FAMILY S WAR RECORD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 290, 7 December 1928, Page 5

FAMILY S WAR RECORD

FATHER AND EIGHT SONS HOW ONE ESCAPED DEATH Although it is now ten years sine® the Armistice brought the greatest war in history to an end, its stories and recollections are ever coming to light. Peace brought a sigh of relief to many au aching and saddened heart, says the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle, but it could not have come as a greater boon to anyone than to a North Shields couple, who gave all that they had of a family of eight som, to respond pat* riotically to their country’s call in 11'14. They arc Ex-Inspector and Mrs Henry McQueen, of North Shields. No fewer than twenty-three medals for war service and gallantry displayed in attempts to save life at home aip held by father and sons. Thu four long years were packed with anxious moments, sorrows and joys, but havpily the angel of death did not spread his wings over the home of the McQueen’s. Ex-Inspector McQueen completed four years' service with the Tynemouth County Borough Constabulary, half of which jeriod he held in his last office. With Lis son Captain Gordon McQueen he sl.ar I the honours in being presented by the Tynemouth Trust Committee with medals for gallantry displayed iu attempted rescue of life from drowuing at the Long Bands, Tynemouth. Bergcant Henry McQueen, the eldest son, solved in France and Germany with the Northumberland Fusiliers, and holds the 1914-1919 war Bervicc Medal, also the South African War medal for service at Laing’s Nek, Transvaal, Grange Free Btatc ani Cape Colony iu 1901. The oniy son to suffer to any extent from ike effects of wounds was Corporal William McQueen, who served with tho Duke of Wellington’s Regi meet from 1914 to 1919. Being ac excellent marksman, he gained inanj awards for shooting, but unfortunately received injuries to his hand and was shot through the groin, which deprived him from following his trade as a picture framer and gilder. He is now in tho employ of a garage firm. Gunner Frederick McQueen, of tho Royal Field Artillery, served in France, Belgium and Italy, and was awarded the 1914 star. He is now following his trade as a farrier in Toronto, Canada. His younger brother, Ablc-Seaman Stanley McQueen, now a see going engineer, was fortunate to escape being on a ship, which left the Tyne and was never heard of again. Dental trouble prevented him joining the vessel. During the war he was attached to naval convoys and was aboard one which was torpedoed. Adventure befcl the lot of Beaman Frank McQueen, who was in the mercantile marine during the war. T lo wag stranded on the Moroccan Coast and held to ransom by natives until the steamer Richard Wolford wont to his assistance. The Richard Wolford sank in the Tyne shortly afterwards during unloading operations. The second youngest son, John, did service with the Royal Naval Volunteer llescrves, and was called upon at the outbreak of the war; while tho youngest son, Leonard, had only celebrated his seventeenth birthday when he entered the Navy and saw active service in tho Dardanelles, where his ■ • was blown up by torpedo destroyers. Both have gone to occupapations abroad, the former being at Detroit, and the latter at Toronto. This > a family record in which all concerned feel great pride. ,