northtyneside

Such good quality imagery. Ignore the clothing and look at her face - like it was taken today. Just checked a map for the named streets and it's hard to believe things could be like that there.

That's what happens when there's no education, limited work and no social safety net. The story reads like Dickens.

It could have come from any number of reasons his crime wave. I wonder if he ever went straight?

I can't found anymore info on young “Mat” criminal career. But I have found some interesting stuff. Born Matt Walls on the 28th of May 1894 at Jarrow in Durham, the son of James and Annie his mother being born in Australia. Matt followed in the family trade as an an iron moulder. At the start of the first world war Mat joined the colours'. War Hero: Enlisted 8th September 1914 into the Royal Engineers, as a sapper. He was 5ft 8inches tall, with a fresh complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair. Absent without leave from 11.45p.m. 9th July 1915 to 8.15p.m., 14th July 1915 awarded five days confined to barracks, fined five days pay and forfeits five days pay. This was not unusual most men and boys' alike, knowing they will be going overseas any day, would have it on their toes, some having second thoughts, other's just wanting a beer or two, and other's to lose their virginity. Most would come back after a couple of days. Awarded the 1914/15 star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, and the Military Medal which was presented to him publicly, by the Mayor of South Shields. lance-corporal Mention-in-Despatches 11th June 1918, made the rank of corporal. He married Mary Eva McCord at South Shields, in 1922. Living at 81 Red House Road in 1939. Died 1976 at Jarrow in Durham.

Wow! Excellent research Rob. No idea how you do it but it's fascinating when put together like that. Seems he did well then. With only the one fine he did pretty much what most did anyway so not a true crime in my eyes. He died what I'd consider fairly recently too..

Interesting story. Thanks Rob!

I'm loving these stories, great stuff.

Andy Millican Photography Glad you're enjoying them - doing the research was fascinating work.