Netherton Reformatory & One Man’s First World War Story – David Eckstein

Amongst the many collections held by Northumberland Archives are the papers of the Netherton Reformatory. The Reformatory was situated north east of the village of Stannington, just off the A1, 10 miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and was built in 1853, as a reformatory for ‘delinquent’ boys. Within this collection you will find many records relating to the boys that spent time in the Reformatory. These include admission and discharge registers and information about the conduct of the boys during the time they spent there.
Northumberland Archives recently worked with Voices Making Choices [VMC], which is Northumberland’s Children in Care Council. They currently look after 325 children from birth up to 16 years old as well as approximately 150 young people aged between16 and 24, who are preparing to leave the care system.
Recently VMC created an exhibition to commemorate the great history of Netherton Park Children’s Homes, from its opening in 1853 up until its planned closure in 2014. VMC wanted to look back and see how looked after children in the early 1900’s lived and were cared for so they could compare this to their lives as a looked after child today.
To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the First World War the group decided to look closer into researching Netherton Park’s history around 1914 and during the research the group found that 570 young people from Netherton volunteered to defend our country in the First World War.
The young people involved have helped research the content at the Northumberland Archives at Woodhorn and have worked with a photographer to create an exhibition and a photography book.
Using our records we are able to build up a picture about the life of one of the boys – David Eckstein.
David Eckstein was born in London around 1896 and was admitted to the Reformatory on 10th July 1909. He was 5ft tall with a small face and fresh complexion, dark hair and dark brown eyes, weighing 86lbs. He also had a tattoo on his forearm. [Ref NRO 820/B9]. He was convicted in London on 9th July 1909 for feloniously stealing a pair of shoes and a pair of opera glasses worth 5 shillings and 6 pence. For this he was sentenced to stay at the Reformatory until he was 19 years old.

NRO 0820-O-07David was a Jewish boy from one of the poorest parts of London. How did he end up so far from home? A letter held by London Metropolitan Archives, dated 7th July 1882 confirms that ‘Netherton Reformatory’ is the only school in England, which receives Jewish boys and educates them apart from Christian Worship.’ [Ref LMA/MJ/SP/1882/07/016].
NRO 0820-O-3 NETHERTON REFORMATORYA reformatory was an institution aimed at re-educating boys who had committed a criminal offence. Their parents were expected to make a contribution to the cost of their keep. These payments could have been as much as 5 shillings a week – equivalent to around £15 today. The age of entry and discharge changed over the years, but by 1893 the minimum age on entry was 12 whilst the age on release had gone from 21 to 19. Following the Children & Young Person’s Act of 1932, Reformatories and Industrial schools were amalgamated to form what was known as an “Approved School.”
The Headmaster at Netherton lived in the large Victorian house in the centre of the school. The staff lived in houses adjacent to the large dormitory building where the boys slept. The boy’s life’s involved working on the farms and workshops, where they were taught various skills. Many of the local farmers purchased carts, implements and gates from the Reformatory as well as employing the boys as casual labour. Netherton also had its own chapel and playing fields.
What must David had thought about this place. He was from Whitechapel and had been sent to the wild open countryside of Northumberland. This must have been a cultural shock to him. Fresh air and strange accents?
The admission register provides us with a wealth of interesting information about his family with additional information gleaned from viewing the census records. By 1909 his father had dead and his mother Eva Eckstein was working as a tailoress. David had a brother called Jack who was 8 years old and the family were living at 22 Collingwood Street, Bethnal Green. Further family members are listed as Uncle W. Solomon & Auntie Kitty Solomon of 44 Rectory Square, Stepney.
Whilst at the Reformatory David was involved in a number of incidents which resulted in the deduction of various merit points as revealed by entries in the Reformatory Conduct Book [ref NRO 820/C3]. Some of the offences listed were – deceitful conduct, inattention to prayers; bad/neglecting work, not brushing his hair; pinching turnips & talking whilst cleaning teeth to name but a few!
In 1901, David aged 7 was living with his grandparents at 22 Collingwood Street, Bethnal Green. His grandfather, David Eckstein was a 76 year old tailor who had been born in Austria. His grandmother was called Simeh aged 68. The couple had a son called Philip living with them. Philip was aged 34, a general dealer, born in Whitechapel. In the 1871 the family were living at 8 Paradise Place, Christ Church, Whitechapel. The family consisted of David born in Austria, Simeh his wife, born in Poland and their children – Isaac 17; Nathan 11; Sarah 9; Eve 7; Phillip 3 & Leah 1. By 1881 the family were living at 18 Cobbs Court, Spitalfields. Had they moved to London to escape persecution in Europe?
Following David’s discharge in November 1912 [ref NRO 820/B25] he was placed out to Mr Thompson at New Town, Rothbury, Northumberland. In May 1913, he had been hired by Mr Young, a dairy farmer, of Acklington, Northumberland, and by August 1913 David was employed as a fireman by the Ashington Coal Company and was residing at 63 Pont Street, Hirst, Ashington in the house of Mrs Hughes. It would seem at some stage he left the colliery and was advised by the Superintendent to return to work but then started work as an apprentice Cabinet Maker for a Simon Sadopsky.

devonshire regiment cap badgeBy the end of August 1914 he had volunteered and joined the Army. We know this as the school received a letter from his mother, Eva, to say that he had joined the 2nd Devonshire Regiment and was based in Plymouth. Private No. 6943 ‘D’ Company of British Expeditionary Force.

