Alick Searle was born about 1895 at Aycliffe. He was the son of John Searle and Sarah Hadrick. His brother Harry (Henry W) served in the Northumberland Fusiliers.

In the 1901 census the family were living at North Terrace, Aycliffe.

In the 1901 census Alick's grandmother, Mary Hadrick, age 82, a widow, was living with the family.

Alick was 20 years, 10 months old when he attested 13 November, 1915 at Darlington. He joined the York and Lancaster Regiment, T.R. Bn. 87, Pte 39868. Alick was a shop assistant. Alick was 5' 6" tall and named his sister, Miss A (Alice) Searle as next of kin.

Alick was posted 16 November, 1915. He was appointed lance corporal, unpaid, 12 October, 1916. He was transferred to BEF 18 December, 1916 and posted 15 January 1917. He was appointed corporal and posted 19 August, 1918.

When he was in the field 18 February, 1919 Alick was reprimanded for neglect of duty when in charge of a hut. He failed to report absentees to the Orderly Sergeant. This was at the time Alick was awaiting his dispersal certificate. Alick received his Protection Certificate 8 March, 1919 and had signed that he was not claiming for a disability 26 February, 1919.

In the Absent Voters' List of October 1918 John Searle and his brothers Henry Willam (Harry) and Alic are listed with the address of North Terrace, Aycliffe.

Harry was Private 1149, 17th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiilers.

Alic Searle was Corporal 39768, 13 Yks. and Lancs.

John Searle is Gunner 286702, 2 Battery, Royal Gun Artillery.