Captain J.L. Mole. Sept 1896 -

John Lumley Mole was born in 1896 in the Westgate area of Newcastle. On the 8th November 1915 he joined the 3/6th Northumberland Fusiliers as a Private. He arrived in France on the 7th July 1916 and joined the 1/6th Northumberland Fusiliers and by 9th Sept 1916 had been transferred to the 1/5th York and Lancaster Regt. In early October 1918 he suffered a gunshot wound to the right thigh in the Battle of the Selle, attacking the area around Haspres and was transferred to the 3rd Southern General Hospital, Oxford. He was discharged on 8th April 1919, no longer physically fit for war service with a weekly pension of 5s/6d.

In 1924 he married Amy Kirkpatrick. He was one of the original members of the L.D.V to join No5 Platoon in May 1940 and became Assistant Platoon Commander. In 1941 he was Platoon Commander on the formation of "C" Company. In March 1941 J.B.Mennie arrived and took command of the company with J.L. Mole as Assistant, his dogged and conscientious service, especially on the administrative side, was what made the wheels run smoothly. In May commisioned rank was granted to the Home Guard and John Lumley Mole was appointed Captain, Assistant Company Commander. In 1943 Major Mennie was transferred to Battalion Headquarters and Captain Mole was promoted Major and "C" Company Commander. He remained in this position until the Home Guard stood down on 1st November 1944.

 

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