John Robert Roe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Robert Roe was born in 1890 at Newark and was the son of Christopher a farm labourer and Elizabeth Roe née Tyers of 27 Smith Street, Balderton. His father Christopher was born in 1858 at Carlton Le Moorland, Lincolnshire and his mother Elizabeth Tyers was born in 1866 at Uppingham, Rutland, they were married in 1887 at Newark and went on to have 12 children, sadly three died in infancy or early childhood, their surviving children were, Christopher b1888 Newark, John Robert b1890 Newark, Amos b1893 Newark, Alf b1897 Newark, Horace b1899 Newark, George b1901 Balderton, Harry b1903 Balderton, William b1095 Balderton, Charlie b1908 Balderon. In the 1911 census the family are living at 27 Smith Street, Balderton and are shown as Christopher 53 yrs a farm labourer, he is living with his wife Elizabeth 45 yrs and their children, Christopher 23 yrs an iron driller, John Robert 21 yrs a drill grinder, Horace 12 yrs a scholar, George 10 yrs a scholar, Harry 8 yrs a scholar, William 6 yrs, and Charlie 3 yrs.
Private John Robert Roe enlisted on 9th September 1914 at Newark, he gave his age as 24 yrs and 9 months, his address as 27 Smith Street, Balderton, Newark, his next of kin was his father Christopher of the same address, his occupation was that of a tool grinder. He was posted to the 1/8th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment and landed in France on 2nd March 1915 with his battalion. He was killed in action on 5th October 1915 and is buried at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos, Pas de Calais, France. grave reference III.K.8
His younger brother Horace attested on 30th September 1916 at Newark, he gave his age as 17 yrs and 313 days, his address as 27 Smith Street, Balderton, he was an iron turners apprentice. He was posted to the reserves and mobilised for war on 22nd April 1918 and posted to the 3rd battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment. On 4th October 1918 he was transferred to the 3rd battalion East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) and landed in France on 7th August 1918. He was wounded in action on 18th September 1918 a gun shot wound to his neck. He was admitted to hospital at Rouen, France and on 2nd October 1918 he was returned to England for further treatment. On 28th January 1919 he was discharged from the Army as no longer fit for service and issued with a Silver War Badge, number B100868, his discharge address was 27 Smith Street, Balderton. Article published 20th October 1918 in the Newark Advertiser :- Second son of Christopher & Elizabeth Roe, 27 Smith Street, New Balderton. As a boy he attended Balderton Day School and Charles Street Wesleyan Sunday School. He was employed previous to the war by Messrs. J. Simpson & Co. and was very popular among his fellow workmen. He enlisted on Sept. 9th, 1914, going to Harpenden two days later. He embarked for France about the beginning of March.
