Request for images of Northumberland Fusiliers WW1

[genjen]

Martin,

I know I have sent my thanks in an email but feel I really have to make it a public one because what you have given me is exceptional and amazing and other RC people need to know what you are doing.
I would never have expected Cooper Smith's name to be listed. As a mere private, I'd have thought he would be just another number in the archives. I don't mean to sound derogatory and I'm sure that each officer, throughout the forces, would have wanted to record all the men lost but the scale of those numbers must have made it virtually impossible and the fact that any official document was kept in those conditions is a miracle in itself.
So to read about the events of the day and to see Cooper's name listed amongst the missing is a very special and poignant thing for me.
Thank you so much and good luck with your web-site. I do hope you are going to let us know when it is up and running.
Jen

[brushbroomstick]

Hi Bykerlads

Our George Neale was a miner in Blyth before enlisting. We visited the Fusilers Museum in Alnwick Castle and looked at the War diaries which give very little information. We have been unable to ascertain his Citations for the MM or MMbar. We do have a photo of the Battalion at Alnwick camp before they went to France . If you PM me I will try to send you a copy .

I also have the Military Medal of my uncle William Metcalfe from Birtley Durham who served with the 12th Northumberland Fusiliers and who survived the war and lived into his late 70s. I have no photos or information of  his service and he would never talk about his experiences.

Irene

[Michael Dixon]

 Irene,

 Bob Balmer is historian attached to Blyth Library.

 Amongst his many "labours of love" is CVs of every ship built in Blyth, databas detailing inns/taverns/beer houses from the Tweed to the Tyne, and database of WW1 enlistments in the Blyth area.

He also researched all Blyth area recipients of gallantry awards in WW1 ( and WW2)

Some of his works are available in book form in the library, but I am out of date with what's what. Blyth Library tel no is 01670-361352.

Michael
ex-Blyth

[brushbroomstick]

Thanks a lot for that info Michael. I always say you are a fount of knowledge. We will visit the Blyth library as soon as we can find a spare couple of hours or so.

Irene

[EeyoreBlue]

Hi Martin C

My Grandfather fought with the Northumberland Fusiliers, during the 14-18 war.

I know nothing else about him.  Unfortunately, he was 43 when my mother (his only child) was born, and died when she was 11.  I do know he had an identical twin brother (mirror twins) and they both enlisted at the same time.

I have requested a copy of his Service Record from the Army Archives, but they say it may be some time before I receive it due to the volume of requests received - mainly from Family Historians.  Any information you may have on him would be gratefully received.  His details are as follows:

Robert William Marshall born 24 Dec 1898.  I'm not sure where he would have enlisted, but he had links to Willington Quay, Morpeth and Hexham.

Regards

EeyoreBlue

[Michael Dixon]

 What were the names of his parents ?

Michael

[EeyoreBlue]

Hi Michael

Robert William's parents were as follows:

Robert William Marshall, born 1863 Alnwick, Northumberland
Ellen Appleby, born 1860, Newcastle.
(Married 1889, Morpeth)

If it's any help, his twin was John (Jack) Marshall

Regards

EeyoreBlue

[EeyoreBlue]

Hi Michael

I'm not sure if you'd be interested, but I have got a photograph of my grandfather, with his twin in a group photo of the Home Guard circa 1941.  Unfortunately, it does not have names recorded, and I am unable to identify my grandfather, as he and his twin were so alike all their lives, my mum is unsure which is her father and which is her uncle.

EeyoreBlue

[Michael Dixon]

 Robert and John were born at Willington Quay, born 1898.
 (1901 Census 126 George St, WQ ref 4798-117-18)

 By 1911 family living in Morpeth area.

 Father Robert William born in Amble area.

Twins would have been aged 16 when WW1 started

Michael.