John William Anderson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John was born in Bawtry in 1885 and was the son of George a tailor and Mary E Anderson. In the 1901 census the family are living at Moorgate at Clarborough and John is 16 years of age and a drapers assistant. On the 19th July 1906 he married his wife Frances West in Retford and they subsequently went on to have three children Christina Mary born 29th March 1907, George born 17th March 1909 and John Arthur born 23rd December 1914. By the time of the 1911 census John and his family are living at 6 St Johns Street, Retford, he is now working for the urban district council .
John's army service history survives and indicates that he enlisted at Retford on 2nd September 1914 , on his enlistment papers he gives his age as 30 years and 8 months and states that he is a labourer . He declares that he has had previous military service and had served with the 4th battalion Lincolnshire Regiment for 6 years. On 5th September he was posted to the 7th battalion Leicstershire Regiment and served with them for a total of 1 year and 87 days before being killed in action on 27th November 1915 His medal card indicates that he first saw service in France on 29th July 1915 .He is buried in Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France.
Pte J W Anderson Retford Times 8 Dec 1915 Mrs Anderson of 6 St John Street, Retford has received the sad news that her husband, Pte J W Anderson, 7th Leicester Regt was killed in action on Nov 27th. Pte Anderson was formerly employed by the Corporation, enlisted in Sept 1914 and had been in France about five months, Second Lieut Wakeford has written the following letter to Mrs Anderson:- “I am writing to tell you that your husband was killed today whilst on sentry duty. Death was instantaneous. I know that nothing I can say can do much to lessen your sorrow, but I should like you to know that he had the goodwill and respect of us all, and that we all offer our deepest sympathy in your loss. He was always cheerful and persevering. The army can ill spare many such loyal soldiers.
