John Knighton Wardle

Private John Knighton Wardle was a professional soldier he enlisted at Nottingham and was based in Citadel Barracks, Dover when war broke out. He served with the 2nd battalion Lancashire Fusiliers the battalion went to Southampton and embarked on the S.S. 'Saturnia' on August 22nd. They arrived at Boulogne the next day. On 26/08/1914 the battalion was involved in the holding action at Le Cateau, where they suffered heavy casualties and large numbers, including Wardle were reported missing. Only later was he confirmed as dead. His body was never recovered, but his name was commemorated on the La Ferte sous Jouarre Memorial.

Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged) 6 April 1915: ‘Private JG (sic) Wardle, Lancashire Fusiliers, 7 (-) Terrace, Pym Street, Nottingham. Missing since August 1914.’