Honouring our war dead

With the help of Peter Hoy, we are now able to learn more about the men and their families.

Stoker Robert Graves, the son of Hannah Graves, of High Street, Jarrow. She was born in Hull and was a 57-year old widow in 1911.

He was the husband of Margaret Graves, of High Street, Jarrow (in 1911 and May 1916). His wife, Margaret, was born at Chatham, Kent, and was 26 in 1911. They had then been married for four years and had had three children, two of whom are thought to be still alive.

Children: (both born in Jarrow): Robert (three) and Hannah (1).

He was a ship’s plate riveter in 1911, working at Palmer’s, Jarrow Shipyard.

He was commemorated on the St Paul’s Church Roll of Honour, Jarrow, and Palmer’s war memorial.

Stoker William Foster Gunn, was the son of William Foster Gunn and Margaret Gunn, of North Street, North Shields.

He was unmarried. His sweetheart was Eliza Dorward. He was the only brother of Jessie and brother-in-law of Thomas Pascoe, of Taylor Street, South Shields.

Signalman Richard Henry (Harry) Lock, second son of Elizabeth and the late Edward Lock, of Agnes Street, South Shields. He was born in the town, and his birth was registered in March, 1896.

Grandson of Robert Sanderson (a journalist) of South Shields and brother to Ted and Will.

He was unmarried. His sweetheart was Minnie Mackenzie.

He was commemorated on the St Aidan’s Church Roll of Honour and the Boldon Colliery Workmen War Memorial.

Engine Room Artificer John Sandilands, son of Charles and Mary Jane Sandilands, of Railway Street, Jarrow, and Beech Street, Jarrow (in June 1916).

He was the husband of Henrietta Sandilands (née Heywood), of Stothard Street (in 1911) and Stothard Street, Jarrow.

They were married in St Paul’s Church, Jarrow, on February 23, 1905. Their marriage was registered in South Shields during the following March. His wife, Henrietta, was born in Carlisle, Cumberland, on April 31, 1911. He was a fitter in a shipyard in 1911.

Only brother: Robbie and sister-in-law Maggie, of Taylor Street, South Shields.

He attended Dunn Street School, in Jarrow.

He was commemorated on the St Paul’s Church Roll of Honour, Jarrow, and the Dunn Street Boys’ School Roll of Honour, Jarrow.

Stoker William Waugh Smith, was the son of Emma Reed (formerly Smith) of Adelaide Street, South Shields, and the late James Smith. Stepfather: Robert Pascoe.

Brother: John Tom. Sisters: L.A. Wanless and M. Mather and brothers-in-law Jack and Adam.

He was commemorated on the St. Mark’s Commemorative Stained Glass Window, South Shields.

l Thursday: Watch out for an article, written by David Hickman, regarding the fascinating story of Mr William Henry Cunningham, who fought in the Battle of Jutland as well as in the evacuation of Dunkirk.