2nd Lieutenant Arnold Ernest Veitch 1892-1976.

Arnold Ernest Veitch .

Arnold Ernest Veitch was born in Newcastle and was the son of James Veitch and the former Clara Anne Welch. He enlisted for service in World war One with the 9th (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers as private 12211, gained a commision and transferred to the 4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and saw service with this battalion throughout WW1.

2nd Lieutenant A E Veitch WW1

After WW1 he worked at the Pensions Office on Benwell street, Newcastle. In 1924 he married Elizabeth M Rowell and they had two sons. He started work for Thermal Syndicate in 1927 and sat on the Management Committee 1949-1958. In 1940 he lived at 18 Seaton Crescent, Whitley Bay. His family where evacuated to Penrith and he rented his house to a Naval officer and moved into a smaller flat so he could continue with his work and Home Guard duties. Initially Thermal Syndicate had its own Works Home Guard unit and he was part of this until its amalgamation into the 8th Battalion, Newcastle Wallsend, Northumberland Home Guard. One of the more arduous duties, he recollected was keeping watch at the Rising Sun Colliery pit heap which gave a commanding view. After WW2 he continued working for Thermal Syndicate until his retirement in 1958. He was also Chairman of the Tynemouth, Wallsend and District War Pensions Committee. He helped ex-servicemen sort out there pensions and also helped source supplies and clothing for those less financially able. For his voluntary work in this field he was awarded and MBE (Civil Division) in 1966.

If you have any information on Arnold Ernest Veitch or anyone who served in the Northumberland Home Guard, Newcastle Battalions please contact ph@ccoynblhomeguard.co.uk