John Kerwin

Volunteer Long Service Medal

John was born in 1840 in Wigan. He lived on Evans Street in Chorlton in 1841 before moving to Waterloo Street in Crumpsall by 1851. He lived with his father, Thomas, who was born in 1808 in Ireland. His mother was called Mary and was born in 1818. John had five siblings – Mary born in 1844, Agnes born in 1848, Thomas born in 1851, Hugh born in 1821 and John born in 1826. Hugh and John were both born in Ireland.

There is only limited information on John’s time in the Army. He served with the 4th Volunteer Battalion of the Manchester Regiment and was given the service number 809. He was promoted to the rank of Colour Sergeant though the exact dates of his promotions are not known. He was awarded the Volunteer Long Service Medal, which indicates he served for at least twenty years.

John’s medal was donated to the museum collections in 2014.