William Strong Errington (1896-1919)
Stanley coal miner served in the West Riding Regiment
William Strong Errington was born in Stanley in 1896. His father was also called William Strong Errington (1876-1896). His father married Mary Isabella Errington nee Craigie in 1896 but died aged 20 later that same year. In the same year William junior was born. In 1898 Mary married colliery cartman Alfred Thompson from Bishop Auckland (1874-1956). William had six half-siblings made up of five sisters and one brother. In 1901 the Thompson family lived at 4 Beamish Street, Stanley. By 1911 they had moved to 16 Evelyn Terrace, Stanley. William was working as a putter in a coal mine in 1911.
William attested in the West Yorkshire Regiment in Stanley on 11 December 1915. He was made a private with the service number 76152 and posted to the Army Reserve. He was mobilised in Newcastle on 4 May 1918 and became Private 35630 in the 2nd/5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington (West Riding) Regiment. He was posted to France on 1 September 1918.
On 5 November 1918 William suffered shell wounds to his foot and hand. On 7 November 1918 he took a gun shot wound to his forehead. After initial treatment in France he was evacuated to England on 21 November 1918 and admitted to the Military Hospital, Newton Abbot, Devon. He died of his wounds at the hospital on 14 January 1919. His family were living at 27 First Street, South Moor when they were informed of his death. His body was returned home and buried in St George’s Churchyard, South Moor. He is honoured on the Memorial Park 1914-18, South Moor.
Civil Parish: Stanley
Birth date: 1896
Death date: 14-Jan-1919
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 4 Beamish Street, Stanley (1901 census)
16 Evelyn Terrace, Stanley (1911 census)
Employment: Coal miner – putter (1911 census)
Family: Parents: William Strong Errington (1876-1896), Mary Isabella Errington nee Craigie later Thompson (1877-1958); step-father Alfred Thompson (1874-1956)
Half-siblings: Isabella Thompson (b 1900), Beatrice Thompson (b 1902), Lillian Thompson (b 1903), Ethel Thompson (b 1905), Violet Thompson (b 1907), Alfred Thompson (b 1910)
Military service:
76152
Private
West Yorkshire Regiment
35630
Private
Duke of Wellington (West Riding) Regiment
2nd/5th Battalion
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): St George’s Churchyard, South Moor
Memorial Park 1914-18, South Moor
Gender: Male
Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham
