John Alfred Riley
he was an errand boy in the 1911 census.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
John Alfred Riley was born in 1896 at Nottingham he was the son of the late William a plumber and Emma Jane Riley née Walters and the brother of Louisa, Lilian, William, John Alfred, Harry and Ernest Riley.
His father William was born in 1862 at Nottingham, he died in 1910 at Nottingham he was 45 yrs of age, his mother Emma Jane Walters was born in 1865 at Montreal, Canada they were married on 3rd November 1883 at St Pauls Church, Nottingham. they went on to have 8 children, sadly 1 was to die in infancy or early childhood.
In 1901 they lived at 1 Eldon Yard and in 1911 at 2 Burgess Terrace Storer Street (both Sneinton Nottingham)
In the 1911 census the family were living at 2 Burgess Terrace, Nottingham Emma 46 yrs is a lace jennier she is living with her children, (John) Alfred 14 yrs an errand boy, Harry 12 yrs and Ernest 8 yrs of age.
Private John Alfred Riley enlisted at Nottingham on 5th June 1915, giving his address as 2 Burgess Terrace, Storer Street, Nottingham, his age was 19 yrs, he was a hosiery machinist, he served with the 17th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment, he was killed in action on 3rd September 1916 during the attack near Beaumont Hamel, France during the Battle of the Somme and is buried at Knightsbridge Cemetery, Mesnil-Martinsart (D. 17.)
Nottingham Evening Post notice (abridged), 25 September 1916: ‘Riley. Killed in action September 3rd Private JA Riley, Sherwood Foresters, of Storer Street, Carlton Road, age 19. Mother, brothers, sisters.
His brother Gunner Thomas Riley enlisted at Nottingham, he served with 'C' Bty 298th Army Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, he was killed in action on 19th July 1917 he is buried at Spoilbank Cemetery, Belgium.
additional research and information Peter Gillings
Photo of John Alfred Riley
Riley John Alfred photograph is courtesy of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment roll of honour website
Photo of John Alfred Riley
Riley John Alfred grave at Knightsbridge Cemetery, Mesnil-Martinsart, France courtesy of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment roll of honour website.