John Doncaster
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- Military History
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John Doncaster was born in 1894 he was the son of Thomas Doncaster a publican of Grosvenor Road Eastwood Nottinghamshire and his first wife the late Lucy Ann Doncaster née Frost. Thomas Doncaster was born in 1846 at Sandiacre, Lucy Ann Frost was born in 1856 at Mansfield , she died in 1902 aged 46 yrs, they were married in 1887 their marriage was recorded in the Sheffield registration district, they went on to have 4 children. His father Thomas re married on 22nd June 1903 to Fanny Elizabeth Goring (born 1867 Underwood). In 1911 the family are living at the Sun Inn, Eastwood, Thomas is 65 yrs and a publican, he is living with his second wife Fanny Elizabeth 44 yrs and his two sons Tom 20 yrs an office clerk and John 17 yrs who is assisting in the family business.
Lance Corporal John Doncaster enlisted in Nottingham during February 1916. He was part of a force suppressing the Irish Rebellion and was posted to France a year later. Doncaster was killed after only six weeks at the front on 7th April 1917 and is buried at Vadencourt British Cemetery, Maissemy, France. Plot 3. Row A. Grave 44.
Two other brothers Harry with the Canadian Engineers and George with the King's Royal Rifle Corps served. His adopted brother George Goring also fought with the KRRC. For two months during 1917 he was missing presumed dead but in July. An article in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times published on 4th May 1917 reads :- “LANCE-CORPORAL J. DONCASTER. “News has reached Mansfield of the death of Lance-Corporal John Doncaster son of Mr. Thomas Doncaster, landlord for some years of the Bowl-in-Hand Hotel, Mansfield, before removing to the Sun Hotel, Eastwood, and brother of Mr. Arthur Doncaster, Cross Keys Inn, Mansfield. The deceased enlisted in the 2-8th Sherwoods in February, 1916, and went into training at Watford. He was in the Irish rebellion, taking part in the street fighting in Dublin. Fortunately, he came out untouched. For several months he remained in Ireland. Coming to England again for a short time he was dispatched to France in February last. He was killed in action on Good Friday. “Writing under date 13-4-17, the Captain of his Company writes to his father: – I deeply regret that your son, Lance-Corporal J. Doncaster, was killed in action last Good Friday, whilst gallantly doing his duty in an attack. I was very fond of your boy, and he showed considerable promise as a soldier. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy with you in your trouble. “A letter from the Chaplain was also received confirming the sad news, and an expression of deep sympathy, and giving details of burial. “The deceased's elder brother, Harry, who emigrated to Canada, is now in training with the Canadians at Crowborough Camp.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 This man is commemorated in a book of remembrance held by Mansfield District Council.
