World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
William James McLaren Humble
Forename(s):
William James McLaren
Surname:
Humble
Initial(s):
W J Mc
Service Number:
51512
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Manchester Regiment, 21st (Service) Battalion (6th City)
Died:
24/10/1917
Aged:
22
Buried:
Tyne Cot Memorial (Tyne Cot Cemetery)
Service History:
Enlisted at Alnwick, Northumberland on 11 December 1915, together with his brother, John, & friend William Pitt.
Initially posted to the Northumberland Fusiliers, regimental service #29348.
There is some confusion over Humble's date of death. Although he is officially declared as dying on 24 October, the Battalion War Diary records only 2 slight casualties on that day, with the main 'push' & losses on 26 October.
(Source: 'The Fallen of Embleton 1914-1919'; Written & researched by Terry Howells, Mary Kibble, & Monica Cornall; pp. 38-41).
Background:
Born in 1895 at Embleton, Northumberland, the second son of Mary Ann Humble (née McLaren) of Embleton Cottage, Embleton, Alnwick & the late William Humble (who had been a Road Contractor).
Five siblings - John (b. 1888); Elizabeth (b. 1890); Grace (b. 1892); Andrew (b. 1900); & Mary (b. 1903). All were born at Embleton, as had been their parents.
Educated locally. Seemingly Humble was quite an unruly pupil with his name regularly appearing in the punishment book.
Left school when he was 14, the normal age for doing so, at the time, & became a Butcher's Apprentice, at Embleton.
(Source: 'The Fallen of Embleton 1914-1919'; Written & researched by Terry Howells, Mary Kibble, & Monica Cornall; pp. 38-41).
Local Memorial:
Bamburgh War Memorial
Embleton, Memorial Obelisk in Spitalford Cemetery
Embleton, Church of England School 1914-1918 Memorial Plaque
