Several years ago, Shildon resident, Aubrey Clethero, decided to travel to Belgium in order to visit his uncle, Private Albert Clethero’s final resting place.
Unfortunately, for Aubrey, having made the long journey he was advised that the site of Albert’s remains was not in Belguim but near Arras, in France.
Unable to visit at the time, the disappointed nephew returned home but vowed to travel to Arras to pay his respects.
The opportunity to do so arose in June 2015 when Aubrey and his friend George Dixon, ex headmaster of Heighington School went to France by car.
After travelling all day, the pair arrived in Arras and were delighted to come across Aubrey’s uncle’s gravestone, which is inscribed: “S/12095 Private A Clethero. Seaforth Highlanders. 11th April 1917. Age 27.”
The detail places Albert’s death at the Battle of Arras (also known as the Second Battle of Arras), which was fought from 9th April to 16th May 1917.
The battle cost nearly 160,000 British casualties and about 125,000 German casualties.
Albert was the son of William and Mary J Clethero from Mill Street, Shildon.
Delighted to have finally found his uncle’s final resting place, Aubery was able to pay his respects to the war hero who gave his life for his country in the devastating Great War.
Aubrey was able to place a Remembrance cross, which he had been given by Shildon Town Council, by Albert’s grave.
However, in reading the Register of Remembrance at Brown’s Copse Cemetery in Roeux, 13 kilometres east of Arras, Aubrey’s eye was drawn to another name, listed three places above Albert’s in the book: that of Private F Claxton, who served in the Northumberland Fusiliers, but was also from Shildon.
Private Claxton, who was also 27 years old when he died in the same Battle on 28th April 1917, is listed as the son of Mrs. Ann Claxton, of 9, Crozier Terrace, Shildon.
Aubrey said: “I was very happy to pay my respects to my uncle, Albert, but was very surprised when I examined the register and saw another person from Shildon just a few names away from Albert’s.
“I would be interested to know if any of Private Claxton’s family are still here in Shildon and whether they know of his final resting place.”
If anyone has any details, they can contact the Crier in the first instance on 01388 775896 or by email at crier@talk21.com.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
