Ernest Patterson

Ernest Patterson was born in Chester le Street on 16 November 1919, the son of August and Emma Patterson. After working for the Butcher's Department at Chester le Street Co-op, he joined the 8th (Territorial) Battalion DLI with some friends and was amongst the first to be called up on the outbreak of the Second World War. He served with the 8th and 11th Battalions DLI. After being evacuated from Dunkirk in May 1940, he was stationed on Iceland until late late 1941. Private Patterson was killed in action in Normandy on 27 June 1944 and was buried in Fontenay le Pesnel War Cemetery in France. He was 24 years old.