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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: snackdahl on Thursday 03 September 09 12:49 BST (UK)
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This story appeared in my local newspaper the other day, appealing for information about a WW1 local hero William Bigley and I immediately thought that someone on here will probably have the answers they need.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Mystery-surrounds-WW1-soldier39s-bravery.5605484.jp
Anyone with more information about William Bigley should contact Terry Kelly, the Jarrow and Hebburn reporter for the South Tyne Star. I can provide a phone number or email address via PM if required.
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The award of Pte Bigley's Military Medal was announced in the London Gazette on 25 Jan 1918, page 5, in a long list of similar awards, with no citation, other than the standard heading 'for bravery in the field'.
He is listed as 3/5724 L/C (A/Cpl) W.Bigley, E.York.R, (Jarrow).
A local newspaper is usually the best place to find more details of these awards, or possibly the war diary of Bigley's unit, which is likely to be at the National Archives, Kew.
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Hi we are direct decedents of William Bigley in the North East of England - we live in Sunderland and Jarrow. Is there anything we can do to help?
Incidentally we have a photo of William identical to the one printed in the Shields Gazette (1ST September 2009, attached to this post), it is contained within a box we have, which also contains a picture of whom we believe to be William's father or brother.
We are keen to help in any way we can so please get back in touch and we will certainly try to help.
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Many thanks Kezcol, I have PM'ed you the contact details for Terry Kelly at the South Tyne Star, I'm sure he will look forward to any information that you may have to share about William and his heroics.
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HI WILLIAM BIGLEY WAS MY GREAT UNCLE AND I AM VERY INTERESTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR FAMILY MY MOTHER IS STILL LIVING IN SOUTH SHIELDS AND HER FATHER WAS WILLIAMS YOUNGER BROTHER THOMAS
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Hi
I too am related,I am Thomas's grandson. mother was Lillian. Your mam Marion?
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YEAH IS THAT ROBERT? CONFUSED WITH THE SUNDERLAND FAMILY AS I THOUGHT YOU LIVED IN SOUTH SHIELDS X DEBBIE
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still do where I have done since a bairn.
going to pop up and have a chat with your mam some time.
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That will be good shes been bad lately but on road to recovery (I hope) take care x
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Kezcol,
I am directly related to William Bigley. He was my Great Great uncle and I got in touch with the paper to tell them how he got the medal. You mention that you have a photo of William and another of what you believe to be his brother or father. I would be very interested to see that photo. I have photos of all the brothers but one.
These include Robert Nichol Bigley, Daniel Bigley, John Henry Bigley, Thomas Bigley, and William Bigley and sister Ruth Sarah Bigley. Missing George!. I also have one of their mother Maria Ray and there uncle and Aunt Thomas bigley born 1861.
I have been comiling a booklet and so may be able to name the man you have or at least confirm that it may be George or his father.