A further letter was received by the school from his mother who wrote again on 12th January 1915 to advise the school that David had been ‘Killed in Action’ on 17th December 1914 at Wulverghim, France. Eva wrote again on 6th March sending the school a photograph of David. Unfortunately, this has not survived. Wouldn’t it be great if one day a picture of David is found and we can put a face to this interesting story?
David is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium, indicating that in a note on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website – Eckstein Pte. David 3/6943 of 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment was ‘Killed in Action’ 17th Dec. 1914 age 21. The son of Mrs Eva Moss (formerly Eckstein) of 13 Providence Place, Aldgate, London.
There are no service or pension papers on Ancestry, but we did find his Medal Index Card which confirms the information we know above. He only arrived in France on 3rd December 1914 and was killed 14 days later. He was awarded the War & Victory medals as well as the 1915 Star.
We were also able to find an article in the Morpeth Herald Newspaper relating to David in the edition of Friday 26th September 1913 –
Stolen potatoes – David Eckstein, Fireman of Pont Street & Fred Bell, Ash-Wheeler of Poplar Street were charged with having stolen potatoes to the value of 6d each the property of Thomas Stamp of Dene House Farm, Ellington on 9th Sept.
P.C. Jones said he was at Ellington Colliery when he saw both of them in a potato field and watched them for some time. They came over the railings and he stopped them. They had a hatful of potatoes each. He asked them what they were going to do with them and they replied ‘We are going to roast them for our supper’
They were fined 5/-each.
We know so much background information about the boys who attended the Reformatory; their lives before and during their stay, but we do not have any photographs in the collection, which are named. Wouldn’t it be great if some day we found photographs of the boys named on the Roll Of Honour so we can put a face to a name!
By Paul Ternent Volunteer Manager for Northumberland At War.

17 thoughts on “Netherton Reformatory & One Man’s First World War Story – David Eckstein”

  1. My two great uncles William and Frank Monaghan were inmates at one time at Netherton Training School
    I have a photo of William in his Royal Scots uniform and Frank in Royal Navy uniform (he served later in army but have no photo)

    William Monaghan who left 1906 And joined the Royal Scots Regiment
    William Monaghan Private 9918
    1st Battalion Royal Scots Regiment
    Age 27 who died on Sunday 9th May 1915 at Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62) Zillebeke, Belgium
    Born Wednesday 29th June 1887 at 10 Dunn Street Jarrow
    Oldest son of William Monaghan and Catherine Monaghan (nee Casey) from Jarrow (both formerly from County Monaghan)
    Who died at La Chapelle Farm (Hill 60) within a mile of each other
    Commemorated on Menin Gate Ypres. Panel 11
    His younger brother Frank Monaghan Private 3428 of 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers was also one of the fallen

    Frank Monaghan who left 1909 and signed up 11th August 1909 in Devonport with the Royal Navy age 18.
    And served on HMS Vivid I, HMS Mars, HMS Andromeda and HMS Monmouth.
    He is on the 1911 census on board the HMS Monmouth in the China Squadron at Colombo, India as an AB age 19.
    While on the HMS Monmouth he struck a non-commissioned Officer and after 7 days in the cells he was dishonourably discharged from the Royal Navy on 5th August 1911.
    (Ironically the HMS Monmouth a Battle Cruiser built in 1903 was sunk by the Nurnberg at the Battle of Coronel in the Falklands on the 1st of November 1914 with the loss of all hands)

    He joined the 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers in 1912
    Frank Monaghan Private 3428 of the 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.
    Who died age 23 on Monday 22nd February 1915 at La Chapelle Farm, Ypres (Hill 60)
    Frank was born Saturday 23rd May 1891 at 10 Dunn Street Jarrow.
    He lived Jarrow.
    He was the youngest son of William and Catherine Monaghan (nee Casey) from Jarrow (both formerly from Tydavnet, County Monaghan)
    He is commemorated at Hooge Crater Cemetery. Ieper. West-Vlaanderen Belgium on Special Memorial 13 for those who died at La Chapelle Farm.
    His older brother William Monaghan Private 9918 of the 1st Battalion Royal Scots Regiment was also one of the fallen.

