We will remember them

This Remembrance Sunday we proudly remember some of the men who bravely fought in the First World War for the Northumberland Fusiliers, insights into their life and sadly their deaths as they were reported in the press at the time. 

Pte. 2295 Fred Lyons of Felton served with 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers 

Fred was the son of Margaret Lyons, of Morpeth and the late Edward Lyons and is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres. 

Newspaper article 22 May 1915 – Death of Private Fred Lyons of Felton. 

Official notice was received on Saturday last by Mr and Mrs Lyons [of] Morpeth of the death of their son, Fred Lyons, a private in the 7th N.F. The announcement said he was at first posted as missing but now they had definite information of his death. Private Lyons enlisted in August last and was called to the colours in September. His earlier training was at Alnwick and later at Cambois, where he was stationed until the 7th left for the front on April 20th. He seems to have come out of his first engagement unwounded, for on a postcard received from him dated May 3rd he informs his friends that he was quite well. Another postcard dated May 5th reached Felton from Private Lambert and said Fred had been killed, having been shot by a sniper through the back. This news caused sad forebodings for all knew that Fred was well known to the writer of the postcard. Hope was not altogether abandoned, however, until Saturday. His death cast quite a gloom over the village. While at Felton he was employed by the Cooperative Society, and his bright and cheery disposition, with a kind word for everybody, made him a general favourite. During the football season his spare moments were usually devoted to that pastime. His services as goalkeeper were highly appreciated at the Felton Club, and in that capacity he was a familiar figure on the grounds covered by the North Northumberland League. He played occasionally at cricket but football was his strong point. Being the first from Felton to give his life for King and Country he will be long held in remembrance. He was in his 31st year. 

Pte. 1469 James Moir of East Chevington Drift, late of Ashington, served with 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.  

Son of James and Annie Moir, 5 Linhope Terrace, East Chevington Drift, late of Ashington. 

James was wounded at Ypres in 1915.  Morpeth Herald 12 May 1916 – MOIR- Killed in action, April 13th 1916, Pte James Moir, N.F.,  “The face I loved is now laid low. The fond true heart is still, the hand I clasped when saying good-bye, lies now in death’s cold chill. Ever remembered by his father mother, brothers and sisters and sister-in-law. 

Died 13 April 1916, age 24yrs, buried at La Laiterie Military Cemetery.  

L/Cpl. 1535 Thomas Cuthbertson of Chathill, served with 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers 

Death of a Sea Houses Soldier –  The news was received at Sea Houses on Friday evening, of the death from wounds received in action of Lance Corporal Thomas Cuthbertson, 7th N.F., at the General Hospital, Wimereux, Boulogne. Lance Corporal Cuthbertson, who was the youngest son of Mrs Cuthbertson, the respected hostess of the Bamburgh Castle Hotel, Seahouses, was in the service of the Bank of Liverpool at their Belford Branch. A member of the Territorial Force, he offered himself for foreign service on the outbreak of the war. He was only in his 19th year, and was a fine manly fellow, a typical soldier, and very popular was a large circle of friends. 

Pte.19/230 William Atkinson Henderson of Wooler, served with 19th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers 

Only son of Isabella Henderson, Wooler, and the late James Henderson. Husband of Annie Mary Henderson. 

Died 27 Nov. 1916, aged 26yrs. Buried Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras. 

Berwick Advertiser 8 Dec. 1916 – DIED OF WOUND – Died of wounds received in action on the 27th Nov. 1916.  

Staff Driver M2/116833 Charles Bonnier of Alnwick, served with Army Service Corps 

Staff Driver C. Bonnier – Mr & Mrs C.W. Bonnier, Alnwick, have received official news that their eldest son, Staff Driver Charles Bonnier, of the Royal Army Service Corps, died in hospital in France on the 22nd December, the result of injuries received while on duty. Staff Driver Bonnier served as apprenticeship with Messrs. Reavell Bros., ironmongers, etc., Alnwick, but afterwards his attention was devoted to motor driving, and was chauffeur for Mr Stobart, of Selby Hall, Darlington. Ultimately he enlisted into the Royal Army Service Corps, and at the front he became attached to the Headquarters Staff. He was highly esteemed by his officers, and much sympathy is felt for his bereaved parents, who have another son serving the colours and one in training in Australia. 

Death 22 Dec. 1916. Buried Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery.