John Frederick Hunt

306549 Private John Frederick Hunt enlisted in February 1916 into the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). He joined the 2/8th Territorial Force (Newark) Battalion and in April 1916, they went to Ireland, Dublin and in July to the Curragh. In January 1917 the battalion returned to England for a month before landing in France on 26 February 1917. The 2/8th battalion was disbanded in France on 6 February 1918 and it is likely that John joined the 1st battalion at this time. The German spring offensive of 1918 drove the Allied armies back at a great rate. The Foresters had been training since the 13th March and received orders on 21st to move to St Omer and entrain for Nesle. When the battalion arrived at Nesle, it was warned that the enemy was close by and with advance and flank guards in place marched towards Athies. New orders then sent them to the west bank of the Somme with the left flank resting at St Christ and the right some 2500 yards away. They were ordered to dig in and stay there. On 23rd the 2nd Devon's came up on the battalions left and the 2nd Northampton's on the right. Troops from 23rd Division, then moved from the forward positions, through the new line and into support. The Royal Engineers attempted on three occasions to destroy the bridge at St. Christ but it remained passable. The enemy then came forward and attempted to cross the Somme but counter attacks by the 1st battalion threw them back. The battalion CO led the charge and was himself killed. At some point John Frederick was wounded and moved back to Rosieres were he succumbed to his wounds and died. He was buried the the small battlefield cemetery nearby - Rosieres British Cemetery, grave 4; He is buried next to Alfred Waterland who also died that day.

Soldiers Died in the Great War - Hunt, John Frederick, born East Bridgeford Nott's, enlisted Newark Nott's, abode East Bridgeford Nott's, 306549, private, died of wounds, France and Flanders, 24/3/18;