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.
John Topping, DCM, MD
Forename(s):
John
Surname:
Topping, DCM, MD
Initial(s):
J
Service Number:
4164
Rank:
Sergeant Instructor
Regiment:
Foot Guards, Irish Guards, 1st Battalion
(Source: Irish Memorial Records available via Ancestry.co.uk)
Died:
05/02/1915
Aged:
21
Buried:
Cuinchy Communal Cemetery
Service History:
Enlisted at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland.
Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The Citation reads
'Â…splendid example of a British Soldier. One of Lord Robert's bodyguards. He was struck in the side by a bullet, probably a sniper.'
Also, Mentioned in Despatches. The Citation of 31 May 1915 reads:
'...for gallant & distinguished services in the Field. I have it in command from the King to record His Majesty's high appreciation of the services rendered.' This was signed by Winston Churchill.
(Source: 'Portraits of War...'; Edited & compiled by June Watson; Wildgoose Press; 2016; p. 88)
Background:
Born about 1893, at Dublin, Ireland, the son of Lance-Corporal William Topping (ex-Coldstream Guards), by his wife, Harriett, of Youngers Terrace, Warkworth, Northumberland.
Before the war Topping was employed as a Coal Miner Putter.
The 1901 Census records the family living at Ardnaugh (Barrack Street), Roscommon Urban, Roscommon, Ireland. Topping had a brother, William, who also served during the war & survived.
Topping's father was awarded a War Gratuity of £18-14s-7d in 1919.
(Source: 'Portraits of War...'; Edited & compiled by June Watson; Wildgoose Press; 2016; p. 88)
Local Memorial:
Warkworth War Memorial, by St Lawrence's Church