    Frank and his older brother William attended the Netherton Reformatory Training School, Near Morpeth
    They are both commemorated in the book of names dated 1921 of 74 who died of wounds or sickness who attended the Netherton Reformatory Training School
    And the Roll of Honour for the Netherton Reformatory Training School
    William Monaghan is in the booklet as R.S.B.? (It should be R.S.) And on the Roll of Honour as 1st K.O.S.B.? (It should be 1st R.S.)
    Frank Monaghan N.F.
    Frank was apprenticed as a Tailor as was his older brother William

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  2. I think that one of the men from my local war memorial was at the North Eastern Reformatory in 1891, is there anyone I can contact with regards to sharing information and a possible photograph? The man in question was James McSorley,

    regards,

    Peter

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  3. Just came across your site again (Vin Mullen)
    Here is a link to the photos
    William Monaghan
    Who is Wrongly recorded in the booklet as R.S.B.? (Royal Scots Borderers?) And the Roll of Honour as 1st K.O.S.B (1st Kings Own Scottish Borderers?)
    You won’t find any William Monaghan who died in any of those Regiments WW1 but you will find William Monaghan Private 9918 in the 1st Battalion Royal Scots Regiment who died on 9th May 1915, aged 27 at Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62) at Zillebeke, Belgium.
    Here is a link online to his photo:
    http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/view.php?uid=214154

    His younger bother who had also been an inmate is recorded as Frank Monaghan NF.
    That is correct he was Private Frank Monaghan 3428. 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers who was killed at La Chapelle Farm at Ypres (Hill 60) on the 22nd February 1915, aged 23 and is commemorated on La Chapelle Farm Special Memorial 13. at Hooge Crater Cemetery West Vlaanderen, Ypres, to those who died at La Chapelle Farm.
    This is a link to his photo the only one that exists of him when he served in the Royal Navy 1911 prior to WW1.
    http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/view.php?uid=205654.

    These two bothers predicaments still holds true today. If you end up in an Institution, when you get out the only field of employment open to you is the armed forces to sacrifice your life …………..

    Vin Mullen from Jarrow

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  4. Another ex inmate from Wallsend who was living in Jarrow when he died (he worked in the Palmer Shipyard in the Gavanizing Works in Jarrow prior to enlistment in 15th DLI)

    Robert Bryanton Private 204279
    15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
    Age 22 who died on 23rd October 1917
    Born 1896 Wallsend (as Robert Brianton)
    Lived and enlisted Jarrow
    Son of late Frank Bryanton and Susannah Amer (formerly Bryanton nee Cottenham) of 8 Cambrian Street Jarrow
    Grave/Memorial Reference: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. XXII. A. 4
    He is mentioned in the Booklet 1914-18 Netherton Training School (Those killed or died of wounds or sickness)
    He is also commemorated on the Palmer Cenotaph in Jarrow and the Triptych in St. Paul’s Church Jarrow

    Robert Bryanton (inmate) aged 15 is on the 1911 Census at Netherton Training School Morpeth
    Chief Resident Officer: Mr. W. H. Banister
    (ages of inmates range from 14 to 18)

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  5. Another ex inmate from Jarrow

    Martin Duffy Private 8512
    2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
    Age 20 who died on 8th May 1915
    Born, enlisted and lived Jarrow
    Son of Patrick and Mary Anne Duffy (nee Kelly) of Jarrow
    Grave/Memorial Reference. Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Panel 8 and 12
     

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  6. Hi I’m trying to find some information about my Great Granfather
    Benjamin Vorsanger he left Netherton Training School in 1912 and died in WW1 he is on their memorial.
    He was Jewish and born 1893/4 how can I find out why he was there? His age? Where he was born? Any information would be amazing thank you

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  7. April Holmes. I saw your request for info about hour great grandfather. Benjamin Vorzanger was my great uncle and I have quite a lot of information about him. Please email me alicatt8@gmail.co

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    • Hi Alison. I’m John Sissons and am also Aprils cousin although a few years older. I would also appreciate the info you have on Benjamin as I am hoping you may have some info relating to his death at The Somme in 1916. I understand that all records of the day he died were destroyed and no longer exist. Benjamins father Isaac seemed to be an interestting character having travelled from Sydney, where they lived to play UK concerts. It seems he was a very accomplished musician. I wonder if you can assist? One final thing, on checking the birth cert of Stella, Ben and Nellies daughter (Stella is Aprils nan) the cert gives Vorzanger as a surname for Nellie, although I suspect they never married (Nellies marriage cert to Frederick Errington has her as a Merritt and spinster. Do you have anything there?

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  8. I was in netherton park rowan unit then oak unit from 1990 till 1993. Om just looking for some information from that time

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  9. I was in netherton park rowan unit then oak unit from 1990 till 1993. I’m just looking for some information from that time.

    Reply

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