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  #1  
Old 31-07-2010, 03:45 PM
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Default Felton; The War Memorial

Situated above the North side of the river bank near the bridges.


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Old 31-07-2010, 03:48 PM
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Front panel facing north:

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Old 31-07-2010, 03:50 PM
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Acton and Eshott; side panel facing west:

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Old 31-07-2010, 03:52 PM
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Thirston: side panel facing East:

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Old 31-07-2010, 03:56 PM
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WW2 Panel, at the front. This is somewhat obscured by flowers:





The partly obscured names on the left (Eshott) are:

Robert F. Davidson
John E. Guy


and on the right (Swarland):

Arthur J. Mitchell
Alex Telfer.
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Old 10-12-2011, 02:00 PM
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Since taking these photos I've come across the medal to the fist name on the memorial: Frederick Lyons.

The Medal is the 1914-15 Star; all medals issued for WW1 to soldiers or their next of kin were stamped with the soldier's details.

Private Fredrick Lyons was a Journeyman Tailor living at 5 Prospect Terrace, Felton before the war. Frederick and his battalion landed in France on the 21st April 1915, and they were within a few days in the thick of the fighting at the Battle of Ypres. The battalion suffered grievous losses on the 26th of April, one of which was Frederick, so his war lasted only 6 days.

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Old 24-09-2013, 02:07 PM
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Private Lyons was shot in the back by a sniper. Keen local footballer apparently. Alnwick and County Gazette, May 22 1915 refers:






DEATH OF PRIVATE FRED LYONS OF FELTON.

Official notice was received on Saturday last by Mr and Mrs Lyons, the Garden House, 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.
The Vicar from the pulpit on Sunday evening said the sympathies of the congregation would go out to deceased’s parents and relatives on this sad occasion. A special holy communion service was held on the following morning in memory of the fallen brave.


That must have been a post mark date or something on the first card mentioned, as he was dead 7 days by that date. very sad.
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Old 04-10-2013, 06:10 PM
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I was at a coin and medal auction in Newcastle yesterday and a WW1 casualty medal set came up to a William Cockburn, allegedly from Felton.

I did 'have a go' at these but was outbid.

Quote:
17295 Pte W. Cockburn, York Rgt, he died on 02/05/17 serving with the 23rd Battalion Tyneside Scottish as no 40759.... [auction catalogue]

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/ca.../COCKBURN,%20W

Although he's from a bit further west I still think he should have been on this (the Felton) memorial

Not sure if he is related to Arthur Cockburn who is remembered on the memorial.


Just thought I would record these details here for future reference.

[edit: on the 1911 census William Cockburn is head of the house aged 16, a 'Horseman on farm'. Also at the address his 3 sisters and a niece. Bit young to be head of the house?]
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Old 04-10-2013, 08:55 PM
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North East War Memorials states that Arthur was son of William and Martha Ann of West Thirston. Arthur fell in action at Polygon Woods. Taken from a family headstone at Felton.
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Old 04-10-2013, 09:06 PM
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Same website shows a plaque in the United Reform Church at West Thirston with W and WJ Cockburn listed.
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Old 04-10-2013, 11:57 PM
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Oh.. that's a curve ball Janwhin. Was there a chapel of the Presbyterian / Congregational church way out west? [rather than West Thirston - which is east of Felton?] ..and they combined their memorials when the churches combined?
Or does this suggest that William was from Thirston which would make him a definite for the Felton Memorial?
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Old 05-10-2013, 10:40 AM
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I did have a look at Longframlington, as the most likely place, but nothing doing there.
Way back there was a Longframlington Presbyterian Circuit which covered a wide area, the priest visiting homes to baptise. I would guess the West Thirston chapel replaced this, so it would be logical for Elyhaugh to be served from there.
I can't think of a chapel further west for Elyhaugh....you would be heading for Rothbury or Branton.
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Old 05-10-2013, 04:49 PM
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Some long Sunday 'commutes' for worshippers in the past, and by horse transport. Must have been quite testing in the depths of winter. Hazards of living in a rural area. Those from Chevington going to Warkworth pre 1858 would know all about it as well.
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