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Henry North (1883-1928)


Insurance Inspector from Chester-le-Street Served as Aircraftman in the Royal Naval Air Service


Henry North was born on 24-May-1883 the only child of John North (1857-1909) originally from Windlestone, County Durham and Lucy Ann Guthrie (1857-1896) originally from Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland. The family lived in South Burns, Chester-le-Street at the time of the 1891 census when the head of the household’s occupation was described as being a “Brewer’s Traveller”.

Henry’s mother died in Chester-le-Street in 1896 and at the time of the 1901 Census he was living with his father at 59 Front Street. A plaque on the wall outside of the current building describes 57-59 Front Street at this time as being a Penny Bazaar with Cocoa Rooms above. This description fits well with John North’s occupation as being a Hairdresser and Tobacconist as well as continuing as a brewer’s traveller and Henry appears to be helping his father as he is described as a “Tobacconist’s Assistant” at the census.

1909 saw Henry’s marriage to Annie Robson (1881-1953). Annie was the daughter of Thomas Robson, a joiner, born 1853 in Birtley and Annie Heads born 1855 in Edmondsley. Henry’s wife to be worked as an elementary school teacher before their marriage. Henry and Annie lived with her parents at 7 Avondale Terrace at the time of the 1911 census. Henry was working as a tobacconist at this time. Their first son, John Allison North, was born in 1910 and three further children followed; Henry in 1913, Dorothy in 1915 and Eric in 1917.

Henry joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) on 17-Oct-1917 for the duration of Hostilities. His civilian occupation at this point is recorded as an insurance inspector. He was given the service number F39917 and the rank of Aircraftman 2nd grade. Like most RNAS recruits Henry initially passed through Crystal Place for induction to the service before being posted to Tregantle in Cornwall.

Henry is recorded as being discharged to shore in January 1918. The RNAS used Navy parlance and this phrase means that he was no longer required for active service. His record states this was due to him being incapacitated with nephritis, a disease of the kidneys. He appears to have been entitled to a pension as his record was transferred to the Ministry of Pensions on leaving the RNAS.

Henry returned to Chester-le-Street on discharge but little is known about him before his death is recorded in September 1928 at the age of 45. He was awarded the British War Medal for his service in the RNAS.

Civil Parish: Chester le Street

Birth date: 24-May-1883

Death date: 1928

Armed force/civilian: Air Force

Residence: 15 South Burns, Chester-le-Street (1891 census)
59 Front Street, Chester-le-Street (1901 census)
7 Avondale Terrace, Chester-le-Street (1911 census)

Military service:

Enlisted in Royal Naval Air Service, F39917, Aircraftman 2nd grade 17-Oct-1917
Discharged to Shore incapacitated with nephritis 23-Jan-1918

Gender: Male

Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham

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