dining room, smoke room and a W.C., a bedroom and butler’s pantry, housekeeper’s room, still room, large ale and wine cellar, a kitchen, scullery, servants’ hall, shoe house, wash house, laundry, bake house, stick house and larder with one wing not in use but formerly used as a chapel. The yard had a dairy, apple room, coal house, ash pit and other "conveniences". The first floor contained the Maple room and dressing room, a large billiard room, Green room and dressing room, lobby and W.C. with three bedrooms down a passage, two in the clock square and four servant’s bedrooms. The second floor had two large bedrooms with a south and west view and a W.C., a nursery and two bedrooms. There were cottages at the hall for the gamekeeper, butler, gardener, coachman and cowman with a detached cottage for the woodman. The stables comprised seven stalls and a loose box, a coach house and harness room with a hay loft and granary above. Also three stalls for cart horses, two coach houses, dog kennels, cart shed, pony stable, gun room, two cow houses, pot houses and a joiner’s shop. Interesting though this information is no detailed plan of the house is known so it is impossible to locate most of these rooms precisely. The house was occupied by a number of tenants up to 1908 when some renovation was undertaken for a new tenant who died before he could take up residence. It was not re-let for some reason and was only occupied by a caretaker who in spring 1914 discovered a very inept attempt by suffragettes to set fire to the place. Sep 1914 Formation of the County of Durham Battalion   In the bitter days of early September 1914, under the chairmanship of the Earl of Durham, a committee of gentlemen from the County of Durham, including Colonel R. Burdon, V.D., M.P., Sir William Gray, Bart., and H. Pike Pease, M.P., agreed to raise and equip at their own expense a Battalion from County of Durham, making special appeals to Durham, Darlington, the Hartlepools, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Sunderland and Bishop Auckland. The raising of such a Battalion was actually first mooted by Major F. T. Tristram in a letter to Colonel R. Burdon, and it was brought into being as a direct outcome of their strenuous efforts seconded by Lieutenant-Colonel H. Bowes and cordially supported by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County. The idea, conceived and carried into effect, was to raise and equip a Battalion in the County at the sole expense of subscribers, and it should be observed that this Battalion was the only unit in the country that was so raised, the initial expenses connected with the formation of other Battalions being refunded by the Government. Appeals were at once made for funds for the provision of equipment, etc., and the response amounted to upwards of £10,000. Lord Durham in addition generously offered to place Cocken Hall at the disposal of the Committee: this certainly saved the county a further expenditure of between £6000 and £??? and without its use it would have been impossible to house the recruits who poured in rapidly directly the proposal to form a County Battalion was made public. List of Subscribers: The Earl of Durham, K.G., etc., Lambton Castle, Fence Houses. Colonel R. Burdon, V.D., M.P., J.P., Castle Eden. Mrs. Matthew Gray. Sir Lindsay Wood, Bart, The Hermitage, Chester-le-Street. The Executors of the late Sir Stephen Furness, Baltic Chambers, West Hartlepool. Colonel H. Doughty, J.P., Seaton Carew. C. E. Hunter, Esq., Wemmergill, Middleton-in-Teesdale. Colonel Sir Robert Ropner, Bart., Preston Hall, near Stockton-on-Tees. A. F. Pease, Esq., J.P., Middleton Lodge, Middleton Tyas. The Right Hon. H. Pike Pease, M.P., House of Commons. Colonel J. H. Ropner, V.D., J.P., Ragworth, Norton-on-Tees. Colonel C. W. Darwin, C.B., J.P., Dryburn, Durham. R. Hutton Wilson, Esq., Egglescliffe S.O. F. Fenwick, Esq., J. p.. Forester's Lodge, Wolsingham. W. O. Wood, Esq., J.P., South Hetton. Colonel Roberts, Hollingside, Durham. W. Sewell, Esq., Manor House, North Bridge Street, Sunderland. John Feetham, Esq., Whinfield, Darlington. It is not to be supposed, however, that the formation of the battalion was carried out at the cost of little or no trouble. As a matter of fact, the work was attended with considerable difficulty. At the outset the War Office was totally opposed to Battalions being raised in such a way, and obstacles were thrown in the way of the promoters, but Colonel R. Burdon, by dint of perseverance, eventually succeeded in obtaining official sanction to go ahead with the scheme. Curiously enough, after first strongly opposing the project, the War Office subsequently commended highly the success achieved in Durham, and Lord Kitchener summoned Colonel Burdon to London and expressed the thanks of the country to the county for having presented the nation with so fine a Battalion. Composed, as it was, of picked officers and men, the Battalion was unquestionably a unit of which any county and any country might well have been proud. 24th Sep 1914   The County Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Committee: Lord Durham, W. Cresswell Gray; Col. Bowes, Col. Darwin, Lord Southampton, F.T. Tristram, A.F. Pease; Rowland Burdon Minutes of 1st meeting 21st Sept 1914 (1) Col. Burdon reported that some 570 men had joined up to date. (2) That the names of 16 gentlemen had been sent in as being employed temporarily as officers. (3) That the clothing of the men in draft had been approved and it had been ordered, delivery of some being hoped for in a fortnight. (4) That he with Capt. Roberts, Messrs Tristram, Longdon, Lilley, and Col. Bowes had inspected Newton Hall and Cocken Hall yesterday and had found the latter suitable in every way for housing a large proportion Page 2 of, if not the whole Battalion and that he had written to the Earl of Durham asking him on what terms the Comm[ittee] could have the house. (5) That it was proposed to feed the men and officers by contract and enquiries were being made to that effect, and (6) That some of the officers and men were to be brought in before the end of this week. On the question of housing Mr Tristram stated that it was proposed that each man should bring his own 2 blankets and certain of the smaller items of the necessary details. It was decided that 2 blankets ought to be in the possession of each man. On the question of palliasses, Mr Pease urged that these should be provided. It was suggested they should be purchased second hand if possible. On Col. Burdon’s asking whether in case of shortage of numbers a company of miners should be substituted it was decided unanimously that the classes intended in the original prospectus should be adhered to. Rowland Burdon 25th Sep 1914 18th DLI advance party to Cocken Hall  The advance party of 20 men from the 18th DLI arrived at Cocken Hall, on the banks of the River Wear near Durham City. The hall, dating from the 17th century was lent by Earl Durham for use as a training camp of the 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. The hall and outbuildings were used as billets for C and D Companies with A Company billeted at Newton Hall, B Company billeted in the Drill Hall at West Rainton, until huts could be erected in the grounds. 25th Sep 1914   The advance party of 20 men from the 18th DLI arrived at Cocken Hall, on the banks of the River Wear near Durham City. The hall, dating from the 17th century was lent by Earl Durham for use as a training camp of the 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. The hall and outbuildings were used as billets for C and D Companies with A Company billeted at Newton Hall, B Company billeted in the Drill Hall at West Rainton, until huts could be erected in the grounds. 28th Sep 1914   Minutes of the Second Meeting 28th Sept 1914 Present: Lord Southampton; Col. Darwin; Mr. W. Cresswell Gray; Capt. Tristram; Capt. Roberts; Col. Bowes; Col. R. Burdon The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The list of gentlemen appointed temporarily was corrected. It was decided that an early opportunity should be taken to allot positions to these gentlemen; and to secure that a commission be granted to them. It was decided to accept no more officers for commissions at present (unless some exceptionally valuable officer present himself) in order that vacancies might be retained for the promotion of candidates from the ranks. Colonel Bowes mentioned that a considerable quantity of clothing was expected at a very short delivery. Captain Tristram reported that only 568 officers and men could be accommodated in the house and out buildings at present; and it was decided to at once ascertain how many huts would be required for additional accommodation for the whole Battalion; what the best position for these huts would be; and Colonel Burdon was instructed that tenders should be invited for them; and to obtain the necessary permission to proceed immediately from the G.O.C in C. On the question of the telephone Colonel Burdon was instructed to request the Postal Authorities to at once put a telephone in; and he was further instructed to obtain the leave of the G.O.C in C. that this should be done at public expense. Colonel Burdon was also instructed to press the question of the medical examination of officers being conducted by a local man. On the question of the wet and dry Canteen, it was decided to accept Messrs Speedings’ tender, by telegram, on the 24th inst, subject to such reduction as could be obtained, if any. Colonel Burdon announced that additional subscriptions up to date, including £5 from Col. Darwin, and £50 from Sir Thomas Wrightson, amounted altogether to £5550. 5th Oct 1914   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall 5th October 1914 Present: Lord Southampton; W. Cresswell Gray, Esq; A.F. Pease, Esq; Colonel Bowes; Capt. Tristram; Captain Roberts; Col. R. Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Colonel Burdon reported there were 711 of all ranks now quartered at Cocken and at West Rainton; and it was stated that about 100 more men were enlisted, and ready to come up. The Adjutant reported that Mr. Hughes Games and Mr Ince had joined; and a telegram offering a commission to Mr Lowe was written to be despatched. Colonel Burdon notified that a subscription had been sent from Mr Henry Salvin for £25. Colonel Burdon was authorised to offer a commission to Dr. Alfred Squire Taylor, M.B. B’ch. [MBChB] Edin. Colonel Burdon was authorised to proceed at once with the erection of huts, to hold 700 men; and also a Recreation Shed, as soon as permission could be obtained for the latter. Colonel Burdon was instructed to write to Colonel Darwin and ask if he would be good enough to undertake the management of the finance of the Battalion, as being so much nearer the spot. The new pattern equipment was fitted for inspection, and it was suggested that the old Webb pattern should be obtained, if possible. Sites for the huts - as suggested by the Darlington Construction Co, and laid out by Mr Ventris this morning - were approved. Construction is to be commenced at once. 12th Oct 1914   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall October 12th 1914 Present: - Lord Durham; Lord Southampton; Col. Darwin; W. Cresswell Gray, Esq; Colonel Bowes; Captain F.T. Tristram; Captain Roberts; Col. R. Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Colonel Burdon reported that Mr Lowe had now joined, and that Dr Taylor proposed joining immediately. The list of officers for commissions was produced and inspected. Subscription list now amounted to £5715, including a donation from Mr J.E. Rogerson for £50. Parade state was now 930, rank and file; and 22 officers. Accommodation as follows: - Newton Hall, 230. West Rainton, 212. Cocken Hall, 510. Col. Burdon also reported that recruiting had been stopped in consequence of some very undesirable men having been recruited from Stockton and Durham. Authority was given to proceed with the Bath House as soon as possible. Colonel Bowes stated that clothing for about 900 was now forthcoming; and asked for a cheque for £2000 on account for clothing. Lord Southampton had made enquires with regard to obtaining a suitable Orderly Room Clerk, and the matter was left in his hands. It was noted that no progress, except putting up the side posts, had been made with the shed over the kitchens; and Captain Tilly was requested to accelerate the erection of this. It was decided to indent for sufficient rifles for the purpose of drill for the whole battalion, together with buff waist belts and frogs, until the equipment could be procured. Colonel Burdon was instructed to write a letter to the newspapers, drawing attention to the fact that it was open to anyone to subscribe to the County Battalion, if they so wished, as a record of the Battalion and of the names of the subscribers would be preserved. 19th Oct 1914   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall Oct 19th 1914 Present: - Lord Southampton; W. Cresswell Gray; Colonel Darwin; Colonel Bowes; Captain Roberts; Colonel R. Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The adjutant reported that the parade state was now 991, of all ranks, being 9 [ ] men, and [ ] officers. Colonel Burdon reported that the list of officers had to be revised, so far as the dates of joining were concerned, in order to effect the necessary seniority in rank. The question of the return of 23 men to Stockton was considered; and it was decided that Captain Tristram should proceed to effect, if possible, the transfer of these men to other units, as they were not of the classes originally selected for representation in the County Battalion. Colonel Burdon was instructed to proceed to York if this could not be effected, to obtain the sanction of the G.O.C in C to any suitable arrangement. Lord Southampton said that as the man whom he had in view as a suitable Orderly Room Clerk would have had to be trained for 10 days at Borden it was simpler to have a man trained for the purpose at Cocken Hall, and the matter was left there. The question of the separation of the Finance which had to be dealt with by the Committee, and the Finance which had to be dealt with by the C.O. was gone into; and Mr Gray suggested that Mr Fortune, of West Hartlepool, would probably be good enough to undertake the work, and would be most suitable for it. Colonel Burdon was instructed to meet him, and go into the matter with him. It was noted that the shed over the kitchens had made some progress, but it was not yet finished. It was decided to indent for miniature rifles; and a full supply of service rifles for the use of the battalion. A further supply of rifles for instruction purposes had been received. Colonel Burdon mentioned that it might be necessary to pump water from the river for the purpose of water supply. Fourteen huts, in various stages of completion, were now standing. The Quarter Master was instructed to lay a cement floor (for which he was to borrow men from the Darlington Construction Company) for the purpose of a bin for refuse. The men's rooms were inspected; and were not found to be altogether in a good condition; this being partly due to the fact that the company from West Rainton had been moved, and had not had time to clean their rooms. 26th Oct 1914   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall October 26th 1914 Present: - Lord Durham, Lord Southampton, A.F. Pease, Major Tristram, Capt. Lowe, Colonel Bowes, Colonel Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Colonel Burdon reported that the transfer of the 23 men returned to Stockton had been satisfactorily effected; and they had now been removed from the strength of the County Battalion. It was noted that six huts had been completed and were occupied; three completed, but unoccupied; and the remainder - with one exception, under construction. The foundations for the Recreation Room had been laid. The Parade state today was 1004. A Company 243 B Company 239 C Company 270 D Company 252 Total 1004 Major Tristram reported that the War Office Establishment of Officers had been as follows: - 1 Lieut. Colonel 3 Majors 6 Captains *6 Lieutenants 12 Second Lieutenants 1 Adjutant 1 Quartermaster *1 Lieutenant for details at base The question of the bath house, combining bath and drying house, was considered; and it was decided that an amended plan was decided upon should be made. It was decided to carry out the additional lighting of the huts with our own staff, as we had in the ranks men perfectly capable of doing it. The name of Mr Griffith Jones was added to the list of Officers with rank as Captain, second in Command of the Company. The names of other members of the Durham U.T.C. were considered; and it was decided to offer commissions to at least two of them, if they were found suitable. Rowland Burdon Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 2nd Nov 1914   Minutes of the Committee Meeting Cocken Hall November 2nd 1914 Present: Lord Durham, Lord Southampton, Major Tristram, Captain Lowe, Colonel R. Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, as amended. Parade state was given as 1065, and 24 officers. It was decided to obtain some oil stoves for the purpose of turning two huts into temporary drying sheds for the men's clothes. The tender of the Darlington Construction Company for the Range, according to Government plans, was accepted, at the price of £195. Major Tristram was instructed to communicate to Mr Gradon our opinion that undoubtedly the drains of the ablution sheds should, as he suggests - be made of proper sanitary pipes, and not let into field drains. Colonel Burdon was instructed to accelerate the carrying out of the drying room as far as possible. It was decided not to line the roofs of the huts; and that an attempt should be made to find other premises for the Orderly Room, in order that the present Orderly Room might be turned into the Guard House. Major Tristram was instructed to obtain 6 Sentry Boxes from the Contractor or elsewhere. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 9th Nov 1914   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall November 9th 1914 Present: - Lord Southampton, W. Cresswell Gray, Colonel Bowes, Major Tristram, Colonel Rowland Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Colonel Burdon reported that the subscription list now amounted to £6615. The parade state was given as 1073 and 24 officers. This being 2 over strength of the men, and 5 under strength of officers. Colonel Burdon reported (1) that oil stoves had been obtained for the purpose of drying the clothes in one of the huts; but up to the present there had been no necessity to use them. (2) That he thought that it was almost necessary that a car should be obtained for the use of the battalion and he was authorised to take any steps he thought necessary in the matter. (3) That he had ordered 20,000 rounds of short, and 5000 rounds of long .22 miniature Rifle Cartridges; (and a further quantity - 100,000 rounds, was reserved) from the Army & Navy stores. Major Tristram reported that it had been decided to leave the Orderly Room where it was, but to put the Guard Room and sick room opposite the front door of the Hall. The huts were inspected. It was decided to let the latrines and ablution sheds remain as at present designed for cleaning purposes; and instead of a new building for a Canteen it was decided to add a wing to the Recreation Hut to answer that purpose. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 16th Nov 1914 Two Companies of 18th DLI detatched to Hartlepool.   In mid November 1916 units across the north of England were put on alert to defend the coast. Two companies were formed in the 18th Durham Light Infantry consisting of NCO's and men who had undergone range training, under the command of Major Tristam and Captain Neville to be deployed to Hartlepool. They travelled by rail and were billeted in Hart Road being engaged in improving and manning trenches along the coast as well as training and sentry duties. One company soon moved to Old Hartlepool to provide sentries at the Docks. 20th Nov 1914    Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall November 20th 1914 Present: - Lord Southampton, Colonel Hugh Bowes, Col Rowland Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The parade state was presented as under. Colonel Burdon reported that - as was seen by parade state, none of the men had yet been sent back from West Hartlepool. The frame of the drying shed was erected and the Recreation Room and Rifle Range were both approaching completion. Arrangements had been made whereby Mr C. Fortune (Messrs Accountant, 36 Church St, West Hartlepool) has taken Mr Roberts place for financial purposes; and the signature of cheques, both with regard to the regimental account and the Committee's account. It is hoped that the payment of bills will now proceed somewhat more regularly. Payment on a/c to the Darlington Construction Company to the amount of £4000 had already been made by the Paymaster, York. The question of appeals for clothing for the regiment was mentioned; and it was felt rather strongly that there was no occasion for this at the time; as much of the underclothing provided by the Committee had not been applied for by men for whom it was intended. It was decided that the Colonel should write a letter conveying this to the writers of any appeals to the newspapers. Colonel Bowes mentioned that instruments for a band had been presented to the regiment by Col. McKenzie of Seaham Harbour; and he hoped to be able to get together from the battalion itself a band of 16 performers. Samples for the furnishing of huts were inspected; but were not found to be satisfactory; and the Clerk of the Works was instructed to proceed to Newcastle, and obtain further samples from Messrs Emley & Messrs Walker. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 23rd Nov 1914    Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall November 23rd 1914 Present: - Lord Durham, Messrs A.F. Pease, W. Cresswell Gray, Colonel Bowes, Colonel R Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Colonel Burdon reported that the electric light for 2 rows of the huts had been completed. The Range and the drying house were in the process of erection; and the Regimental Institute was in a very advanced state, and waiting for the addition of the Canteen. Colonel Burdon also reported that he had found it necessary to appoint a Clerk of the Works, who would act for him, and overlook in his absence. Also that Mr Gray had most kindly lent a car for the use of the battalion. Five hundred men and officers (as by Parade State given below) had been ordered to Hartlepool on the Tuesday previous to assist in the defence of the Port if necessary. These had been armed with the rifles provided for the use of the detachment, and had had 100 rounds of ammunition issued. Owing to having no equipment they had had to have mess tins issued separate. Colonel Burdon mentioned also that he had, himself, seen the Military Secretary, Northern Command, and asked him to represent to the G.O.C-in-Chief that this detachment work at present was most detrimental to the training of the men; and to earnestly request that they may be restored to Cocken at the earliest possible opportunity, which he had promised should be done. Col. Burdon asked leave, which was granted- to request from York that he should be allowed to recruit up to 400 over strength for the present battalion, to fill vacancies, and to form nucleus for the reserve battalion, should that be eventually authorised by the war office. Col. Burdon was instructed to write a very grateful letter of thanks to Lord Southampton for his patriotic and unselfish action in taking command of the battalion, and for all the most efficient help he had given. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 7th Dec 1914   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall December 7th 1914 Present: - Colonel Bowes, and Col Burdon. The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as read. Colonel Bowes asked how the question of the equipment for the officers should be dealt with; and it was decided that as a sum of £10 had been very generously offered to pay for the equipment of each officer of the battalion who required it, the matter should be left there. Colonel Bowes asked whether it would be acceptable to the Committee that a commission should be offered to Sergt. Robinson, for which permission was given. A good many motor bicycles, etc. having been used for regimental purposes belonging to private individuals of the Battalion it was agreed that the cost of the petrol should be reimbursed to those to whom bicycles belonged. Colonel Bowes was instructed to purchase a Sam Browne belt for the Sergt. Major; it being very desirable that he should be dressed in conformity to the dress of the Commissioned Officers. Colonel Bowes was instructed to tell the Clerk of the Works to go into the question of the officers latrines, in order to do away as far as possible with the hiring at present going on. It was notified that the County Battalion would be entered in the Army List as the 18th Service Battalion. The band instruments had been ordered, second quality; which would leave a small sum for music etc. It was decided that practice for the band was to be in the spare time of the musicians; and there was no pay to be attached to the appointment. Satisfactory samples of upholstering, etc, for the huts have been received and selected, and the furnishing was being proceeded with. It was notified that the first 200 sets of equipment had been received. With regard to the huts, some slight alteration will have to be made at the miniature Rifle Range; and the lighting at the Target end will be provided for by 2 Acetylene Generators kindly lent by Messrs R.E. Hall & Co. The lighting of the bath house will have to be attended to; and it will be necessary to put glass in the upper part of the outside wall, as the opening at present is too much. The bath house was very nearly ready for occupation. Colonel Bowes was instructed to place the stoves in the Regimental Institute in the most convenient place. Instructions with regard to the painting of the wood work of the Regimental Institute had been given, and were satisfactory. The new latrines and ablution sheds had been taken into use, and appeared to be working satisfactorily; but the pipes will require protection from the frost. The Clerk of the Works had made arrangements for laying down cinder paths under contract with Mr Gradon. Colonel Burdon notified the result of his interviews at the war office on Friday last (the 4th inst) which included the appointment of the Medical Officer; and the permission to ask for another Company as soon as ever the first Depot Company had been formed; the War Office, of course, paying for everything outside the 1100 men of the present Battalion. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 15th Dec 1914 Garrisons stationed in North East England put on alert.  The Admiralty issued an alert to all garrisons defending the North East coast of England to expect raids by enemy ships. The two companies of the 18th DLI based in Hartlepool manned the trenches along the coast. 16th Dec 1914 Hartlepools Bombarded by Enemy ships   The Bombardment of the Hartlepools by the German Navy was intended to damage ship building and engineering works in Hartlepool. German ships, the Seydlitz, Moltke and Blucher were 3 miles off shore flying British Flags, they then changed to German flags and fired on the town just after 8 o'clock in the morning. Private Theophilus Jones was the first soldier to be killed on British soil during World War One. The Lighthouse Battery gun hit the Blucher killing nine sailors and damaging the ship and two of its guns. The Captains at the Heugh were awarded the very first pair of Military Medals. In Victoria dock, a submarine and two light cruisers, tried to attack the German ships but the submarine was hit as soon as it came out of the harbour, blocking the other ships. The cruiser HMS Patrol, based at Hartlepool, put to sea but was holed and just managed to reach safety in the Tees. 4 of the crew died and 7 were injured. That night 3 trawlers sank with heavy loss of life after striking mines laid by the attacking cruisers. The first civilian to be killed on British soil in the First World War was Hilda Horsley, she was seventeen and worked as a tailoress. She was on her way to work when she was killed by a shell. Thirty four children under the age of sixteen were killed in the attack. The Dixon family lost three children. As more shells were fired on Hartlepool, the people gathered in Ward Jackson Park and the villages of Hart, Elwick & Dalton Piercy. The attack took only forty minutes, but four hundred people were wounded and one hundred and twenty seven people were killed including nine soldiers of 18th DLI who were manning the trenches on the sea front and guarding the docks, engineers works and railway lines. After the bombardment the men of the 18th DLI were sent to the Borough Hall and detailed into rescue parties, stretcher bearers and guards. 22nd Dec 1914 First Under Fire  "It has fallen to the lot of the County Battalion to be the first unit of Lord Kitchener's Army to be under fire. It is an old saying that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." The dead heroes of last Wednesday's defence force will be mourned as is their just due, but Britons would not be Britons if the German raid does not give a fillip to recruiting more than all the speeches ever made. At the invitation of one of the officers I paid a visit the other day to the training headquarters at Cocken Hall of the 18th (Service) Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry (County). The words quoted, and the parentheses, constitute the full and proper title, but as they are too long to repeat, may I fall back upon a legal phrase and say, hereinafter termed the "County Battalion," and also known as "Lord Durham's Battalion," the "Pals' Battalion," etc. What Lord Durham has done for the battalion it would be difficult to estimate, for besides lending his personal and financial support it is he who has placed Cocken Hall and its grounds, and the fields around, at the disposal of the commanding officer, the estate being the property of the noble earl. The battalion consists of nearly 1,100 men, and is up to strength, but the day I was there 500 of them were at West Hartlepool, where they had been sent a few weeks ago to man the trenches, when a raid such as took place on Wednesday last was first feared. Therefore there were only about 600 of the establishment was increased [sic], and permission given to recruit more men, and reserve companies are now being raised, newcomers being enrolled every day. When I arrived on the scene most of the men were out of doors. Here let me say that only the officers and the Durham Company, which company was the first to enlist, occupy the house, and that the rest of the men are quartered in wooden huts, each of which holds 40. There are some 28 of these huts, set out in rows. They are uncommonly like streets, and in this work-a-day Durham district almost suggest a new colliery village. The first thing that struck me was that every man, down to the latest recruit, is fully clothed in brand new khaki. Recruits are uniformed and equipped the day they join. There is no going about for weeks in nondescript clothing, as falls to the lot of some units of the new army. While I was at Cocken a likely-looking young man was enrolled. When I left Leamside at night I saw that same young man clad from head to foot in the cloth which distinguishes the British soldier the world over. And he had a great coat too, and a kit bag. It was interesting to see how the new recruits were at once taken in charge by older members, and made to feel at home in their new surroundings, but next to the main idea of training, the chief point which struck me was the way the men's comfort and convenience was studied. I need not describe Cocken Hall. It agrees in the main with the descriptions of country houses in novels. The officers and men have made the most of it. It is comfortable, but there are no luxurious adjuncts. But it is outside where the most interest lies. The huts are well built, roomy and high. They are constructed of cladding outside, asbestos inside, and are roofed with felt, while the heating is by coke stoves. At dinner time the forty men accommodated by each can dine with freedom of movement for all. At bedtime down come the palliasses, out come the blankets, and to peaceful sleep goes "Tommy," his clothing hanging in apple-pie order on the pegs over his head. "Do the men undress?" I innocently asked, having visions of night attacks. "Undress, yes," replied a cheery sergeant. "Most of them sleep in pyjamas. Many of the men came to enlist in cuffs and collars." Which brings me to the class of Britishers who have enrolled in the "Counties." The battalion, as has often been given out, is recruited from the commercial classes, including artisans. But I was told that every conceivable occupation was represented in the attestation papers, professional, business and commercial. There are in the ranks parsons, hairdressers, medicos, engineers, dentists, solicitors, students, tradesmen, and electricians. The huts are lighted by electricity, the current being generated on the ground, and the whole of the installation was fitted up by recruits. Out of curiosity I asked several men I met what they were in civil life, and these were only a few I dropped upon casually. They were a seagoing engineer, a tobacconist who had a business of his own, a Cartwright, and a clerk, and a well set-up young miner. The most conspicuous building on the ground is the recreation room, capable of holding the whole battalion. When I was there it was just completed, and it is to be so arranged that whereas it can be divided by curtains into three, with a canteen at one end, it can be quickly thrown into one large hall for concerts and other gatherings. Billiards and all kinds of games will be provided. The recreation room is similar in style to the huts, but is covered externally with corrugated iron. The Cocken camp also boasts a complete bathing and washing establishment. In the lavatory are long rows of wash basins, with water laid on, and in the bath house there are 40 cubicles, each with a bath and hot and cold water. There are also several clothing drying houses, where the men's garments are dried on rows of steam pipes. The value of the latter adjunct can easily be imagined when one remembers the miserable weather we have been having of late. The food is excellent and plentiful. The men are not fed on "stew" every day. At seven o'clock early coffee is served. At eight o'clock breakfast consists of meat or fish and tea or coffee, and butter and jam. For dinner soup, meat, two vegetables, puddings and sweets form the constituents. Five o'clock tea is composed of tea and bread and butter and jam. The officers get the same fare as the men. I had a private interview with the caterer, Mr. G.E. Barton, army contractor, of York, who told me that the 600 odd men eat in a week, of potatoes three tons; peas, 2cwt.; beans, 2cwt.; carrots, 2cwt.; turnips, 3cwt.; beef, 37â…Ÿ2 cwt.; rabbits, 16 dozen; sheep, 4; pork, 400 lbs; rice, 2cwt.; tapioca, 1cwt.; bread, 4,000 lbs.; plum cake, 4cwt.; jam, 10 cwt.; butter, 3cwt.; tea, 230 lbs; coffee, 1cwt.; and milk, 280 gallons. In addition there are varying but plentiful quantities consumed of bacon, potted meat, fish, pork pies, polonies, sausage, brawn, apples, prunes, figs, plum pudding, etc. This is enough to show that the commissariat is in capable hands, and that it is substantial. No tinned goods whatever are used. As is well known, the battalion has been raised and clothed by a committee composed of many of the most influential gentlemen in the County of Durham, including the Lord Lieutenant (Lord Durham) and Col. R. Burdon, who have taken the greatest possible interest in it from the beginning. This committee by their patriotic action has saved the county about £11,000. The battalion, of which Lord Southampton, of the 10th Hussars, kindly assumed the temporary command, was afterwards taken over by Col. Hugh Bowes, late secretary to the Durham County Territorial Force Association, as commanding officer. His unique experience in organisation and administration is of the greatest value to the new unit. I had also intended to give a resume of a day's work in the life of the soldier, but again space forbids. Suffice it to say that reveille is at 6.45 and after a very busy day, divided by enjoyable meals, eaten with splendid appetites, the ordinary work finishes at 5 p.m. and lights out is at 10. After 5 o'clock the officers and non-commissioned officers have lectures. Occasionally, after 5, the men are given two hours exercise at "companies in the attack," or "outposts," in the dark. I might remark here that the athletic side of the training is not lost sight of. Sports are held every Wednesday, and in the ordinary way every day there is running and high jumping, and physical drill. Every phase of military operation is practised, including that most necessary art of trenching, so that the "Counties" will be able, when at the front, to "dig themselves in" as comfortably as any of General French's army. The battalion was fortunate in obtaining as instructors a number of very good non-commissioned officers. It goes without saying that a very important part of the training of the battalion is in rifle shooting. An elaborate covered-in range is provided, where the use of the rifle is taught so thoroughly that it will not be the fault of the instructors if the men are not worthy followers of the original British Expeditionary Force, whose shooting so surprised the Germans. Great emphasis is placed on visual training, and in the huts the men are given pictorial targets to study from, and to practise at picking out objects such as a man in khaki, represented in Lilliputian form, at a supposed distance of 300 yards and over. In the rifle range itself, with the miniature rifle, shooting is reduced to an exact science, and the men are practised in long-distance firing. The range is fitted up with the Solano moving and disappearing targets, and with the Hill-Siffken landscape targets. The men who show themselves most intelligent and smart are quickly promoted and the great bulk of the non-commissioned officers have been advanced in this way. A certain number of commissions have been reserved for promotions from the ranks. A Church of England curate from the immediate district, who joined as a private, is now a sergeant. Talking about parsons, I ought to add that the officers and the men have church parades at different places of worship in the locality on Sundays. A full brass band is being raised, the battalion being rich in instrumentalists. The instruments are being provided by Col. T.C. McKenzie, of Sunderland, and other friends. The camp has been wonderfully free from sickness. Every provision is made for attending to sick cases, but so far there has been nothing worse experienced than ordinary colds. Of the armoury, the clothing store, the cook-house, and the numerous other adjuncts, I must content myself by saying that they were all on the same well found scale as the features already mentioned. The men are drawn from the whole of the county of Durham, and there are large contingents from Darlington, Durham City, Sunderland, West Hartlepool, and the other large towns. The general conduct both at Cocken and at West Hartlepool has been excellent. The men at West Hartlepool were complimented, before last Wednesday's bombardment, on the efficient way in which they performed their duties, and since the bombardment all will have read the splendid tribute which was paid to their bearing under fire. It was at first intended to send the new recruits to Newton Hall, kindly placed at the disposal of the battalion by Lord Boyne, but it is now probable that more huts will be built at Cocken, which will be much jollier for the men. Recruiting is proceeding rapidly, and no time should be lost in joining on the part of those who are thinking about doing so. Owing to the rapidity with which recruits drawn form business and scholastic circles train, the County Battalion is expected to be ready for the front before most of the new Army. That this hope is justifiable is proved by the remarkable steadiness of the men of the Battalion during the attack upon the trenches at West Hartlepool last Wednesday. Although the height standard is 5ft. 6in., any recruit who is otherwise specially suitable will be taken at 5ft. 4in. and upwards." Northern Daily Mail, 22st of December 1914. 26th Dec 1914   December 26th 1914 to The Committee of the County Battalion The Durham Light Infantry The only important matter to report since the date of the last meeting of the Committee is the Bombardment of Hartlepool, and the loss sustained by the County Battalion. Almost the whole of the Guard at the Battery were either killed or wounded by the first Broadside from the German vessels. Neither the battery, nor any of the other troops realised that they were German ships. I very much regret that we have already lost six men killed - five on the spot, and one dying afterwards from wounds, and ten wounded, but none dangerously; and it is hoped that most of them will be fit for duty again within a comparatively short time. How any of them escaped is rather wonderful. No damage was done in the trenches at all, with the exception of a few sandbags, etc, knocked on to Major Roberts, and one or two of the men, without serious damage. One of the Officers had to leave the trenches while still under fire to re-call two Sentries posted on the cliff, who were discovered marching up and down with fixed bayonets on their beat as usual. Generally speaking, the men behaved excellently; and I think the Officers must have kept their heads under very trying circumstances. The Raid has, unfortunately, made it impossible for the G.O.C. in C. to allow the half Battalion to return to Cocken; and it is still under consideration whether we shall not take temporarily, at all events, the half battalion from Cocken to West Hartlepool; the G.O.C. in C. not having signified his approbation of that course if Colonel Bowes chooses to adopt it. There are reasons which appear to be good for this course; which will not, however, be adopted for at least ten days. The whole of the lighting has been finished, and the engine seems to take the load quite satisfactorily. The Miniature Rifle Range is in use, though the targets were not in a finished condition three days ago. The drying-house, and bath-house, are finished, and in use. The new Canteen works exceedingly well, far better and more comfortable than the old tent. The roads still present considerable difficulty; but cinders are being brought in and a more permanent covering will be given to the main road, under the direction of the Highway Surveyor to the Chester-le-Street RDC. I felt rather strongly that after our use of the building we could not leave the carriage drive in the abominable state it has been reduced to. The cost of this will probably be about £60 or 370, which will be chargeable against Government. The four Miniature Rifles presented by Mr Henry Clark, of Whitburn, have arrived, and are of the greatest use. The men's huts are leaking in one or two unimportant places, but are generally most comfortable; and the men have no fault to find, even in this cold weather. The tables and furniture, etc, authorised by the war Office are being provided, sufficiently to meet requirements. A proportion of men and officers have been granted leave for Christmas and the New Year. Leave has, of course, to be made subject to the requirements of safety. The management of the finances has been handed over to Mr. J.C. Fortune of West Hartlepool, in conjunction with myself. I ought to add that I had, myself, an interview with the G.O.C in-Chief on the 21st inst. with regard to the stations of the battalion. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 4th Jan 1915   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall January 4th 1915 Present:- Lord Southampton, Col. Bowes, Colonel R. Burdon, Capt. Lowe The minutes of the last meeting were taken as read. Colonel Bowes mentioned the question of the payment of the funeral expenses of members of the battalion killed in action at Hartlepool on the 16th December, and asked if any expenses extra to the sum provided by the War Office would be met by the committee. This was granted. He also asked whether he might consider that the balance of expenses of the Christmas Dinner- if it could not be covered from the Canteen funds- might be met by the Committee. This was agreed to. It was decided to obtain, through the Clerk of the Works, tenders for the erection of shelves in the barrack huts; and also for wooden grids for the bath-room. Colonel Burdon was instructed to obtain tenders from the Army & Navy Stores for 1350 rifle slings; Col. Bowes stating that he had already placed the order for equipment for the Depot Company. It was agreed to ask the Paymaster at York to send down a Clerk for one day to give instruction and advice in the Orderly Room with regard to certain forms which presented some difficulty. Colonel Bowes reported that the bath-room had been taken into use and was satisfactory: that a drying room had been allowed to each Company to be used as required during certain hours; and that the miniature Rifle Range was working satisfactorily. The Canteen was found to be very successful; and the room a very good one for sound for Entertainment. Colonel Burdon was requested to communicate with Mr. Gray with regard to the provision, if possible, of a special train for the conveyance of the Battalion to Sunderland for recruiting purposes. The question of recruiting was also considered, together with a letter from Capt. Longden, and it was decided to let the matter stand over for a week to see how the new arrangement of the extra fee of 1/- [one shilling] per man to the Recruiting Sergeant would work in practice. Col. Bowes was requested to draft a letter, in conjunction with Capt. Longden, to be sent to magistrates and notables, asking their assistance in recruiting. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 11th Jan 1915   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall January 11th 1915 Present:- Colonel R. Burdon, Colonel Bowes and Captain Lowe The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Colonel Bowes stated that tenders for the shelves in the barrack huts had been obtained, but were so much more expensive than was expected that the matter had been again referred to the Clerk of the Works. The Paymaster at York had written stating that they could not at present spare a Clerk to give instructions with regard to certain difficult War Office forms, but that the Battalion might send a Non-Commissioned Officer to York for instructions. The bath-room, drying house, and Rifle Range, and the canteen, were all now working most satisfactorily. It was agreed that Colonel Burdon should write to Messrs. Gradon and call their attention to the fact that the latrines were not yet finished, in spite of continued notifications. Colonel Bowes reported that recruits were coming in quite fairly. The letter to the Magistrates, etc, has been drafted, and is being sent out. It was further agreed that Col. Burdon should write and urge Messrs. Gradon to proceed with the repairs to the roads. Mr. Kirkup, manager for the Lambton Collieries, has also very kindly arranged for ashes to be delivered at 4/- per load. The number of loads to be checked by the Pioneer Sergeant. It was decided to purchase four more Miniature Rifles; and that a good recruiting notice should be inserted in the "Evening Chronicle", and the "North Star". Authority for the erection of four more barrack huts had been applied for to York to accommodate the Depot Company: Colonel Bowes having stated that it was possible to carry on with that amount of accommodation: but on talking the matter over, and in view of the fact that two Depot Companies will eventually have to be provided, and that it would be a great convenience to the Bantam Battalion if the County Battalion resigns the use of Newton Hall in their favour, it was decided that as Colonel Bowes said that he would be able to provide for both Depot Companies, if six new huts were built, and he could rely upon the use of West Rainton Drill Shed, Col. Burdon should write to York, and ask for permission to build six huts; and as the tendency of contracts to rise Col. Burdon accepted a tender from the Darlington Construction Company for six huts at £153 each, lined, and with stove fitted (but not including cost of stove); the first two to be ready in a fortnight; and the remainder within a month; or, if possible five weeks. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 13th Jan 1915 Two Companies of 18th DLI depart Hartlepool.   The two companies of the 18th DLI detatched to Hartlepool for the coastal alert, rejoined the rest of the Battalion at Cocken Hall. They were given a cheery fair well by the people of the town at Hartlepool railway station and were met by the battalion band at Leamside station who played them back to the camp. 16th Jan 1915   January 16th 1915 to The Committee of the County Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Owing to a press of other important business, and to there not being very much at the moment to consider, I have postponed the meeting of the Committee for - at any rate - a week. The Battalion has at last been united; and I hope great improvement will be noticeable before long. All the best N.C.O's had been sent, of course, to Hartlepool. They will now - as also the men - be restored to their original Companies; and in the end I hope the time at Hartlepool may not be altogether wasted. I have authorized the erection of six new huts. I have received the sanction for this from York. I hear the band is a great success; and will be very welcome on route marches. On Thursday the battalion marched about 22 miles, without any greater inconvenience than a few sore feet. They always manage about 20 miles once a week. Miniature Rifles are still a difficulty, as we want to get them as near as possible the weight and pull of the Government arm. This is being attended to. The range is working excellently. Brigadier General F.G. Hunter inspected the half battalion at Cocken on Thursday the 7th inst: and I think was fairly pleased with what he saw. It was due to his action that the battalion was re-united. He appears to know what he wants, and is likely to get it; and I think we may congratulate ourselves on his appointment. The roads are still a great difficulty; everybody seeming in this wet weather to want ashes at the same time; but Mr. Kirkup, the Manager of the Lambton Collieries, has been good enough to help us; and a few dry days would make a great deal of difference now. There were 100 cases on the sick list yesterday (the 15th) but nothing serious. Colonel Bowes is in communication with the Canteen Contractor with regard to the prices now paid for feeding the men. He is asking and will probably obtain a rebate from the Contractor of five-eighths of a penny per head per day. The Contractor to include biscuit and coffee in the early morning. In view of the large number of men being at present supplied this appears to be quite reasonable; and the sum obtained will be of great assistance, as representing the privy purse of the battalion. The last of the latrines were not left in a very satisfactory state; but owing to the men coming back we have made the best of it, and I think it will answer the purpose for a sufficient length of time. The frosty weather might have had something to do with this. I am glad to say the drainage appears to be working fairly satisfactory. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 25th Jan 1915   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall January 25th 1915 Present:- Lord Durham, W. Cresswell Gray, A.F. Pease, Rowland Burdon, Col. Hugh Bowes, and Captain & Adjutant Lowe. The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed, as altered. Colonel Burdon reported that in order to provide accommodation for the men up to the strength of the two Depot Companies, in addition to the original Battalion, he had accepted a contract for six new hut shelters at a cost of £150 each, lined; stoves fitted, but to be extra. The case of the Quartermaster was considered; he having had money advanced to him at the same rate as he was previously earning, viz, £2-10-0 per week, until such time as his pay could reach him. It is now a question of whether he was to be asked to refund to the battalion the whole, or a portion of this money advanced; and it was decided that the Committee would be content if he would repay them one half of this sum. It was reported that one or two undesirable men had been received from Durham; but that as a rule recruits were coming in fairly satisfactorily. It was suggested that a statement of accounts should be prepared to show the financial position of the Committee up to date. Colonel Burdon reported that he had had a subscription of £25 from His Honour Judge Greenwell; and Mr Gray also reported that he had been promised £50 for the battalion by Mr. A.B. Horsley. The question of leave was considered informally by the Committee; and Colonel Bowes was requested to lay before the Brigadier their opinion that - especially in the case of the men who had been quartered at Hartlepool, and considering the class of men who formed the Battalion - it was desirable that as much leave should be granted as was in accordance with the discipline. Colonel Burdon also reported that in consequence of a conversation between himself, the Brigadier, and Col. Bowes, which took place at Cocken on the occasion of his meeting the Brigadier there, he had written to York, and had received definite instructions from the G.O.C. in C, Northern Command, that from this time onward neither he nor the Committee were any longer responsible for the discipline and training of the battalion, which now vested in the Colonel Commanding and the Brigadier. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Feb 1915 Field exercises   In early February 1915 the Durham Division undertook a field exercise in County Durham, with Khaki Force, which included 122nd Brigade, taking a home base at Bishop Auckland pitted against White Force based in Sunderland. Both forces advanced on Durham City, with White Force's advance being blocked at the railway bridge over the road at Belmont Hall. All the bridges over the Wear at Durham were deemed to have been blown, except the bridge at Finchale Abbey, to which the 18th DLI were deployed. By the time the 18th Durhams reached the bridge, two companies of White Force supported by a section of Field Artillery had already crossed the River Wear and were busy entrenching at East Moor Leazes to provide cover for White Force to make a crossing. A mock battle ensued and the advance party of White Force were drive back by the 18th DLI. 5th Feb 1915   February 5th 1915 To The Committee of the County Battalion The Durham Light Infantry There seems to be comparatively little new at Cocken at the moment; and therefore I do not propose to have a Committee meeting on Monday, as I cannot be there myself without inconvenience. Colonel Bowes proposes to promote three men from the ranks to be officers in the Battalion; and to bring in one from the Durham O.T.C. I see no reason to interfere in the granting of these commissions, as at this stage the appointment of Officers concerns primarily the Officer Commanding, and the second in Command. In any case, these appear to be suitable appointments. The new huts have again been delayed; but must be ready for occupation in a day or two. The question of stoves for the cook house to be run by the battalion is having attention. These can be obtained at short notice, as I ascertained when at the War Office on Wednesday the 3rd inst. The supply of ashes is now coming in well, and considerable progress is being made with the roads. Colonel Bowes reports to me that the Brigadier has visited the battalion since the last meeting, and has expressed his approval of the progress made; and he is prepared to relax, to some extent, his restrictions with regard to leave. I presented a request at the War Office on Wednesday to be allowed to continue the formation of the second Depot Company uninterruptedly. General Sir Herbert Belfield told me that he could not give permission on account of the precedent which would be followed by other battalions. He suggested that there were some things that are better done first and asked for afterwards, and therefore, the formation of the second Depot Company is being proceeded with; and I have applied in writing. There is a certain amount of sickness, but none of a really serious nature. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 15th Feb 1915   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall 15th February 1915 Present:- Colonel Burdon and Major Tristram. Nothing of any importance was reported. The parade state was certified as being 1355 of all ranks. Recruits were only coming in slowly: and constant drains were being made upon the regiment for the provision of Commissioned Officers for other battalions. The total loss from this source up to date would probably reach nearly 50 men. The question of a notice and advertisement issued by Mr. Evan Hayward. M.P, and Mr. Godfrey Palmer, M.P. for the purpose of obtaining 100 or 200 men for the 13th (Pioneers) Gloucester Regiment was considered; and it was agreed that support ought only to be given to this when our own County Battalions had been filled. With the exception of a few of the huts not being water tight (though not to any serious amount, except in one case) the rest of the camp was in good order, and might be considered finished; except the roads, which are still awaiting the action by the Surveyor to the RDC, which has been delayed in consequence of stone and trucks not having been forth-coming. The Rifles which had been lent to the Battalion by various members of the public were directed to be returned to their owners. Colonel Burdon notified that he had applied for cooking stoves and boilers, and also arm racks. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 22nd Feb 1915    Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall February 22nd 1915 Present:- The Earl of Durham, W.C. Gray, Colonel R. Burdon, Colonel H. Bowes, Major F. J. Tristram, and Captain Lowe. The minutes of the previous meeting at which no one was present but Colonel Burdon, Major Tristram and Capt. Lowe, were taken as read. The parade state was presented as under and Colonel Burdon mentioned that one of the reasons why such slow progress was being made with the 6th Company was that some forty of the members of the Battalion had been transferred to commissions elsewhere. The samples of necessaries for the men were inspected, and it was decided that those offered by Messrs. Mappin & Webb should be accepted, subject to reasonably quick delivery: or failing those that provided by [blank] Colonel Burdon reported that he had authority from the war office for the 6th Company to be proceeded with at once. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 8th Mar 1915   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall March 8th 1915 Present:- Wm. Cresswell Gray, Colonel Hugh Bowes, Captain W.D. Lowe, and Colonel R. Burdon. Colonel Bowes action with regard to the appointment of the two officers to the Depot Company was confirmed. The strength of the Battalion remained approximately as at the last meeting, in consequence of transfers to other Battalions, and the men being rejected after medical examination. Colonel Bowes notified that some of the senior officers had been sent to Alnmouth for a course. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 29th Mar 1915   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall March 29th 1915 Present:- Lord Durham, Colonel Bowes, Major Tristram, Capt. Lowe, and Colonel Burdon. The strength of the battalion was stated to be 1362 of all ranks. That some were still being transferred to other battalions, and others who had been dismissed on the ground of health. Colonel Bowes stated that the camp had been inspected by Colonel Blackburn, Chief Engineer, Northern Command, York, on the 24th inst: and that he had expressed himself as satisfied with its condition and arrangements. No objection had been made by him to the rather congested state of the camp. He had given certain directions with regard to the disposal of the drainage, which will be carried out. It was stated that very few recruits were now coming in, in spite of advertisements in the newspapers; the accounts for which were stated to be very large, but were not given. Colonel Bowes undertook to send Colonel Burdon an account of the number of field glasses required for the battalion, in excess of those probably issued by the War Office. Colonel Burdon mentioned the question of leave for men and officers, and expressed a hope on behalf of himself and the Committee that leave to the very fullest possible extent would be granted until the time that the regiment moved into camp elsewhere, as very considerable dissatisfaction existed, owing to other battalions being able to obtain leave very much in excess of that granted in the 18th. Colonel Bowes stated that the difficulty lay with the orders given by the Brigadier. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 19th Apr 1915   Minutes of Committee Meeting Cocken Hall April 19th 1915 Present- Lord Durham, W.C. Gray, Colonel H. Bowes, Colonel R. Burdon, Major Tristram, and Capt. Lowe. The parade state was handed in, showing 1393 of all ranks. Of these it was expected that 8 artificers would have to be returned to their employment. It was agreed that a payment of £14 should be made to the electricians. Their services as members of the Battalion having been the means of effecting a large saving in the cost of installing electric light. Recruiting expenses incurred by Captain Longden were ordered to be paid, amounting to £74-1-2. The question of the cookhouse was considered. The medical officer having reported that in hot weather, at all events; it was unfit for its purpose, from a sanitary point of view; and it was determined to erect a cook house according to Government plans; and that application should be made to the War Office for permission to carry out this work. Colonel Bowes reported that 8 new officers had been appointed to the Battalion by the war office, but had not yet arrived; also that the Battalion was now probably going to Blagdon, under canvas, early in May. There was considerable discussion as to the probable ultimate destination of the Battalion; and as to the Brigade to which it might eventually be attached; but it was felt that no action could be taken at the moment until it was ascertained what the ideas of the General Officer Commanding, York, might be on the subject. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 21st April 1915 Family day and a scare  On the 21st of April a family day was held at Cocken Hall, the band entertained the visitors on the lawn and the men demonstrated their new skills. A dance was planned for the evening but there was a coastaldefence scare and orders were received by dispatch rider to send 'A' 'B' 'C' Companies and HQ Coy, 18th Durham Light Infantry to Middlesbrough to strengthen the defence of the town. They entrained at Leemside and travelled to Middlesbrough to establish an outpost line around the east and south of the town, bivouacking in open fields. 'A' Company were based at Cargo Fleet Iron Works, 'B' Company at and around Marton Hall and 'C' Company at Marton Bungalow. 23rd Apr 1915   April 23rd 1915 To The Committee of the County Battalion The Durham Light Infantry There will be no meeting of the Committee at Cocken Hall on Monday the 26th inst. There is little that requires immediate attention; and probably only half the Battalion will be there. Orders were received by telephone on the morning of the 21st that the Battalion was to proceed to camp near Blagdon immediately - I believe the same evening. Colonel Bowes very wisely decided that the Garden Party which had been decided to be held that afternoon - together with a show parade - should not be interfered with; and it was the means of collecting together something like 2000 people, friends and relatives of the members of the Battalion. After consultation with him I decided to try and postpone the departure of the Battalion for a few days, if possible; and therefore, at about 5 p.m. I telephoned to York, only to find that all the arrangements had been counterordered an hour previously; and that 400 men and officers were to entrain, at two hours notice, for Middlesbrough, for what York described as "an emergency." The entraining was carried out without a hitch; and 710 men and 23 officers, horses, etc., are at present in Middlesbrough. Colonel Bowes has, however, applied that the Battalion shall be allowed to reassemble at Cocken before they finally go into camp elsewhere. Major Tristram - who unfortunately has had rather a serious fall - is meanwhile in Command at Cocken. If the Battalion is to move at this short notice there is sure to be trouble in future with the Contractor; which, however, will, of course, lie upon the shoulders of York. The second Depot Company grows very slowly. At present there are about 1400 of all ranks, of whom we shall lose 8 special artificers, who go back to their firms for the manufacturing of armaments. A new cook house must be provided. I propose to go on with this quite independent of the 18th (Service) Battalion leaving Cocken, as it must be provided for the incoming Battalion; about which I am writing to York. About half of the men have been vaccinated; which, of course, would not have been done had we known of the move. