Major William Spencer Paulin 1907 - 1990.

William Spencer Paulin.

William Spencer Paulin was born in Newcastle in 1907. He attended the Royal Grammar School. In 1934 he married Joan Susan Croisdale Dixon and between 1935 and 1946 had four daughters, Sylvia J, Rosalind A, Helen B, and Christine J. In 1939 he lived in Gosforth and was a leading Engineer in the firm of Donkins, manufacturers of ships steering gear. In 1941 he was Lieutenant in charge of No 12 Platoon, "C" Company 12th Battalion, patrolling Jesmond Dene in the area of the Banqueting Hall. He was promoted to Major and appointed Commanding Officer "H" Company 12th Battalion Northumberland Home Guard, which mainly consisted of employees of Donkins Works. He was a Rugby Union enthusiast and in his younger days played as a second row prop for the Old Novocastrian Rugby Club and was capped for the county. His rugby career was cut short by a severe knee injury which left him with a strong limp and the need to use a walking stick. His interest in the game continued and he became President of the Old Novos and Northumberland County President in 1930. He succeeded his father as Managing Director of Donkins Ltd and remained their until his retirement. A much loved Grandfather, he spent his retirement in his garden at 60 The Rise, Ponteland.

Information and photograph kindly supplied by Mr R Bevan.

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