John HOOK Private 4823, 5 th Durham Light Infantry. Died 23 rd April 1917. John Hook was born in Stable Row, Howden-le-Wear, in1897. His father, Walter, was a colliery hewer, and the family was deeply involved in local chapel activities. John first went to Howden-le-Wear board school, and then attended Wolsingham Grammar School from September 1909 to July 1914, where he distinguished himself both academically and on the playing field. He became a pupil teacher at Wolsingham Grammar School on the 1 st August 1913 and gained employment on leaving as an assistant master before joining the army. He enlisted in the 5 th Durham Light Infantry on the 29 th February 1916, at the age of 19. On the 9 th September 1916 he was posted France. In the fighting in which he was engaged he was reported wounded, and also suffered a bout of dysentery, from both of which he fully recovered. He was wounded again during the Second Battle of Scarpe on the 23 rd April, as a result of which he died. He is remembered on the Arras War Memorial, as well as on the Howden-le-Wear War Memorial. His name was also inscribed on the Honoured Memory Board to the Old Boys at Wolsingham School, as well as having a memorial oak tree planted in his memory in the school grounds.

Remembering Our Fallen

Howden-le-Wear History Society

John Hook's memorial oak tree at Wolsingham Grammar School. Image courtesy of Kathleen Parkin