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. May 1915 19th DLI arrive at Cocken Hall  19th (Bantam) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry arrive at Cocken Hall for training 7th May 1915   May 7th 1915 To The Committee of the County Battalion The Durham Light Infantry There seems to be at present no necessity for meetings of the Committee. The discipline having been taken out of our hands two months ago, and the administrative duties having been withdrawn a week ago, there seems now very little for the Committee to do. We are nominally responsible for the two Depot Companies; but even there, requisitions for clothing, etc., will be more or less automatic from the Depot, which we are still retaining at Cocken, where there will always be stationed, probably, an Officer, two N.C.O.s, and two or three Privates; where we have reserved two huts, and quarters in the Hall. This plan does not entirely recommend itself to me; but I see no alternative to it at present. The Battalion are drawing their own pay on an imprest account; all rations, etc.; are now coming from the A.O. department; and clothing has long been out of our hands. Rifle slings are on the way: if not already received: and I think that - except for occasional small items - our account can be concluded by the end of this month; anyhow, I shall try and send out a draft account by that time. The Battalion, itself, marched out on Monday, to proceed by two trains to Cramlington, to the 122nd Brigade Camp; and the remaining 280 men yesterday; they having been detained in consequence of arms inflamed by the really hard time they had at Middlesbrough; where all the night duty had to be done in marching order; and many of the officers got practically no sleep for three days. There are, however, wonderfully few cases of sickness. I think 10 was the number that went yesterday by train; and I hope it speaks well for the sanitary conditions at Cocken; which will be further improved by the building of the new Cookhouse, which I have obtained authority to proceed with (on a contract with the Darlington Construction Co.) for £330, including drainage, laying on water, etc. It is now definitely settled that the Bantams succeed us. An advance party with about 30 men came in last Monday; and the remainder, I believe, are to follow shortly. I should like to record to the Committee that the whole place has been left in first rate order. I have not been over the house; but I can answer that the whole of the grounds are perfectly clean. They were, in fact, left in a state which was entirely a credit to the men, as well as the Commanding Officer. It is recognised by York that Lord Durham’s sanction is required for any change, or any new departure, at Cocken; but it would appear that I must still be in some sense responsible while our Depot is there. Durham at War Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 16th Aug 1917 Exercise  A Newcastle Journal article of 16th August 1917 describes 11 Battalion Volunteer Training Corps attacking an entrenched position at Cocken Hall and also going over the bayonet assault course under the supervision of instructors from the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. The Volunteer Training Corps are a little known formation which was the forerunner of the much better known Local Defence Volunteers or Home Guard of the Second World War. The Yorks and Lancs had taken over the camp from the DLI, probably in late 1915. If you can provide any additional information, please add it here. Want to know more about Cocken Hall Camp? There are:45 items tagged Cocken Hall Camp available in our Library   These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War. Those known to have trained at Cocken Hall Camp during the Great War 1914-1918. Adamson John Robert. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Affleck Robert William. Pte. Agar John William. Cpl. Aggas Walter. Pte. Ainsley John Arnold. L/Cpl. Ainsley Jonathan Arnold. Pte. Ainsley William. Pte. Ainslie Walter. Pte. Ainsworth William. Pte. Aiston Thomas. Pte. (d.23rd April 1918) Alderson Benson. Pte. Alderson Frederick. Pte. Alderson Frederick. Pte. Alderson John George. Pte. Alderson John William. Pte. Allan Robert. Pte. Allan Ronald. Pte. (d.3rd Oct 1916) Allbeury W.. 2nd Lt. Allen Alfred. Pte. (d.29th Mar 1918) Allen Walter Leonard. CSM Allen William. Pte. Allison George Frederick. Cpl. Anderson MM.. Christopher. Pte. Anderson John. A/WO.Cl.II Ankers Bertram. Pte. (d.3rd Sep 1916) Appleby John R.. Pte. Appleton Frederick. Pte. Appleyard George S.. Cpl. Arkley Thomas Walter. Pte. Armstrong Arthur. Pte. (d.29th Mar 1916 ) Armstrong George O.. Pte. Armstrong Joseph Sproat or Stuart. A/Sgt. Armstrong Reginald. Capt. Armstrong Reginald. Capt. Armstrong William. Pte. Ashley Albert Percival. Sgt. Askey John Henry Dobson. Pte. Aspey Thomas Henry. Pte. Atkin Arthur Edwin. Sgt. Atkinson Frederick. Pte. Atkinson William Watson. Pte. Aubin Melville Hildreth. Cpl. Austin Arthur Warburton. Clr/Sgt. Ayre Richard. Sgt. Ayton W.. L/Cpl. Ayton William. Pte. Baggott Thomas. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Bainbridge F.. Cpl. Bainbridge Frederick. L/Cpl. Bainbridge John George. CQMS Bainbridge John George. Sgt. Baker Herbert Edward. Pte. Balmer Pringle. 2nd Lt. Banks Charles. Pte. Barker Herbert. Pte. Barker DCM.. William. Sgt. Barnard John. Pte. (d.10th Aug 1916) Barras Albert Victor. Pte. Barrasford Robert. Pte. Bassett Charles. Pte. Baum Alfred. Pte. (d.3rd Aug 1916) Beadham James. Sgt. Beadon Frederick Searth. Lt. Beatie Robert. Pte. Beaumont Alexander. Pte. Bell Arthur Osborne. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Bell Edwin Charles. A/Sgt. Bell Ernest Thomas. Pte. Bell James. Pte. Bell John Thomas. Pte. Bell William Wilson. Pte. Bell William. 2nd Lt. (d.3rd Jul 1916) Bennett James Mather. Pte. Bennett James West. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Bennett John. Pte. Benneworth William. CSM Bentley Oscar Charles. Pte. Berry Thomas. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Best Christopher. Pte. (d.11th Apr 1918) Bevan Isaac. Pte. Bilton George. Pte. (d.23rd Aug 1916) Bilton George. Pte. (d.23rd Aug 1916) Binks Harry Maddison. Pte. (d.1st Mar 1917) Binks Reginald Arthur. L/Cpl. (d.1st Jul 1916) Bird Robert George. Sgt. Birkbeck George William. Pte. Birks Arthur Reginald. L-Cpl. (d.1st Jul 1916) Birks Harold Victor. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Birnie George Alexander. Pte. Blackburn Alfred. Pte. Blakeman George. Pte. Bland Edward. Pte. Bobby Sidney Fitzgerald. 2nd Lt. (d.1st Jul 1916) Booth Sydney Crawford. Pte. Boumphrey John George. Pte. (d.28th Mar 1918) Bowe Albert Henry. Pte. (d.1st Mar 1917) Bowes Robert. Cpl. Bowes Roper E.. Cpl. Bowran Thomas Darling. Pte. (d.12th Apr 1918) Boyce Charles Barry. A/QMS Boyd James. Pte. Brabiner William. Pte. Bracegirdle John. Pte. Bradford James Barker. 2nd Lt. (d.14th May 1917) Brailey MM.. Herbert. Pte. Brannen Frederick William. Pte. Briggs George. A/CQMS Broadley John William. Pte. Broadley John W.. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Broderick Frank. Cpl. Brookes Walter Charles. Pte. Brooks W. S.. Pte. Broomhead John Noel Gordon. Pte. Brotchie Charles W.. Pte. Brown Edward Allport. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Brown Fred. Pte. (d.25th Mar 1918) Brown George. L/Sgt. Brown Harold Christian Herman. Pte. Brown Lionoel William. A/L/Cpl. Brown Peter Smith. Pte. Brown Robert Benjamin. Pte. Brown Thomas. Pte. Brown William Fortune. Pte. Brown William Herbert. 2nd Lt. (d.19th Jul 1918) Brownless Edward. Pte. Bruce Arthur. Pte. Bruce Frederick William. Sgt. Bryant Sidney Milburn. Pte. Brydon John Cummings. Sgt. (d.1st Jul 1916) Bryon J. Cummings. Cpl. Buckle Thomas Alfred. Sgt. (d.1st Jul 1916) Bunkall James M.. L-Cpl. (d.18th May 1917) Bunt Ezekiel. Pte. Burdis William. Pte. Burdon Oliver. Sgt. Burlinson E.. Pte. (d.11th Aug 1916) Burlison Ebenezer. Pte. Burn Joseph Pattison. Pte. Burns John. Pte. Burton William. Pte. (d.3rd May 1917) Bushby Ernest. Sgt. Bushby John. Pte. Bussey Robert William. Pte. Butler George. Pte. Butterill Thomas. Pte. Cable James Henry. Pte. Cairns George. Pte. Calder John Joseph. Cpl. Callum Joseph. A/Cpl. Campbell Frederick William. Pte. Campbell James. Pte. Card Benjamin Oliver. A/Cpl. Carling Stanley. Pte. Carling William Christopher. Pte. Carr Henry. Pte. Carr John. Cpl. (d.1st Jul 1916) Carr Wilfred. Sgt. Carrick MM.. Walter Moffatt. L/Sgt. (d.28th Jun 1917 ) Carter Arthur William. Pte. Carter Edward Blackey. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Carter George. L/Cpl. Cartmell Frank. A/Cpl. Cartwright Usher. Pte. Cave James Brigg. Pte. Chapman Henry Claude. Pte. Charlton George. Pte. Chater Tom Watkins. Pte. Chatterton Alfred Ernest. Pte. Cheeseborough Joseph William. Pte. Chester Arthur. Pte. (d.27th Aug 1916) Chilton John. A-Sgt. Chittock Hubert Arthur. Cpl. Christal James. Pte. Christison J.. L/Cpl. (d.16th Sep 1916) Christison John James. Sgt. Christopher John Robert. Pte. (d.12th Nov 1916) Christopher Richard. Cpl. Clark Percy. L/Cpl. (d.1st Oct 1918 ) Clark William Davidson. Pte. Clarke MSM.. Albert. Pte. (d.9th Mar 1919) Clarke Charles Stephen. L/Cpl. (d.16th Dec 1914) Clarke Robert Dawson. Pte. Clarke Samuel James. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Claughan Joseph Edgar. Pte. Clear Thomas. Pte. Cleminson Charles Norman. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Clemitson Robert Homer. Sgt. (d.26th Mar 1919) Close Shepherd. L/Cpl. Coates John. Pte. Coates John William. Pte. Coatham James Rawson. Pte. Cockayne Richard. Pte. Collingwood Frederick. Pte. Colman William. Pte. Colwell Mark. Pte. Connell Patrick James. L/Sgt. (d.28th Aug 1918) Cook Adam Cowan. Pte. Cook Horace William. Pte. Cook Percy. (d.27th Jul 1916) Cook MM.. Thomas. Pte. Cook Thomas. Pte. Cooper Henry Frederick. L-Cpl. (d.28th Mar 1918) Cooper John. Pte. Cooper William. Pte. Copeland John Edward. Pte. Copeland John. Pte. Cordes Franks Joseph. Pte. Cork Joseph. Pte. (d.17th Oct 1917) Corker Richard Robson. Sgt. (d.1st Jul 1916) Corner Arthur Henry. Pte. (d.10th Jul 1916) Corner Thomas Henry. Pte. Cornforth Bailey. Pte. Cornforth John Robert. Sgt. Cornforth Walter. Pte. Corps Ernest. Cpl. Counter James Hugh. Pte. Coverdale Charles. Sgt. Coverdale Miles. Sgt. Cowan Arthur. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Cowan James Matthew. Pte. Cowell Robert Stanley. Pte. Cox Alfred James. Pte. Craig William Alexander. Cpl. (d.27th Jul 1916) Cranston Norman. Pte. Crawford A. B.. Pte. (d.12th Feb 1918) Crawford Ernest. Pte. Crawford John. Pte. Criere Adrian. Sgt. Crocker Herbert. Pte. Cross Charles William. Pte. (d.3rd May 1915) Crosser Arthur. Pte. Culbert William. L-Cpl. (d.29th Jun 1918) Cumming Matthew Maughan. Pte. (d.28th Jul 1916) Cummingham William Godfrey. L/Cpl. Cummings Matthew Maughan. Pte. (d.28th July 1916) Cummings Matthew. Pte. (d.28th Jul 1916) Currey Fred. CSM Curry James Smith. Pte. (d.27th Jul 1916) Curry Newrick. Pte. (d.3rd Mar 1917) Dale Joseph John. A/Sgt. Dalkin John. L-Cpl. (d.25th Sep 1918) Dand Arthur Anderson. Pte. Daniels Lewis. Pte. Darling Thomas. L/Cpl. Darycott Ernest. L/Cpl. Davidson Arthur Alexander K.. L/Cpl. (d.18th May 1917) Davidson Joseph. Sgt. Davies Arthur. Pte. Davies Charles. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Davies H.. Pte. Davison John. Pte. Davison Robert. Pte. Davison Thomas. Pte. Dawson A. L.. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Dawson John. Pte. Deacon Richard. Cpl. Dees Herbet Bees . Pte. Dempster John. Pte. Dennison Henry Beckett. Sgt. Dent John Henry Whitehead. Pte. Dews Fred. Pte. (d.12th Apr 1918) Dickens Frederick. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Dickenson William. CSM Dickenson MM.. William. Sgt. Dinnin John William. Pte. Dixon Charles Greenwood. Sgt. Dixon Frederick William. Pte. (d.12th Oct 1916) Dixon Harold. L/Cpl. Dixon Henry. Pte. Dixon Sydney Clunas. Sgt. Dixon Wallace. Pte. Dixon Wilfred Agar. Sgt. Dixon Willie. Pte. (d.18th Sep 1916) Dobbs Samuel Charles. Pte. Dobbs Thomas Hubbard. Pte. Dobson Norman Young. Pte. Dobson Tom. Pte. (d.23rd Mar 1918) Dodds John. A/Cpl. Dodsworth Walter John Joseph. Cpl. Donovan Wilfred John. Pte. Dowse John Norman. Pte. (d.3rd Jul 1916) Doyle Thomas. Pte. Dring Percy. Pte. Drummond Albert George. A/RQMS Dryden George. Pte. Duffy George. A/Cpl. Duignan John. Pte. Duke John. Sgt. (d.1st Jul 1916) Durrant A. S.. Sgt. Duthie George William. Pte. Dyer Gilbert. Sgt. Dyke O. M.. Pte. Eaton Walter Merbyn. A/Cpl. Edgar Anthony. Pte. Edgar David. Pte. Edwards John Henry. Pte. Elliott Albert. A/Cpl. Elliott Harry. Pte. Ellis . Cpl. Ellis Arthur. Ellis Harold. Pte. Ellison Arthur James. Cpl. Elstob James Edward. Pte. Emmerson John Bell. Cpl. English John. Pte. English Robert. Cpl. English William Banff. Pte. Errington John Robson. Pte. Evans Robert William. Pte. Fail Joseph. Pte. Fairey Arthur. Pte. Fairless Edward. Pte. (d.27th Jul 1916) Fawcett Lewis. Pte. Fawcett Norman. Cpl. Featherstone George Maurice. Pte. Featherstone Wallace. Pte. Fenwick Peter. Pte. Fenwick T.. Fenwick William. Capt. Ferguson Joseph Clark . Pte. Ferrier Herbert Victor. Pte. Fields Samuel. Pte. Finnity George Robert. Pte. Fishburn Thomas William. Pte. Fletcher Herbert Horsemond. Pte. Forrest Wilson. CSM Forrett Thomas Wallace. Pte. Forster MM.. Charles Gordon. Cpl. Forster John James. Pte. Forsyth John. Pte. Forsyth William. A/Sgt. Foster Wilfred Harry. Pte. Frankton J. B.. Pte. Fraser Charles. Pte. Fraser Stanley Howard. Pte. Freer Arthur Martin. CSM Fuller Herbert Sydney. Sgt. Fullerton Matthew. Pte. (d.27th Jul 1916) Gallop William Frank. Pte. Gannon Joseph Edward. Sgt. Garbutt Charles John. Pte. Gardiner Thomas. Pte. Gargett Thomas. Pte. Garry Frederick. Pte. (d.18th Sep 1916) Gate Edwin. Pte. Gates Thomas. Pte. Gee Thomas Edward. Pte. Gibbon Evan Griffiths. A/Cpl. Gibbon Frank. A/Cpl. Gibbon