William Sterling (1885-1917)
Middlesborough born engine fitter served in the Durham Light Infantry
William Sterling was born in Middlesborough in 1885 to his parents William Daniel and Sarah Ellen Sterling. The couple married at Chester-le-Street in 1881 and had a total of five children who all survived childhood. William was the second of these children and had two brothers and two sisters. By the time of the 1891 census the family had moved from Middlesborough to Fulwell in Sunderland.
William’s father worked as a steam engine maker and fitter. As the children grew up and left school they began pursuing their own trades. By 1901 William’s older sister Elizabeth was working at home as a dressmaker whilst William was an apprentice engine fitter and turner. By 1911 he had qualified and was fitting marine engines. William’s younger brother James was a brass finisher.
William completed his enrolment form at Newcastle on 24 June 1916 for appointment to the 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. His service records state his height was five foot, five inches. Unfortunately within ten months of joining up he was posted missing, then confirmed as killed in action on 23 April 1917. He was aged 32 years.
His name is listed on the Arras Memorial. He is also remembered in the Durham Light Infantry Book of Remembrance at Durham Cathedral and a plaque in his home city of Sunderland.
Civil Parish: Fulwell
Birth date: 1885
Death date: 23-Apr-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: Middlesborough (Birth Place)
19 Laburnum Road, Fulwell, Sunderland (1891, 1901, 1911 Censuses)
Employment: Engine fitter and turner (1911 Census, Service Records)
Family: Parents: William Daniel Sterling (b 1851), Sarah Ellen Sterling nee Thwaites (b 1860)
Siblings: Elizabeth Sterling (b 1883), Joseph Sterling (b 1888), James Sterling (b 1890), Mary Anne Sterling (b 1894)
Military service:
1/5th, 1/9th Battalions Durham Light Infantry
Service numbers: 5359, 200848, 8361
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): Book of Remembrance 1914-18 Durham Light Infantry, Durham Cathedral
Plaque 1914-18 St Mary’s Church, Monkwearmouth
Gender: Male
Contributed by Brenda Mc, Gateshead