1911 census John William Thompson, age 40, and his wife Mary, age 37, were living at 74, West Chilton Terrace, Chilton, with their 5 children. They had been married 18 years and had lost 2 children. Their children were Thomas, age 16, born Bishop Auckland, Mary Jane, 15, born Coundon Grange, John William, 4, born Coundon Grange, Wilfred, 13, born Coundon Grange and David, 1, born Coundon Grange.

Wilfred Thompson was born 1898 at Eldon (according to Attestation papers). He attested November 6, 1916. He was a labourer at a forge and was living at Tannery Cottages, Travellers Rest, Aycliffe. Wilfred was 18 years and 10 months old. He was 5' 1 1/2". He was recruited to the 3rd Lincolnshire Regiment, no. 3/305/4. His next of kin was his father, John William Thompson.

March 1, 1917 Wilfred embarked at Folkestone and disembarked the same day at Boulogne. The next day he joined the Postal 8th Bn. at Calais.

March 21, 1917 Wilfred was in the field. He received a gunshot wound to his right leg April 18, 1917 and was sent on the Princess Elizabeth back to England. Wilfred was given furlough, his regiment now the 8th Lincolnshire, his number now 30574.

By January 8, 1918 Wilfred was back in France. June 1, 1918 he was wounded in action. His father sent a letter July 1, 1918 enquiring after his son as he had heard he was in hospital.Wilfred was wounded again 21 September. He was given furlough again October 29, 1918 to November 4, 1918. His address was now Low Moor House, Simpasture, Aycliffe. He was considered fit for theCommand Depot by R. Harkness at the Northern General Hospital.

Wilfrd was transferred to the Reserve January 24, 1919 and received his Protection Certificate and advance of £2 and 28 days furlough .

Wilfred re-enlisted June 4, 1919 to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps for service with the North Russia Relief Corps and was allotted the regimental no. S/9722.

In the Absent Voters' List of October 1918 Wilfred and his brother Thomas are listed with their address as Simpasture.

Thomas Thompson was Gunner 44738, Royal Garrison Artillery.