John Frederick Birkett

Pte. John.Frederick.Birkett Worksop Guardian 3 November 1916 Great sympathy is expressed with Mr. and Mrs. John Birkett, 20, Sandhill Street, Worksop, in the bereavement which has befallen them and their family in the loss of their only son, Pte. John Frederick Birkett, Sherwood Foresters, who was killed in action on October 8th. Pte Birkett, who was 20 years of age last March, joined the Army on April 24th this year, and was drafted out to France on August 6th. He had thus done two months active service when he met a soldier’s death, dying, and poor fellow, on the field of honour. He was not keen on joining, as he was in training as a Salvation Army Officer, but having enlisted he did his duty bravely and uncomplainingly. His warfare is accomplished, and one can only hope that his parents and sisters, there were eight children and he the only boy, will find some consolation in this knowledge. The day before he met his death he, sent his mother a field postcard stating that he was quite well. He had been a clerk at the Albion Mills for several years, and prior to that employment he had been under Mr. A. Franks, G.N. Railway agent. Birkett was a keen and zealous member of the local Corps of the Salvation Army. He was a bandsman and a Scout leader, and in other ways helped on the work. His old comrades will regret to hear of his death, and, in common with our readers generally, will sympathise with the family in their great sorrow. Memorial services will be held at the Salvation Army Hall on Sunday at 3 and 6.30 p. m., on behalf of Pte Birkett and at 3, for the late Bro. Marshall. The S.A. Band will play the Dead March. “Promoted to Glory” and there will be representative speakers.

CWG additional information:- Son of John and Damaris Birkett, of 20, Sandhill St., Worksop, Notts. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Research by Colin Dannatt