Silas Bunce (1886-1918)
Belmont miner served as a private in the Yorkshire Regiment
Silas Bunce was born in 1886 in Belmont. His father was David Bunce (1854-1937), a coal miner originally from Dudley, Worcestershire. His mother was Mary Ann Bunce nee Jacobs (1854-1927), who was also from Dudley. His parents married in 1873 in Lower Gornall, Staffordshire. The 1911 census recorded that 12 children had been born during 38 years of marriage and that seven children survived. Of eight known children, Silas had four sisters and three brothers.
In 1891 and 1901 the Bunce family lived at 19 Broomside Cottages, Pittington. Silas married Frances Bunce nee Bailes in 1909. The 1911 census recorded the couple living at 59 Broomside Lane, Belmont. Silas was working as a coal miner in 1911. A son, named Thomas, was born in 1911.
Silas served as a private in the Yorkshire Regiment, the Green Howards, during World War One. He enlisted in Newcastle, Northumberland. His service number was 61622 and he served in the 4th Battalion. His records show that he died in the UK on 23 June 1918. It is believed he died at Skirlaugh Military Hospital, Yorkshire. His family were resident in Annfield Plain at the time of his death and Silas was buried in Harelaw Cemetery in grave 10 C 63.
Silas Bunce was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in World War One.
Civil Parish: Belmont
Birth date: 1886
Death date: 23-Jun-1918
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 19 Broomside Cottages, Pittington (1891 & 1901 census)
59 Broomside Lane, Belmont (1911 census)
20 Hawthorn Terrace, New Kyo (1915 CWGC record)
Employment: Coal miner (1911 census)
Family: Parents: David Bunce (1854-1937), Mary Ann Bunce Jacobs (1854-1927)
Siblings: Hannah Bunce (b 1874), David Bunce (b 1875), John Thomas Bunce (b 1881), Mary Ann Bunce (b 1882), Sarah Jane Bunce (b 1884), Samuel Bunce (b 1889), Eliza Bunce (b 1890)
Spouse: Frances Bunce nee Bailes (b 1886)
Children: Thomas Bunce (1911-1992)
Military service:
61622
Private
Yorkshire Regiment
4 Battalion
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): Harelaw Cemetery, Annfield Plain, Stanley (grave 10 C 63)
Gender: Male
Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham