Person

Matthew Handley was born in 1890 in Wolviston. His father was woodman Matthew Handley born in Wolviston in 1858. His mother was locally-born Catherine Handley nee Ruane (1861-1909). His parents married in 1882 and Matthew had three known sisters and two known brothers. In 1901 Matthew and his family were living on Wynyard Road, Wolviston. His mother died in 1909 and at the time of the 1911 census, when he was working as a brickyard labourer, he was living with his father and three siblings on The Green, Wolviston.

Matthew attested in the 3rd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) in Stockton on 17 February 1916. He served as a private with the service number 30721. By 1917 he had been assigned to the 20th Battalion DLI and was with them in Flanders, Belgium when he was killed in action on 22 June 1917. He left effects of £2 11s 5d to his father who also received a war gratuity of £5 10s 0d.

Matthew had no known grave and was honoured on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium. His elder brother Thomas, who served as a private in the Royal Marine Engineers, died of disease and was buried in Wolviston Cemetery on 29 May 1918.
Thomas’ gravestone records his details and has the further inscription:

“Also in memory of 30721 Pte. Matthew Handley 3rd DLI killed in action in France 1917”.

Matthew was also remembered on the Cross 1914-18, Wolviston and the Plaque 1914-18, St Peter’s Church, Wolviston.

Matthew Handley was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in World War One.

Civil Parish: Wolviston

Birth date: 1890

Death date: 22-Jun-1917

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: Wynyard Road, Wolviston (1901 census)
The Green, Wolviston (1911 census)

Employment: Labourer at brickworks (1911 census)

Family: Parents: Matthew Handley (b 1858), Catherine Handley nee Ruane (1861-1909)
Siblings: Mary E Handley (b 1882), Thomas Handley (b 1885), Catherine Handley (b 1894), Rose Clare Handley (b 1899), John Handley (b 1901)

Military service:

30721
Private
Durham Light Infantry
3rd Battalion
20th Battalion

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Memorial(s): Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium
Cross 1914-18, Wolviston

Gender: Male

Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham