Thomas Harry Colling (1885-1916)
Private in Northumberland Fusiliers, killed on first day of the Battle of the Somme
Thomas Harry Colling was on born 26 January 1885 at East Black Dene. His mother, Jane Anne later married Obadiah Featherstone in 1890. Thomas had one sister, Lily Ruth, who was two years older than him. He also had four step-brothers and one step-sister, all of whom were born after 1890. According to the 1891 census, both Thomas Harry and Lily Ruth were using their stepfather’s surname, Featherstone. But by 1911 they had reverted to their original surname of Colling. By that time, Thomas was no longer living in the family home but was a boarder at Orchard Terrace, Rowlands Gill where he was working as a miner.
In 1914 Thomas married Alice Whitfield, there were no children.
He joined the Northumberland Fusiliers and served as a private in the 16th Battalion, embarking for France in November 1915.
Thomas was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. He is buried in the Lonsdale cemetery, Authille, France, grave number IV.W.16
Thomas was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the 1914-15 Star.
Civil Parish: Stanhope
Birth date: 26-Jan-1885
Death date: 01-Jul-1916
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: East Blackdene
Education: St Johns Chapel School, 1890
Employment: Miner
Family: Mother:Jane Anne Colling, later Jane Anne Featherstone
Stepfather: Obediah Featherstone
Siblings: Lily Ruth, sister. Four stepbrothers and one stepsister
Military service:
Private in Northumberland Fusiliers
Regimental number: 16/1124
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
1914-15 Star
Memorial(s): Lonsdale Cemetery, Authuille, France, Grave No IV.W.6
Saint John’s Chapel, village green, War Memorial
Saint John’s Chapel, town hall, roll of honour
Gender: Male
Contributed by John B | Mel Brown
