Photograph and information courtesy of Kelly Frost, great granddaughter of Michael Farrell

Michael Farrel was born about 1879 in Dublin. His parents were John and Katherine Farrell.

In the 1901 census he is living with his uncle John Doran in Heighington Street, Aycliffe. By the 1911 census Michael had been married to Annie Nelson for 5 years and had 4 children living. They lived at 94, South View, Windlestone. Michael was working as a colliery fireman.

Army number: 37777. Unit: 5th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

Attested: July 15, 1915. Michael was 36, 5'8 3/4" tall, in good physical shape, and passed fit July 24, 1915. His next of kin was his wife Annie (Nancy) Nelson, and his residence Water Castle, Aycliffe. Michael's children were John born 1904, Kate 1906, Nellie 1908, Richard 1910, Harry 1912 and Mary 1914.

Michael also appears to have served in the DurhamMilitia 1901 to 1906.

Michael was posted to Blackpool July 1915, then Chelmsford, Essex, until April 18, 1917. He then received a new number, 276019, and then transferred to the Operating Division, Royal Engineers. He also spent a week at the depot for Railway Troops in Bordon, Hampshire.

Michael was then posted to the Labour Corps at Thetford Camp, Norfolk, April 26, 1917. His number was now 207045 and he served in Labour Companies until January 1918. In the Absent Voters' List of October 1918 Michael's address is given as Waterside, Aycliffe and he is in the 2nd Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

He was then transferred to Agriculutural Companies until his demoblization in 1919. He received 28 days leave, £2 advance from his unit 487 Agricultural Company and left Oswestry Fevruary 19, 1919 with instructions for his pay to be sent to 10 Leitrim Drumboyle, Carrico on Shannon, Ireland.

August 1919 there are several signals and demolization papers to demob Michael out of the 17th Battalion, Yorshire Regiment, service number 276019.

November 1919 the paperwork still seems outstanding. When Michael claimed his pension on demobilization he added another child, Michael, born 1916. His character was good and he was in B2 medical category.

Michael signed on at the Darlington Employment Exchange in 1919. A letter from Rise Carr Rolling Mills, Darlington, to his Commanding Officer, 487 Agricultural Company in Newcastle offered Michael employmentas a Linesman.

Michael had a total of 10 children.