John Ball
1911 - school age.
1916 - employed as a meat porter.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
John (Jack) Ball was the son of Thomas West and Elizabeth Ann Ball (née Smith).
His father Thomas West Ball was born in 1863 at Ilkeston and his mother Elizabeth Ann Smith was born in 1862 at Riddings. They were married in 1885 (Basford Registration District) and had seven children, sadly three were to die in infancy or early childhood. Their surviving children were: Francis William b1887, Elizabeth Ann b1889 and William b1892,who were all born in Ilkeston, and John Ball b1897 who was born in Nottingham.
At the time of the 1911 census the family was living at 51 Ossington Street, Radford, Nottingham: Thomas West Ball (48), a pig dealer, Elizabeth Ann (49) and their four children, Francis William (24) a shop keeper, Elizabeth Ann (22) no occupation, William (19) a carter and John (14) who was still at school.
The family had moved to 53 Ossington Street by the time John enlisted in 1916.
Gunner John (Jack) Ball, was conscripted on 17 May 1916. He was aged 19y 82d and employed as a meat porter. He was living at 53 Ossington Street, Nottingham, and named his father, Thomas West Ball, of the same address, as his next of kin.
John reported for service on 23 May 1916 at Nottingham and was posted to the Royal Garrison Artillery (Gunner); 18th Heavy Battery.
He landed at Salonika on 18 December 1916 and died from malaria in Greece on 1 August 1917 and was buried in Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston (grave ref. A 40).
His brother Francis William Ball was conscripted on 17 May 1916 and also posted to the Royal Garrison Artillery with the next service number to his brother (80822). He was aged 29y 133d and working as a pork butcher. He was living at 53 Ossington Street, Nottingham, and named his father, of the same address, as his next of kin. Francis was posted to the 18th Heavy Battery on 18 January 1917 but landed in Salonika on 29 December 1916, 11 days after his brother John disembarked. Francis returned to England on 7 February 1919 and was demobilised on 3 April 1919.
Nottingham General Cemetery, family gravestone, inscription: 'In loving memory of Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Thomas W. Ball died Decr. 31st 1938, aged 79 years. Also of John, their son, died in Salonika Augst. 1st 1917, aged 19 years. Also of Thomas W Ball, died Feb. 21st 1940, aged 77 years. Reunited. And Francis william Ball who died April 16ty, 1951, aged 64 years.'
Nottingham Evening Post, 'Roll of Honour', 7 August 1917: 'Ball. Died of malaria, Jack, dearly-loved and youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ball, Ossington-street, Radford, Nottingham, aged 20.'
Nottingham Evening Post, 'In Memoriam', 1 August 1918:
'Ball. In loving memory of Jack, dearly loved youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ball, Ossington-street, Nottingham, who died in hospital abroad August 1st, 1917, Driver Royal Garrison Artillery.'
'Ball. In loving memory of Jack, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Ball, who died abroad August 1st, 1917. Walter, Flora, and Edith.'
'Ball. In memory of Driver Jack Ball, died of malaria abroad, August 1st, 1917. Remembered. E.M.'
Above courtesy of Jim Grundy facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
Photo of John Ball
Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston, Greece
Photo of John Ball
Nottingham General Cemetery, family grave/headstone. Photograph Rachel Farrand (23 April 2026)