John Webster

Corpl John Webster Worksop Guardian 4 July 1919 Official news reached Worksop on Wednesday night that Corporal John Webster, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W Webster of 8 Crown Street, Worksop, was killed in action on March 30th 1918. The bereaved parents feared that the worst had befallen him by reason of letters received from comrades, and from his officers, but they were kept in suspense until Wednesday when the War Office wrote that he had been killed. By a melancholy coincidence, deceased met his death three days after his 27th birthday. Before the war the gallant soldier was employed as a corporal at the Manton Colliery of the Wigan and Iron Co. but enlisted soon after the commencement of hostilities, viz. in August 1914, and saw three years, seven months service in France before he met his death. Mrs Webster has received a letter from Sergt Alexander, of Mansfield, 23rd Tunnelling Co. R.E. which states, “I was with him when he fell, but we were being pressed at the time and I was unable to search him. He was hit in the head by a machine gun bullet, and I was unable to do anything for him. The enemy was close behind us, and I knew he was dead and beyond help. This happened between Marcelcave and Villers Brettenaux. Mr and Mrs Webster have received a letter from their Majesties the King and Queen expressing their sorrow in the bereavement which they have sustained. Our readers will express their sincere sympathy with them in their bereavement.

CWG additional information:- Son of William Webster, of 8, Crown St., Worksop, Notts. Commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Research by Colin Dannatt