William Robert Ditchburn

November 30, 1916

Durham Light Infanty

William Robert Ditchburn was born June 1, 1898 in Gateshead. He was the son of John Ditchburn born 1870 in Wallsend and Margaret, born 1872 in Gateshead.

John was a general labourer. By the 1911 census John had died, leaving Margaret with 6 children.

By WW1 the family were living at 20, Major Street, Hopetown, Darlington.

William attested August 2, 1915, Private 3928, 5th Battalion, DurhamLight Infantry.

William was 5' 4" tall, weighed 9st. 7 lbs. He had defective vision.

William was posted April 5, 1916 to the 2/5 Provisional Battalion, then September 22, 1917 to the Reserve Provisional Company, Royal Defence Corps. June 30, 1918 he was posted to 3/5th Battalion. He was disembodied August 23, 1919.

On his Protection Certificate William was Private 375572, 2/7 Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He had served in Russia, embarking at Glasgow and disembarking at Archangel. He had gone to Russia October 10, 1918 and returned home August 23, 1919.

William married Jane Purvis 1921 in Darlington. He died 1969 in Darlington.