William. Pte. Gibson Edward. Cpl. Gibson MM.. Stephen. L/Cpl. Gibson Thomas Henry. Pte. Gibson William Oliver. Pte. Gill Frederick. Pte. Gill William Frederick. Corporal (d.12th April 1918) Gillander John. Sgt. Goldsbrough Arthur. Pte. Goldsbrough Harold. Sgt. Goode James. Pte. Goodwill Herbert Paterson. Pte. (d.3rd Aug 1916) Gorrie John Alexander. Sgt. (d.27th July 1916) Gowling Arthur. Pte. (d.26th Oct 1916) Gowling Edward. Pte. (d.17th Jul 1918) Graham Charles Sydney. Pte. Graham Henry. Pte. Graham John Fowler. Pte. Graham Joseph. Pte. Graham Robert. Pte. Graham William. Cpl. Grant William. Pte. Gray John. Pte. Greaves Joseph Thomas. Pte. Green Ernest. Pte. Greenwell George Hall. Greiveson Robert E. D.. Pte. Grieves Edward. Pte. Grimes Victor. Pte. Groody William. Pte. Gustard Henry. Pte. Guy Thomas William. Cpl. Hall Andrew. Sgt. Hall James. Cpl. Hall John Herbert Furlong. Sgt. Hall John. A/Cpl. Hall Thomas Percy Raine. Pte. Hall Walter. Pte. Hall Wilfred. A/RQMS Hall William James Pattinson. Pte. Hampton William. Pte. Hancock Fred. Pte. Hansom George. Sgt. Hanson Rawdon. Pte. Harding James. Pte. (d.3rd May 1917) Harding William. Pte. Hardy John George. Pte. Harie Joseph. Pte. Harland Thomas William. Pte. Harper John. Pte. Harper Sydney. L/Cpl. Harras Henry. Pte. Harrison H.. Pte. Harrison Thomas Henry. Pte. Harrison William Curry. Sgt. Hart Ernest M.. Sgt. Hart Harry. Pte. Hatton William. Pte. Hauxwell Stanley. Pte. Haw William. Sgt. Hawkins MM.. George Edward. Sgt. Hayman Edward. Pte. Hazelwood Thomas William. Pte. Heaton Harold. Pte. Hedley Reginald. Pte. Henderson Alexander. Pte. Hendren Denis. Pte. Hendrick Joseph. Pte. Henry George. Pte. Hepple George. Pte. Heppleston Herbert. Pte. Herbert Foster Thompson. Pte. Heron Arthur Henry. Pte. Herring Thomas Oran. Heslop John. Pte. Heslop Lawrence. Pte. Heslop Thomas. Pte. Heslop Thomas Robert. Pte. Hibbert Stanley. Pte. Hill Edward Pearson. Pte. Hogg Martin. Pte. Holmes David. Pte. Hopps Wilfred. Pte. Horn William James. Pte. (d.17th May 1917) Horner George. A/Sgt. Hoy William. Pte. Hudspeth Thomas. Pte. Humble John William. Sgt. Hume Robert. Pte. Humprys Arthur Easton. Pte. Hunnam William. Pte. Hunter George Henry. Pte. Hunter Harold Hay. Cpl. Hutchinson David. Pte. Hutchinson Frederick. Pte. Hutchinson Frederick. Pte. Hutchinson John. L/Cpl. (d.25th Jul 1916) Hutchinson John Alderson. Pte. Hutchinson Matthew Henry. Pte. Hutchinson Matthew. Pte. Hutchinson Robert Brown. Pte. Hutchinson Sidney Grafton. Pte. Hyland Stephen. Pte. Ince Douglas Edward. Capt. Irving Joseph Steele. Pte. Iseton Albert Ernest. Pte. Jackson Edward Archer. Pte. Jackson Norman Wilson. Sgt. Jackson Peter. Pte. Jackson William Greenfield. Pte. Jacob George Henry. Sgt. Jane Elijah. Pte. (d.20th Aug 1917) Jarman Charles. Cpl. Jarry Robert. Pte. (d.7th Jun 1916) Jefferson George Thomas. Pte. Jewitt Matthew. Pte. Joblins MM.. John William. Pte. Johnson Edward. Pte. Johnson Herbert Vincent. Pte. Johnson Thomas. Pte. Johnson Thomas. Pte. Johnson William. A/Sgt. Joicey Frederick. Pte. Jolly Herbert. Sgt. Jones Andrew. Pte. Jones Hunter. Pte. Jones Robert. Sgt. Jones Theophilus. Pte. (d.16th Dec 1914) Kay William. Pte. Keene Garth. Sgt. Kennick John. Pte. Kent Frederick William. Pte. Kent Thomas. Pte. Kenworthy Jesse Howarth. Cpl. (d.17th Aug 1916) Kerr Arthur Ernest. Pte. Kidd Robert Henry. Pte. Kidd William. Pte. Kilpatrick John James F.. Pte. Kirk Edmund Wilks. Pte. Kirk Henry. A/Cpl. Knaggs Thomas Aylesbury. Sgt. Lackey James. L/Cpl. Lamb Robert Robson. Pte. Lanaghan Frank. Pte. Lancaster Ernest. Pte. Latimer Charles Harold. Pte. Lattimer Frederick Havelock. Pte. Lavelie Thomas. Pte. Lawer W. Harry. Cpl. Laws Arthur. Pte. Lawson Cyril. Pte. Lawson William. Pte. Layfield Thomas Henry. Pte. Lazenby John Henry. Pte. Leake Harold George. A/Cpl. Leavitt John Ronald. Pte Leavitt John Ronald. Pte. Lee Arthur. Pte. Lewis Charles Edward. Pte. Lewis James Holroyd. Pte. Liddle Alix Oliffe. Cpl. (d.16th Dec 1914) Lindridge William Herbert. Pte. Lindsay James. Pte. Linton William Beeson. Cpl. Lister John. Pte. Littlefair Bertie. Pte. Lively Frederick. Pte. Lloyd Chatto. Cpl. Loader James. Pte. Lochey Ambrose. Pte. Lockey Francis Derwent. L/Cpl. (d.23rd May 1916) Lockey Frank Derwent. L/Cpl. London Benjamin Howard. Cpl. Longstaff Walter. Cpl. Lonsdale William. Pte. Lounton George. Pte. Lowe William Douglas. Capt. Lowley Frederick. Pte. Lucas Thomas Henry. Pte. Lund Alfred James. Pte. Luxmore Joseph. Pte. (d.23rd May 1915) Macdonald Harold Newton. Pte. (d.28th Mar 1918) MacDougall John William. Pte. MacMilian Charles. L/Cpl. Maguire Thomas. Pte. Makepeace John James. Pte. Manson Horace. Pte. Marsden James Herbert. Cpl. Marsh Joseph. Pte. Marshall James. Pte. Marshall John. Pte. Marshall Thomas. Pte. Marshall William Ernest. Pte. Martin Frederick. Pte. Martin Richard. Pte. Mathie Archibald. Pte. Matson Charles. Cpl. (d.2nd Mar 1917) Matthews Thomas. Pte. Maughan Charles. Pte. Maughan Robert. Sgt. May John Oliver Knight. A/CQSM McCann Thomas Edward. Pte. McCrickard James. Sgt. McDonald Harold. Sgt. McDonald Joseph. Pte. McGahan Thomas. Pte. McGregor Walter. Pte. McIntosh William Alexander. Pte. McKeag John. Pte. McNaughton James Charles. Pte. McNeill Thomas. Pte. Merryweather Fred. Pte. Metcalf Alexander John. A/L/Cpl. Milburn MM.. John. Cpl. Milford George. Pte. Miller Robert. Pte. Minks Thomas. Pte. (d.17th Dec 1914) Mitchell Herbert Henry. Pte. Mitchell Robert. Pte. Monks Henry Charles. Pte. Moody William Robert. L/Cpl. (d.30th Apr 1917) Moon John William. A/Cpl. Moore Ernest. Sgt. Moore Harold. Sgt. Morgan John. Pte. Morgan William. Clr.Sgt. Morrell Jonathan. L/Cpl. Morris Charles. Cpl. Morris William Paul. Pte. Moss Charles Herbert Moss. A/Sgt. Mulhall James. Pte. Myers Edward. Sgt. Myers Gilbert. Pte. Myers John Robert. A/Sgt. Nelson Jonathan. Pte. Newberry Charles. Pte. (d.9th Aug 1918) Newby George. Pte. Newby Harry. Pte. Newcombe MM.. Fred. Pte. Newton Isaac. Pte. Nicholl Walter. Pte. Nicholson Edmund. Pte. Nilsson Geoffrey Burbank. Pte. Nixon Robert. Pte. Nixon Ronald Thomas Thompson . Pte. Nodding Harry. Pte. Norman Robert Clarke. Pte. North Charles. Cpl. Northrop Frederick Victor. Pte. Oglesby Charles. Cpl. Oldfield John Henry. Sgt. Oldridge DCM.. Ernest. T/RSM Oley Robert Edward. Pte. Oliphant Lancelot. RQMS Oliver Henry Cecil. Cpl. Oliver James. Cpl. Ord Robert. Pte. Orton Reginald Greenwell. Pte. Outhwaite Lawrence. Pte. Owsnett Joseph. Pte. Palin Thomas Frederick. Pte. Pallisher George. Pte. Pallister Roland. Pte. Pallister Thomas Russell. L/Cpl. Palmer Charles Vivian. Palmer Henry Adam. Pte. Park Thomas Arthur. Cpl. Parker Herbert. Pte. Parkin James Skelton. L/Cpl. Partington William. Pte. Patterson Cecil. Pte. Patterson James. Pte. Peacock Bertie. Pte. Pearson Richard. Pte. Pearson William Allan. CSM. Penberthy James Wilfred. Pte. Pendlington Robert Armstrong. Pte. Phillips Harry. Pte. Phillipson Thomas. Pte. Phorson D. S.. Capt. Picken Richard Nelson. Sgt. Pickles Thomas Wilkinson. Pte. Pike Clarence Cecil. Pte. Pike William Vincent. Pte. Pinkney Mark Richard. A/CSM Pitt William. Pte. Plaice John William. Pte. Platten Samuel. Clr/Sgt. Plows Frank. Pte. Plumpton George. Pte. Poole Frederick Barron. Pte. Porter Arthur Victor. Pte. Potter John George. Sgt. Potts DCM.. George. CSM Powell Ernest Clifford. Sgt. Powell Harry. Pte. Priestly Ronald Henry Pinkey. Pte. Proud John Henry. Cpl. Purvis William. Pte. Rae John. Pte. Raine Frank. Pte. Raine George Cuthbert. Pte. Raine John Thomas. Pte. Ramsdale James. Pte. Ramshaw George Edward. Pte. Ramshaw Joseph. Pte. Readhead Arthur. Pte. Reah John Thomas. Pte. Reay Frank Home . Sgt. Reay John. Cpl. Redden David. Pte. Reed Alfred. Pte. Reed Edward. Pte. Reed Edward John. Pte. Reed Thomas. Pte. Reinecker John Arno. Pte. Richardson Alexander Lester. Pte. Richardson George. Pte. Richardson John Henry. Pte. Richardson Thomas William. Pte. Richmond James Alfred. Pte. Richmond Robert. Pte. Rickaby James Alfred William. Pte. Rigg MM.. Tyson. Sgt. Riley Richard. Cpl. Ritson John. Pte. Robers John George. Cpl. Roberts Cyril. Pte. Roberts William. Pte. (d.15th Jun 1917) Robertson Archibald Wilson. Sgt. Robertson Robert. Pte. Robertson Thomas. Pte. Robinson George Cecil. Cpl. Robinson John William. Pte. Robinson John James. Cpl. Robinson Lawrence Hunter. A/Cpl. Robinson Robert Race. Pte. Robinson Wilson. Cpl. Robson Percy Blackwood. Pte. Robson Thomas. Pte. Robson Thomas Wilson. Pte. Robson William. Pte. Rogers John William. Cpl. Rogers Walter. Pte. (d.16th Dec 1914) Roper William Leonard. Pte. (d.4th May 1917) Rose Joseph. Pte. Rotheram Alfred. Pte. Rotheram Joseph. Sgt. Routledge Harold. Pte. Rowlands John Thomas. Pte. Rushton William Henry. Pte. Russell Alexander. Pte. Russell John Lowther. Pte. Russell John Robert. Pte. Saint Clemitt Harrison. Sgt. Salkeld Ernest Lewis. Pte. Salkeld Gerald. Pte. Salkeld Thomas. A/L/Sgt Sanderson James Johnson. Sgt. Sargeant Albert. Pte. Sarginson Francis Edward. Pte. Sayers Tom. Pte. Scarr Robert Nicholson. Pte. Scorer George. Cpl. Scott . Lt. Scott Harold James Walter. Sgt. Scott Henry Arthur. L/Cpl. (d.1st July 1916) Scott John Simpson. Pte. Scougal Herbert. Sgt. Sergeant Charles Raynor. Pte. Severs Joseph. Pte. Sewell William. Pte. Shankie J.. Sharpe William Harrison. A/Sgt. Shaw Alfred Fred. Pte. Shaw Fred Earlam. Pte. Shaw Harry. Pte. Sherritt Albert. Pte. Shields Robert. Cpl. Shipley John. Pte. Siddle DCM.. William. Pte. Simmonds James Herbert. Cpl. Simmonds Owen Williams. L/Cpl. Simpson . Lt. Simpson Charles. Pte. Simpson Joseph Austin. Sgt. Sinclair Frank Hanson. Cpl. Skeene Andrew. Sgt. Slater Thomas. Pte. Smelt Christopher. Pte. Smith Charles. Pte. Smith Ernest. Pte. Smith F.. Cpl. (d.27th Apr 1918) Smith Frederick. Pte. Smith George Victor. Pte. Smith George Clifford. L-Cpl. Smith George. Pte. Smith Harrison. Pte. Smith Harry. Cpl. Smith James Bell. Pte. Smith MM.. James Dickenson. Sgt. Smith James William. Pte. Smith John. Pte. Smith Sam. A/Sgt. Smith William Thomas. Pte. Smith William Dawson. Pte. Smurthwaite William. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916) Snaith Thomas. Pte. Snow Philip Arthur. Cpl. Southern Joseph Harle. Pte. Spalding Henry. Pte. Spark George. Pte. Spence John. Sgt. Spence William. Pte. Spooner Samuel. Pte. Stafford Reginald. Pte. Stanley Harold. Sgt. Stansfield Thomas William. Pte. Steele George Albert. Pte. Stephenson Walter. Pte. Stephenson William. Pte. Stevenson Thomas Alderson. Pte. Stevenson Tom Walker. Pte. Stewart William Thomas. Pte. Stobs Thomas. Pte. Stokoe William. Sgt. Storey Ralph Calder. A/Cpl. Stotheft Thomas Edward. Pte. Stott Bert . Sgt. Stott George. Sgt. Strong John William. Pte. Stubbins Joseph Thomas. Pte. Suttie Albert. Pte. Sutton Levi. Pte. Swainston Percy Bousfield. Pte. Swales William James. Pte. Sweeting Charles Robson. Pte. Swinson Henry. Pte. Synnott Pierce Joseph. Pte. Tait Robert Thomas. Sgt. Tarren William. Sgt. Taylerson Robert. A/L/Cpl. Taylor Herbert Leslie. CQMS Taylor Joseph. Pte. Taylor William. Pte. Taylor William Andrew. L-Cpl. Taylor William. Sgt. Taylor William. Sgt. Teasdale DCM.. William. Sgt. Temple Frederick William. Cpl. Thayne James. Pte. Thomas Herbert Arthur. Pte. Thomas Ivor. Cpl. Thomas James William. Cpl. Thompson Harry Abdale. L/Cpl. Thompson Herbert William. L-Cpl. Thompson John. Pte. Thompson Joseph. Cpl. Thompson Richard Norman. Sgt. Thompson Robert Albert. L-Cpl. Thompson William Wyllard. Pte. Thornton Albert Clennett. Pte. Thornton Charles. Pte. Thubron Cecil Thomas. Pte. Tindale Thomas William. Sgt. Tinkler Charles Albert. Pte. Todd Charles. Pte. Tomsett Edward. Pte. Toppin Shirley. Cpl. Topping Robert. Pte. Tose Clinnett Victor. Pte. Trevitt Samuel. Pte. Trotter Christopher. Pte. Trow Edward Thomas. Pte. Turnbull Richard. A/L/Cpl. (d.1st July 1916) Turner Leslie Dobson. Pte. (d.16th Dec 1914) Tuton George. Pte. Tweddell William. Pte. Vart Paul. Pte. Vasey William Oswald. Pte. Vickers Arthur D.L.. Pte. Vockwich Thomas R.. L/Cpl. Waggott David. Pte. Wakefield Edmund. Sgt. Wakefield Thomas. L/Cpl. Walker Clarence Harcourt. Pte. Walker Frederick. Pte. Walker Frederick Tillotson. Pte. Walker Herbert Leslie. Pte. Walker James. Pte. Walker John. Pte. Walker Levi. Pte. Walker William. Pte. Walker William Metcalf. Pte. Wall John. Pte. Wallace Percy James. Pte. Waller Arthur Appleton. Cpl. Walton John. Pte. Walton Robert. Sgt. Ward Alfred. Pte. Ward George. Pte. Ward John Gilbert. Pte. Warnock John. Sgt. Warwick Isaac. Sgt. Warwick Jacques William. Pte. Waterhouse Joseph. Pte. Waters Joseph. Pte. Watkin Wilfred. Sgt. Watson James. Pte. Watson John Stanley. Pte. Watson Thomas. Pte. Watson William Adamson. Pte. Watt Alfred. Cpl. Wear Arthur. Sgt. Wearmouth Frederick Watson. Pte. Wearmouth John Robert. Pte. Wears Robert Stockport. Pte. Weatherall Robert. A/Sgt. Weatherell Walter. Pte. Weatherley William James. Pte. Weaver T. A.. Pte. Weaver Thomas Albert. Pte. (d.1st Aug 1916) Webb Stanley. Pte. Webster Robert. T/Sgt Weighill Herbert. Pte. Wench John George. Cpl. West Frederick. CQMS Wharf Walter. Pte. Wheelwright Robert. Pte. White Alfred. Pte. White Christopher. Pte. Whitfield Joseph. Pte. Whitfield Norman Gregory. Sgt. Wick William John. Pte. Wilkinson Alfred. Pte. Wilkinson Benjamin. Pte. Wilkinson George Arthur. Pte. Wilkinson Joseph. Pte. Wilkinson Raymond Howard. Pte. Wilkinson William. Pte. Willan Walter Edwin. Sgt. Willey Alexander. Pte. Williams James. Pte. Williams John. Pte. Williams Thomas Wynn. Pte. Williamson George Edward. Pte. Wilson Albert. Pte. Wilson Edward Ridley. Cpl. Wilson George. Cpl. Wilson John Herbert. Pte. Wilson John James. Pte. Wilson John. Pte. Wilson John Robert. Pte. Wilson Robert. Pte. Wilson Robert. Pte. Wilson Tom. RQMS Wilson William Worthington. L/Sgt. Wilson William Arnold. Pte. Wise John. Pte. Wise Sydney. Pte. Witham Harold. Pte. Witton William. Pte. Wood Andrew Robert. Cpl. Woodhouse John. Pte. Woodward Alfred. L/Cpl. Woodward Thomas. Pte. Wray Robert. Pte. Wrench Thomas Gibson. Pte. Wright Albert Benjamin. A/Sgt. Wright George Hudson. Pte. Yellow Tom. Pte. Yorke James Ernest. Pte. Young William. Cpl. Young William. Pte. Younger Thomas. Sgt. All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website. 