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The bells of this Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas were rung today, 3rd. November, as part of “Ringing to Remember” - the Durham & Newcastle Association of Church Bellringers First World War Ringing Commemoration.

On this day one hundred years ago a bellringer from Holy Trinity, Hendon, Sunderland was killed. We ring to celebrate his life and the ultimate sacrifice that he made.

Rifleman William McLachlan

William McLachlan was the son of Mary Ann Tweddle and the late John McLachlan. Ann remarried to a William Tweddle of 18, Zion Street in Sunderland. Rifleman McLachlan was a printers apprentice when he enlisted in Sunderland and was killed in action on the 3rd. November 1916 in the Battle of the Somme aged 25. He was with the 16th. Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. The 16th. Battalion was one of the so called “Palls Regiments” with the 16th. being called “the Church Lads Brigade”. Service No. C / 1441. Buried in Thiepval Anglo – French Cemetery. Grave 11. K. 8.

His name is recorded above on the ringers plaque in this Cathedral.

William McLachlan we have remembered you

It had been intended to also ring a quarter at William’s home tower Holy Trinity, Hendon, Sunderland but this was not possible as the bells are currently not available for ringing due to cracks in the tower fabric.