Military History

John is listed as having died of wounds on 24th May 1917 and was subsequently buried at the cemetery in Duisans. At that time the cemetery was used for burials by the 8th Casualty Clearing Station.

Records show (see below) that John was first admitted to 14th Field Ambulance on 24th May and later that day he was admitted to the 8th Casualty Clearing Station with gunshot wounds to the legs where he died the same day. The 15th Battalion war diary entries for the 23rd and 24th May are transcribed below. 

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In trenches near Fresnoy – 23 May 1917: In front line system. Situation: During the morning the enemy M G fire was more sustained that usual and this was attributed to the patrols [of the 22^nd].

7.40am: Enemy put down a 5 minutes barrage about B.12.d.7.0 to B.12.a.2.8

8am: 8 enemy aeroplanes over our front line and two over Battn HQ. Normal otherwise during the day.

9.30am: A patrol left our lines from our C post B.12.b.5.0 again to reconnoitre the Fresnoy trench and obtain an identification. After proceeding for some time an enemy patrol was observed to the north and left. An attempt to capture one of this patrol failed as he made off and was engaged by garrison acting in cooperation and wounded & brought in and died immediately. He afforded a valuable identification being a Signaller of 6^th Bavarian Infantry Regt, 6^th Bavarian Division.

Patrol then proceeding and penetrated the German wire and reported that the trench was well manned.

At night battalion was relieved by 22^nd Royal Fusiliers, 199^th Brigade and after relief withdrew to bivouacs at A.28.a near Rocklincourt.

Casualties: Other ranks wounded 1                              

Weather good

Roclincourt – 24 May 1917: In bivouacs, resting during morning. Baths in the afternoon.

Casualties Other ranks wounded 4                                

Weather good