Alexander John METCALFE

Metcalfe Society

(Supplied by David Metcalfe, Keeper of the Computer Index for the Metcalfe Society, Catterick Garrison.)

Alexander John Metcalfe dd 27 Jul 1916 was born 1892 Carleton in Craven son of Stephen & Mary Hannah (Woolley) Metcalfe.

Miscellaneous Information

(Courtesy of Wessington U3A War Memorials Group)

Alexander John Metcalfe (no Military Record) was born in Carleton, Skipton, and was teaching at Fatfield Council School, Co. Durham when war broke out. He joined the 18th DLI, enlisting in Durham in September 1914 and becoming Lance Corporal 18/543. The 18th was the ‘Original Pals’ Battalion. It was part of the 93rd Brigade, 31st Division.

An entry in the Fatfield Church of England School Log Book for 5th January 1914 reads, “Mr Alex J Metcalfe transferred from New Lambton has begun work today in place of Mr Wells. [Date of birth 10/2/1892. Inter BSc London in July 1912. PT in Carleton (Skipton) Endowed Mixed School. Trained Battersea 1910-12. New Lambton Nov 4 1912 – 31st Dec 1913.] We have opened with fair attendance.” On 24th September 1914, the entry reads, “Mr Metcalfe was absent this morning having gone to enlist. The girls are beginning to knit stockings and make garments for the soldiers in the war. Lady Lambton has kindly sent £2 to buy materials and Miss Wood has charge of the work.” Gordon Ashworth, WB Toyer and GP Watson, all teachers at the same school, also enlisted. On September 28th it was noted that Mr Metcalfe was still absent having gone on army service.

On 22nd August 1916 the new school year began, “Began work today after Midsummer Vacation. Heard during the holiday that another of our Staff on Army Service, Mr Alex John Metcalfe, had been killed in action on July 27th. Two have been killed and one wounded out of 4 teachers in service. He was a most conscientious teacher and of a winning disposition.”

In May 1919, “We desire to erect a suitable War Memorial Tablet or picture in the Hall, in memory of the 30 old boys and teachers who gave their lives, and in honour of the 100 or more who served in the army and navy. Children were asked to subscribe today and are responding nicely.”

On 7th October 1920 the Log Book entry reads, “The School War Memorial and Roll of Honour were unveiled this evening by JF Bell Esq (in the unavoidable absence of A Kirkup Esq) the Rev WS Reeman presiding (in the unavoidable absence of Ald. WN Smith JP). 2 teachers and 49 old scholars are known to have lost their lives in the Great War, and 136 are known to have served in addition. [In fact the School Memorial names 2 teachers and 40 old boys]. The tablet and roll have cost over £30 raised by subscriptions from schools, teachers and friends. The County Educ. Committee have defrayed the cost of framing and glazing the picture and Mrs White kindly inscribed and ornamented the roll free of charge.

The elder scholars (boys and girls) sang appropriate music under the direction of Mr Stables and the ceremony passed off suitably and successfully.” [Mr Stables’ brother was killed in the war.]

Lance Corporal Metcalf was killed in action, aged 24, on 27th July 1916. In John Sheen’s book, ‘Durham Pals’, he quotes from men who were involved in a fierce German trench raid around Neuve Chapelle and states that AJ was killed during this raid. The book includes a photograph of L/Cpl Metcalf. He was buried in St Vaast Post Military Cemetery, III.P.15.

The War Diary for the 18th DLI shows that they were involved on the first days of the Battle of the Somme on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd and were relieved by the Worcester Regiment at 10pm on the 4th. They then moved to Louvencourt, then Beauval, then Berneuil before entraining at Conteville for Berguette. From there they marched to Berguette, then La Pierriere and finally Fosse, north of Arras. On 27th July they relieved the 14th Battalion of York and Lancaster Regiment in the front line. A bombardment by German Artillery began at 9.30pm followed by raids made by Germans. It was during this evening that AJ was killed.

The 1911 Census listed Alexander John at St John’s Training College for Male Students at Vicarage Road, Battersea. The other students came from various parts of the country and were aged between 18 and 21.

Alexander is noted on the St George’s Memorial as Metcalfe Pte – killed, School, the Fatfield Council School Memorial has him as Alex J Metcalfe – Teacher and the Harraton Memorial has him as Metcalf [sic] AJ. The Chester-le-Street Chronicle of 25/8/16 included a list of fallen teachers and Alexander was in that list, while on the 8th September 1916 another, similar, list was noted and, again, Alexander’s name was included. The paper carried a report (24/10/19) of a National Union of Teachers celebration of the part played by its members and AJ Metcalf was in the ‘In Memoriam’ section.

Having first served in Egypt, from 22/12/15, Alexander was entitled to the 1915 Star, the War Medal and the Victory Medal.

As an employee of Durham County Council Alexander Metcalf’s name is listed on the memorial at County Hall.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1917

METCALFE Alexander John of 1 Sunny Bank Carleton Skipton-in-Craven Yorkshire lance-corporal His Majesty’s Army died 27 or 28 July 1916 in France on active service Probate London 1 August to John Arthur Slingsby manufacturer. Effects £1153 10s. 11d.