Patrick Connell, M.B.E. (1875 - 1945)

Taken from the St Georges Gazette, December 1945.

Patrick Connell M.B.E.

It is with deep regret that the death is announced of Mr Patrick Connell, M.B.E. on 27th October, 1945, at his home 30, Simpson Terrace, Blucher, Newburn on Tyne.

He was 70 years of age and had devoted most of his busy life very generously to Military life, also being a great supporter and friend to any men with Military service.

Born in 1875, he joined the old 2nd Volunteer Battalion at the age of 22 and subsequently served in the Territorial Force and the Territorial Army from which he eventually retired as R.Q.M.S of the 4th Battalion in 1932.

His various Discharge, Good Conduct and other Certificates formed quite a historical and interesting collection.

He served in South Africa and the Great War : and in this War, he helped to raise a Company in the 5th Home Guard Battalion eventually becoming a Company Commander.

In 1931 he was awrded the M.B.E. for his long and outstanding service and altogether his decorations and medals were as follows :-

M.B.E., Queens South Africa, 1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, George V Coronation Medal, Defense Medal, Volunteer Long Service Medal and the T.A. Long Service and efficiency Medal, altogether a wonderfull and historic collection depicting a lifetime of outstanding service.

He was amember of the Northumberland T.A. and A.A.F. Association, President of the Northumberland and Durham P.O.,W.O., and Sergeants Association, Chairman of the 4th R.N.F. Old Comrades Association and a local Council Member of the Royal British Legion.

In civil life he was an official of the Throckley Coal Company and had been a valued servant of that firm for 43 years.

Patrick Connell was a much respected man in many spheres of life and his strong character and devotion to work was always a shining example to others - a most valuable asset to every organisation in which he served.

He leaves a widow and daughter.

The funeral took place on 31st October at Newcastle Crematorium and was attended by a large number of friends representing all the activities with which he was so closely engaged over long periods.

Arthur Elliot Dixon 1915 - 1970

Arthur Elliot Dixon was born on 19/5/1915 and was the only son of Arthur Elliott Dixon (snr) and the former Mary Waugh. Initially the family lived at 419 Shields Rd Byker but in the 1920s moved to Walker. Arthur Elliott Snr worked for a family in South Shields called Murphy.They had a grocery business Arthur Elliot jnr left school in the 1930s and also worked in the grocery business. In 1938 both father and son went into market gardening opening a business at Ponteland. Arthur Elliot Dixon worked in his business until his death in February 1970. He was an officer in the 5th Battalion Northumberland Home Guard during World War Two and later served in the Royal Observer Corps. He had a keen interest in aeroplanes and was gifted at electronics building a Television in the early 50's. He was interested in cars and enjoyed fishing, golf and driving .He was proud of being a member of the Veteran Motorists.

Information and photographs kindly supplied by Mr A E Dixon.