New book reveals war stories of more than 300 men from rural Northumberland

It is the second part of what eventually will be a trilogy, and is entitled ‘Wooler During the Great War – Part 2 The War Front’.

Both this and ‘Part 1 The Home Front’ which was released in 2018, were researched and produced by Richard Waters, a native of Wooler.

His research started in 2013 when he moved back to Wooler, having moved away 40 years previously, for career progression.

Covering Wooler and most of the Glendale area, the book contains information about more than 340 men from Wooler, Chatton, Milfield, Kimmerston, Mindrum, Kirknewton, Chillingham, Doddington and Wooperton, and includes photos of many of these brave lads.

When war broke out in August 1914, the German Kaiser, Wilhelm II, issued an army order that the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) led by Sir John French and numbering around 160,000 men, and described as ‘contemptible’ by the Kaiser should be defeated forthwith.

Richard said: “More men were desperately needed and quickly, and Wooler and the surrounding Glendale area supplied its fair share of recruits to fight for King and Country.

“Their exploits, experiences and achievements, have been drawn mainly from the local newspapers of the time.

“Several men were awarded medals for gallantry, including the Victoria Cross and several Croix de Guerre, which was the French military medal equivalent to the V.C. There were also Military Cross and Military Medals awarded to several local men. Many were mentioned in despatches.

“During the war era, nearly 800 men from the Glendale area enlisted or were conscripted.

“Not all were involved on active service but nevertheless, all played their part in the war, in one form or another.”

Around 140 men made the ultimate sacrifice during the war and are commemorated on memorials throughout the Glendale area, these men will be the subject of Part 3 of the trilogy which will hopefully be published in late 2021.

Part 2 is on sale now at Brands Newsagents, High Street, Wooler, and also at G.C. Grieve, Berwick from December 2. Alternatively, please contact Richard on 07525 211485 or at [email protected] to order a copy by post.

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