CORPORAL JOHN RENTON DICKSON (DEC 1893 - 1975)

John Dickson was born in Longniddry near Edinburgh. During WW1 he served as an Ambulance driver with the Army Service Corps. In 1918 he contracted flu (1918 flu pandemic) and became seriosly ill. He was sent to lake Como in Italy to recuperate. He met and married Lydia Hilda Dunn in December 1918 at Belford, Nbl. In 1940 he was living at 55 Lavender Gardens Jesmond and was chauffer to Mr Watts Hardy (Shipbuilder). He was one of the original volunteers of No 5 Platoon, No 2 Company. One of three inseparable chums Sgt W Pearson, Cpl J.R. Dickson and Lance Corporal Featherstone M.M., he was also a member of the Battle Drill Platoon. After WW2 he continued working as a chauffer until his retirement.

Information kindly supplied by Mrs Doris Pentland.

PRIVATE LESLIE DOWSLAND (JAN 1905 - DEC 1982)

Leslie Dowsland lived at 8 Derwentdale Gardens in Heaton and was Assistant Education Officer at the City of Newcastle Education Department. In 1940 he joined the L.D.V and was part of No 5 Platoon, No 2 Company which later became "C" Company. He was involved in the evacuation of school children in the Newcastle area. During his service with "C" Company he was in the Street Fighting and Battle Drill Platoon. He left "C" Company and became a Flying Officer in the A.T.C. After the war he became Chief Education Officer for West Hartlepool Co Borough. He retired in 1967 and devoted his time to his grandchildren and his love of painting.

Information and photograph kindly supplied by Mr F.L. Dowsland.