British War Medal

We don't know anything about John's early life or family.

John served in the Manchester Regiment during the First World War. He joined the 1/10th or the 2/10th Battalion between January and April 1915. These were both units of the Territorial Force. Soldiers serving with units of this force were given new service numbers in around March 1917. John's was 376138. We don't know his old number. Unfortunately, because we don't know which unit John was a member of, we can't say for certain where he served.

The 1/10th Battalion took part in the invasion of Gallipoli in early May 1915. It fought there until early January 1916 when they sailed to Egypt. It spent the next year defending the Suez Canal against a Turkish attack before leaving Egypt for the Western Front during February 1917. The 2/10th Battalion was in the UK training during this time.

The 1/10th and the 2/10th Battalions both served in France and Belgium from March 1917 until February 1918. At this time the 2/10th Battalion was disbanded. Its soldiers were used to bring other units up to strength, mainly the 1/7th, 1/8th and 1/10th Battalions. The 1/10th Battalion fought in France until the end of the war in November 1918.

We know John survived the war, but his life afterwards remains a mystery. His medal was donated to the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in October 1997. As well as his British War Medal, John was awarded the Allied Victory Medal for his Army service. He may also have received the 1914-15 Star.