Your Durham, Your History


This website tells the story of County Durham and its people in the First World War. Individual stories about people, places, events and organisations will reveal the impact of the conflict on entire communities a hundred years ago. Many stories focus on the home front and how life changed for both adults and young people. You can also explore the extraordinary lives lived by ordinary Durham people away from home in the years 1914 to 1919. Help us to discover, research and share new and forgotten stories about the area between the Rivers Tyne and Tees as part of the First World War centenary commemorations.
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John Cloe (1878-1917)

Sergeant who died from anthrax

Henry (Harry) Walton (1888-1918)

Officer from Bishop Auckland won the Military Cross

Edward 'Pete' Ferdinand Thompson

Middlesbrough soldier who served with a pals battalion

Edward Burdon Talbot (1885-1975)

Tailor from Gilesgate

Fred Newby (1899-1972)

Joined the army to avoid the mines

William Woodhead (1895-1971)

Yorkshireman serving with 12th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

Charles Morton (1895-1918)

Gunner, Royal Field Artillery, moved from Sheffield to South Moor

Sidney Victor Belson (1896-1969)

Served with 2/7th Battalion, and 20th (Wearside) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

John Readman (1889-1960)

160th (Wearside) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Thomas William Robinson 1888-1970

Mentioned in despatches

Sarah Jane Anderson (1893-1950)

Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse from Shotleyfield


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