George Oxenham (1897-1917)
Houghton-le-Spring resident killed during the Battle of Arras
George Oxenham was born in Houghton-le-Spring on 15 July 1897, the fifth child of William (a coal miner) and Margaret Oxenham. He was baptised at Saint Michael and All Angels on 10 August 1897. George’s mother died in 1910 when he was just 12.
George attested at Houghton-le-Spring on 7 November 1914, aged 17 years and 5 months, joining the 8th Battalion Durham Light Industry (DLI). He embarked for France on 20 April 1915. In September 1916 he was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg. On 2 March 1917 George was posted to 1/5th Battalion DLI at Etaples. He was killed in action on 23 April 1917 during the Battle of Arras.
Civil Parish: Houghton le Spring
Birth date: 15-Jul-1897
Death date: 23-Apr-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: Kirklea Lane, Houghton le Spring (1901 census)
43 Sunniside South, Houghton le Spring (1911 census)
Family: Parents: William Oxenham (b.1869), Margaret Oxenham (1869)
Grandparents: John Oxenham (b. 1846), Mary Jane Oxenham (b. 1846)
Siblings: Francis Oxenham (b.1892), John Oxenham (b.1894), Margaret Ann Oxenham (b.1895), William Oxenham (b.1896), George Oxenham (b.1898), Josiah Oxenham (b.1901), Emily Oxenham (1904), Mary Jane Oxenham (b. 1908)
Military service:
November 1914 8th Battalion Durham Light Industry (DLI)
Service Number 3492
March 1917 1/5th Battalion DLI
Service Number 295067
Medal(s): Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): Arras Memorial
Plaque, St Matthew’s Church, Newbottle
Gender: Male
Contributed by Harold P, Durham