David Lamb (1890-1980)
Durham City teacher served with 18th DLI injured during Hartlepool Bombardment
From a member of the public:
David Lamb was born on 4 March 1890, the son of William Douglas Lamb and his wife Isabella (nee Munro). David’s father was a watchmaker with a shop at 10 Claypath, Durham and the family home was at 57 South Street, Durham.
After completing teacher training at Bede College Durham in 1911, David Lamb began a career as a teacher then joined the 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry in September 1914. After training at Cocken Hall, he was part of the contingent of 500 men sent to Hartlepool in November 1914 to guard the Heugh Battery.
The German Naval bombardment of Hartlepool took place on the morning of 16 December 1914. David Lamb was one of those wounded, receiving shrapnel wounds, most seriously to his left leg and right hand. He spent more than 11 months in various hospitals and was ultimately discharged from the Army on medical grounds in March 1916.
Back in civilian life he resumed his teaching career – initially at Framwellgate Moor then as Head Teacher at Kimbleworth County School until his retirement in 1951. He died at Gullane, East Lothian in 1980 at the age of 90.
The story of Dave’s brother Will is also present in the Durham at War site.
Bede Magazine, March 1916, page 3:
We are very glad to know that D. Lamb ’09-’11, 18th DLI who was wounded so badly on Dec 16, 1914, at the bombardment of Hartlepool, is able after eleven months in hospitals to return to duty.
Civil Parish: Durham
Birth date: 04-Mar-1890
Death date: 03-Jul-1980
Armed force/civilian: Army
Military service:
Private 313 David Lamb
5th Platoon
B Company
18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Medal(s): British War Medal
Silver War Badge
Gender: Male
Contributed by John Parker, Hexham, Northumberland
