John Thomas Murden
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Thomas Murden Known as Thomas was born in 1896 he was the son of John a coal miner and Elizabeth Murden née Twigger of 9 First Avenue, Forest Town. John was born in 1872 at Plumtree, Elizabeth Twigger was born in 1870 at Bulwell, they were married in 1894 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district, they had 4 children. In 1911 the family are living at 9 First Ave, Forest Town, John is 39 yrs and a coal miner he is living with his wife Elizabeth 41 yrs and their 4 children including John 15 yrs a coal miner pony driver.
Private John Thomas Murden (served as Thomas) enlisted 9th September 1914 , he served with the 1/8th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment he landed in France on 2nd March 1915. He was killed in action on 21st April 1915 whilst on a wiring party, in front of the trenches at Kemmel, Belgium. and is buried at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, France
Photograph printed in Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser 29/04/1915, also a poem written in honour of Thomas by his friend Pte T Richards was included in the report." He enlisted on September Day, A brave Noble lad; People remarking on the way In Khaki, no better was ever clad. He went to fight with a good heart, And was always known to smile; His pals would not like to part, With him, they would go mile after mile. He stood his post one day, On sentry go was he; A bullet came and there he lay, No more for us to see. And now he lies in a grave, His pals do not forget him; For he his, life for his country gave, In dear old Belgium. And now his soul to heaven has gone! To rest among angels; His life's battle ended and won. He's joined the heavenly territorials.