1st of September 2024 marks 25 years since the launch of the Wartime Memories Project. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over this time. Want to find out more about your relative's service? Want to know what life was like during the Great War? Our Library contains many many diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text. Looking for help with Family History Research?    Please see Family History FAQ's Please note: We are unable to provide individual research. Can you help? The free to access section of The Wartime Memories Project website is run by volunteers and funded by donations from our visitors. If the information here has been helpful or you have enjoyed reaching the stories please conside making a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting or this site will vanish from the web. If you enjoy this site please consider making a donation. Announcements 18th Dec 2024     Please note we currently have a massive backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. If you have already submitted a story to the site and your UID reference number is higher than 265120 your submission is still in the queue, please do not resubmit. Wanted: Digital copies of Group photographs, Scrapbooks, Autograph books, photo albums, newspaper clippings, letters, postcards and ephemera relating to the Great War. If you have any unwanted photographs, documents or items from the First or Second World War, please do not destroy them. The Wartime Memories Project will give them a good home and ensure that they are used for educational purposes. Please get in touch for the postal address, do not sent them to our PO Box as packages are not accepted. World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great battalion regiment artillery Did you know? We also have a section on World War Two. and a Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations. 1206557 George Hall Greenwell 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry My great grandfather, George Hall Greenwell, was born in Witton Gilbert, County Durham, in 1892 and lived there until 1927. The rest of his life was spent in Langley Park where he worked as Engine Plain Man at the local colliery. His health and memory never failed and he died quite suddenly and peacefully at the age of ninety-two. In the great surge of patriotism in the summer of 1914 he joined the newly formed 18th Durham Light Infantry, the 'Pals' Batallion. The men spent 1915 on the Middle East Front in Egypt, 1916 in the lines training for and taking part in the Battle of the Somme, the greatest military disaster in the whole of British history. 1917 and 1918 were spent on numerous other parts of the Western Front. The four years were packed with hardship and tragedy beyond belief. Only the lucky ones survived. Jessica Whiting Add to this record. 301026 Corporal William Frederick Gill 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.12th April 1918) William Gill was my grandmother’s brother. He was born in the North East of England, to a family originally from Cornwall, who had moved to work in the coal mines, when copper mining went into decline. On both the 1901 and 1911 census the family were living in Herrington, a small mining village about 4 miles from Sunderland. I can only assume that he attended the local school and eventually followed his father in the mines. 1911 census lists him as working as a Weightmans Clerk. In January 1915 he enlisted into the Durham Light Infantry and was placed in the 18th Battalion. I understand that they were called the Durham Pals. I have no aural or written history, but I do have a photograph, which has been passed through the family, of a military unit of the DLI sitting in front of what I understand is Cocken Hall near Finchale. I think he is the young man sitting to the right of the commanding officer on the front row. I know nothing of his military service, other than I have a copy of the 18th Battalion war diary, which begins in Egypt. They were plunged into the thick of the conflict with the diary entries noting everything from trench foot to shell shock and their time on the Somme. But it was the day’s surrounding William’s death on 12th of April 1918 that I wanted to find out more about. It would seem that the battalion were in the area around Hazebrouck in April 1918. The war diary paints a very confused picture of orders changing almost by the hour, parts of the company not receiving these orders, friendly fire and the attempt to hold a position near a major road and rail junction. The 12th of April diary entry covers several pages and notes many casualties with each company losing about 60 men, including the loss of 3 officers who were left behind as the companies moved on. I believe William was one of these causalities as his body was never recovered and he is now remembered on the Ploegsteert Monument in Belgium. Sandra Walker Add to this record. 301012 Pte. George Maurice Featherstone 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry George Featherstone, was born in West Hartlepool in 1898. He enlisted on 27th August 1914 aged 16 in the 18th Battalion DLI (Durham Pals). He later transferred 3rd Battalion DLI (Tyneside Garrison). He was posted to France in Dec 1915 with the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He saw action at Delville Wood, the battle of Flers-Courcelette, Battle of Arras, Battle of Ypres & Menin Road. George suffered gunshot wounds to his left thigh in August 1917. He returned to France in Jan 1918 & joined the 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He was wounded again late in March 1918 with gunshot wounds to the buttocks. He returned home 30th March. He was transferred to the Machine Gun Corp in 1918 and was discharged on the 26th August 1920, He served a full 6 years. In 1933 he rejoined the army, the Royal Engineers and went to France with the BEF on the 9th of September 1939. He was evacuated and returned home on the 2nd June 1940, two days before Dunkirk fell. In 1941 he was posted to Iceland for 5 months. In October 1942 he was posted to North Africa with the 1st Army for Operation Torch and served in Tunisia & Algeria. Add to this record. 301006 Lt. Scott 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Lt Scott was an old boy of Barnard Castle school. Add to this record. 301003 L/Cpl. Francis Derwent Lockey 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.23rd May 1916) Frank Lockey was born in Durham on 13th of December 1881, to Francis and Grace Lockey. He attended Barnard Castle school, from 1894-1896 and won the 220 yard handicap. He worked in the family business, a grocer and provision merchants before enlisting in September 1914. He trained at Cocken Hall near Durham and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in April 1915. Frank was killed in action on the 23rd of May 1916 and is buried in Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps. Add to this record. 301000 Sgt. John Duke 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.1st Jul 1916) John Duke was born in 1892 in New Herrington, he had 5 brothers and 2 sisters. His father was a Waggonwright. John went to Northern Skelton Colliery School until he was 14 in 1906 he was admitted to the Durham Johnston School. He was on the school football team. He was a pupil teacher at age 18, then studied at Bede College and became a school teacher at Dubmire County School, Houghton-le-Spring. John Duke enlisted with the 18th Battalion DLI, Regimental Number No 2510 He trained at Cocken Hall, became a machine gunner and was promoted to Sergeant. He went with the 18th Battalion to Eqypt in Dec 1915 where the Battalion were engaged in much construction work. As a machine gunner, John was transferred to 93rd Coy, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Regtl No (22764). He died on the 1st July 1916, aged 24 - on first day of the First Battle of the Somme. He has no known grave, and is named on Thiepval Memorial and remembered on the Durham Johnston School War Memorial. Add to this record. 300940 Pte. Peter Smith Brown 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Peter Smith Brown attested 17/9/14. He was stationed at Hartlepool during the bombardment. He was commissioned Temp 2/Lt 19/8/17 Add to this record. 300939 Pte. Tom Dobson 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.23rd Mar 1918) Tom Dobson was 27 years old when he was killed whilst serving with the 11th Battalion DLI, remembered on the Pozieres Memorial he was the husband of Dora, she later remarried becoming Mrs Snaith of 67 Roker Avenue, Sunderland Add to this record. 300938 Pte. Willie Dixon 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.18th Sep 1916) Willie Dixon aged 27 was lost whilst serving with the 14th DLI, remembered on the Thiepval Memorial he was the son of Elizabeth and the late John Dixon; husband of Elizabeth Jane Dixon, of 31 Topcliffe St., West Hartlepool. Add to this record. 300937 Pte. Frederick William Dixon 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.12th Oct 1916) Frederick Dixon lost his life whilst serving with A Coy, 14th Battalion DLI, aged 21 he was the son of William and Annie Dixon, of 1 Walker Terrace, Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, Co. Durham and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Add to this record. 300936 Pte. Frederick Dickens 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.1st Jul 1916) Frederick Dickens was the 20 year old son of Walter Dickens, of 32 Devonshire St., Sunderland, and the late Hannah Dickens. Frederick is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Add to this record. 300935 Pte. A. L. Dawson 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.1st Jul 1916) Pte A Dawson served with the 18th and 15th Btns, Orignially lying at map reference 27b 8.8, his remains were recovered by 21st Labour Coy on the 31st of July 1919 and reburied in Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers la Boisselle Add to this record. 300934 Pte. Charles Davies 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.1st Jul 1916) Charles Davies was the son of Mr. T. J. and Mrs. C. K. Davies, of Bolton Grove, Seaton Carew, Co. Durham. An Articled Chartered Accountant, he was 22 years old and is rememebered on theTheipval Memorial. Add to this record. 300933 L/Cpl. Arthur Alexander K. Davidson 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.18th May 1917) Arthur Davidson was he 25 year old son of Robert John and Jane Davidson, of 55, Hawthorne Avenue, Cleadon Park, South Shields. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial. Add to this record. 300932 L-Cpl. John Dalkin 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.25th Sep 1918) John Dalkin served with the 18th and 14th Battalions, he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. Add to this record. 300931 L-Cpl. William Culbert 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.29th Jun 1918) William Culbert was 28 years old when he was killed, he is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial. He was the husband of Caroline Culbert, of 4 Kells Buildings, Nevilles Cross, Durham. Add to this record. 300930 Pte. A. B. Crawford 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.12th Feb 1918) Pte Crawford is buried in Roclincourt Military Cemetery Add to this record. 300929 L-Cpl. Henry Frederick Cooper 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.28th Mar 1918) Henry Cooper was the son of S. E. and the late W. H. J. Cooper, of Sunderland. His wife Ethel Cooper, of 92 Lovely St., Sunderland requested the inscription - Greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for another- for his headstone. A battalion signaller, he was aged 28 when he was killed and is buried in Moyenneville (Two Tree) Cemetery. Add to this record. 300928 L/Cpl. J. Christison 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.16th Sep 1916) Son of Sarah Christison, of 15, York St., Queensbury, Bradford. Native of West Hartlepool, Pte Christison died aged 21 whilst serving with the 14th Btn, he is buried in Guillemont Road Cemetery Add to this record. 300927 Pte. John Robert Christopher 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.12th Nov 1916) J.R. Christopher is buried in Hebuterne Military Cemetery. His headstone does not bear any personal inscription. Add to this record. Recomended Reading. Available at discounted prices. Links The Cocken Hall Project Suggest a link

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