Sgt. Frederick Thompson DCM

[hexhamlad]

Thank You very much indeed for this information, I am assuming that the people in 9, Humber Streetare Sgt. Thompson's in-laws as his wife was nee Smith and there are Smiths living at 9, Humber Street. I am unable, so far, to trace Sgt. Thompson's parents, Frederick and Alice THompson and am wondering if, in fact, they were not residents of Chopwell. Never mind, we'll keep digging.

Thank You Again,

Edward

[River Tyne Lass]

Hi hexhamlad,

Found them! . See the third notice which records where his parents lived.

In the Evening Chronicle - Thursday August 9 1945 there are three memoriam notices. 

'Thompson (Chopwell). In loving memory of Freddie, killed in Sicily, Aug. 9 1943.  Always in our hearts and thoughts.  Lovingly remembered by all at 9, Humber Street.'

'Thompson (Chopwell), In loving memory of Freddie, killed in Sicily, August 9 1943.  Some where, some day, some time we will meet again.  Always remembered by his loving wife Lily.'

'Thompson (9 Bewick Road, Blackhall Mill).  In loving memory of our dear son Freddy, killed Sicily, Aug. 9, 1943. Many lonely heartaches, many a silent tear, Always a secret longing wishing you were here.  Ever in the thoughts of his loving mum and dad, sisters, brother.'

Best Wishes 

[Tickettyboo]

Oh well done that girl! That's a brilliant find :-)

Boo

[Tickettyboo]

1939 register (via a free address search)

9 Bewick Rd, Blaydon UD
Frederick Thompson, born 1884
Alice Counsell (Thompson) (so it looks like Frederick died and she remarried at some stage)
and 1 closed record

Name search for Alice Counsell (Thompson)

gives Blaydon UD
Alice Counsell (Thompson), born  1883

plus Frederick Thompson and 1 closed record

Free BMD Marriages Q4 1951, Durham NW,
Alice Thompson and John W Counsell

Boo

[Tickettyboo]

"Possible" Electoral Rolls:

Spring 1924, Blackhall Mill, PC of Durham , Blaydon
9 Pear Tree Bungalows
Frederick Thompson
Alice Thompson

ditto in 1925, 1926, 1928, 1929, 1931

Boo

[Tickettyboo]

Took a while, but I think I have a maiden name for Alice

The 1939 register says she had another marriage to John W Counsell , that was in 1951
and the lovely folk at Durham Registrars have the entry in their online search

They have two surnames recorded, Thompson and Spence

So I reckon young Freddy's birth registration is highly likely to be this one

Q4 1919, Weardale, MMN Spence.

and there is a likely marriage on the same site
Q3 1905 Weardale Alice Spence and Frederick Thompson


This is just my opinion, without the certificates I have no way of knowing for sure, but it does look like its worth checking out

Boo

[River Tyne Lass]

Well done, Boo, on finding out all this extra information!

Freebmd shows that an Alice Counsell's death was recorded in the June quarter of 1963 in  Newcastle and that this person was aged 80.  I wonder if this could be Freddie's Mother?

Best Wishes

[hexhamlad]

Some fantastic research there folks, Thank You very, very much indeed. I had hoped to find some living relatives of Sgt. Thompson and to pass on to them the photographs I took in Catania cemetery in Sicily earlier this month.

It is tragic that Sgt. Thompson won his DCM in North Africa but was killed in action in Sicily before the award was announced. He lies in Catania War Cemetery, just a couple of rows away from my Father. It is equally sad that details of his heroism seem to be completely unknown in his home village of Chopwell, when I went there last week I found no-one who knew about Sgt. Thompson or his brave deeds.

Thank You so much to everyone for your generous assistance, it is extremely kind and I am most truly grateful.

Edward

[Tickettyboo]

It is equally sad that details of his heroism seem to be completely unknown in his home village of Chopwell, when I went there last week I found no-one who knew about Sgt. Thompson or his brave deeds.

Edward

There are so many stories, ordinary men who did extraordinary deeds in very extraordinary circumstances. Bless them.

Boo