Military History

John is listed as being killed in action on 3rd September 1916 during the Battle of Guillemont. The 7th Battalion war diary entry for the 3rd is transcribed below, in parts the handwritting is difficult to read.

Guillemont – 3 Sep 1916: An eventful day for the Battalion. The Brigade had brought us out of the trenches to carry yesterday in order that we might have a few hours change, as sleep and a good meal. After having a thorough wash most of us got to bed about 5am. Many of the men having threatenings of trench feet. After breakfast we took the Montauban to Bernafay Wood, my orders being to relieve the 12/K R R in trenches in Bernafay Wood & then sit tight for further orders. I had then a total of 10 fighting officers viz 2 Coy officers per Coy, myself & the Signalling Officer.

On arrival at Bernafay Wood, we broke into file & got through the wood without casualties, occupying the line of trenches in its out edge. In the following sequences from the right A, B, C & D whilst ? forward with my Signalling Officer reestablished Bn HQ about mid way between the two woods.

I failed to get touch with the 12/Kings but got touch with the 7/K O Y L I to my immediate front who were occupying a line of trenches in the inner edge of Trones Wood. In Trones Wood becoming ? ? the 7 K O Y L I moved to the right flank & after an interval to clear the barrage where moved forward & occupied the trenches they had vacated. I then received a message from Bde to stand firm & shortly after another to take my Bn to the Briqueterie & report to G.O.C 59^th Brigade. This was also accomplished without loss.

G.O.C 59^th Brigade instructed me to equip 2 Coys with tools & water & moved to Guillemont & then assist 10/ K R R & 10/R B in consolidating their position. He furnished me with a guide who put me in the direct Guillemont wood or all that was left of it as their was scarcely a square yard which was not crumpled. About ¾ of the way I met the 10 K R R who, that morning, had been over the top with a loss of about 80 all ranks from ? guns & they gave me directions as to the dispersal of B Coy.

I found it difficult to locate my position in Guillemont as it is simply a shattered ruin presenting no salient feature, but a length I located the cemetery & from that by setting through I took a back bearing in which marched to my position in  the sunken road.

A Coy having previously moved off in search of the 10/ R B. C & D Coys now dug trenches in front of the sunken road which they held throughout the night, which was bitterly cold & wet, the men being without greatcoats.

The Somersets & a party? of Oxford & Bucks were in our front. Throughout the night we were subject to a most furious bombardment, which only moderated about 4 to 5am [4^th].