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 January 1863 at Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and his mother Elizabeth Ann Smith was born in 1862 at Riddings, Derbyshire. They were married at Ilkeston Independent Chapel in 1885 (reg. JAS Basford) and had seven children, three of whom died in infancy or early childhood. Their four surviving children were Francis William b. Jan. 1887, Elizabeth Ann b. Feb. 1889 and William b. 1891, who were all born in Ilkeston, and John who was born in Nottingham in 1897.
Thomas, a cattle dealer, Elizabeth and their two children, Francis and Elizabeth, were living in Balls Yard, 2 Market Place, Ilkeston, in 1891.
Thomas and Elizabeth had moved to 51 Ossington Street, Radford, Nottingham, by 1901: Thomas, who was now a pig dealer (employer), Elizabeth, and their four children, Francis, Elizabeth, William and John.
The family was still living at 51 Ossington Street in 1911; Thomas was still a pig dealer (employer). The eldest son Francis was a shop keeper (grocery), Elizabeth of no occupation, William a carter (probably for his father's business) and John who was still at school.
The family had moved to 53 Ossington Street by the time John enlisted in 1916.
Thomas, a fat pig dealer (employer), and Elizabeth were living at 98 Gregory Boulevard by the time of the 1921 Census, although Thomas had probably retained business premises on Ossington Street. Also in the home were their two unmarried sons, Francis, a shop assistant (JN Parr, Long Row, pork butcher), and William, a fat pig dealer probably working for his father (Ball, Ossington Street). Their only daughter Elizabeth had married James Douglas Wylie in 1919 (reg. Nottingham) and she and her husband, a commercial traveller, were also living with her parents.
Elizabeth snr. died on 31 December 1938 aged 79.
Thomas was recorded on the 1939 England & Wales Register at 318 Derby Road, Nottingham. He was still working as a pig dealer. Also in the home were his two surviving sons, Francis, a butchery manager, and William, a master salesman (wholesale meat), and a housekeeper. His daughter Elizabeth and her husband (in work), were living at Sunrise Farm, Nottingham, with Harold Smith, occupation cattle feeding stuff distribution, his wife Ivy and their two children.
Thomas West Ball died on 21 February 1940 aged 77. Probate was awarded to his sons, Francis, a butcher's manager, and William, a pig dealer.
Francis died on 16 April 1951 aged 64. The probate record gave his address as 318 Derby Road. Probate was awarded to his married sister, Elizabeth Wylie, and a solicitors' managing clerk.
William, who had married Gladys Stevens in 1944 (reg. JAS Nottingham), died on 26 November 1952. The probate record gave his address as 318 Derby Road, Nottingham. He was survived by his wife.
Their brother-in-law, James Wylie, died on 6 July 1958; he and Elizabeth were then living on Egerton Road, Woodthorpe. Elizabeth died in 1978 (reg. Stratford upon Avon) and was buried in Nottingham on 8 December.
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. He died from malaria in Greece on 1 August 1917 and was buried in Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston (grave ref. A 40).
John's 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 grave, headstone 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
Additional research/record updated, RF (May 2026)
Photo of John Ball
Buried in Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston, Greece (www.cwgc.org)
Photo of John Ball
Nottingham General Cemetery, family grave/headstone. Photograph Rachel Farrand (23 April 2026)