John Thomas Saunders
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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John Thomas was the son of Andrew and Mary Ann Saunders and the eldest of their four children. In 1901 the family was living in Old Radford and all the children were still at home; Thomas (19), Lizzie/Elizabeth (16), Herbert (9) and Doris H. (8 m). John Thomas married Ada (nee Turner) in 1908 and in 1911 they were living at 40 Hartley Road, Nottingham. The 1911 census records that they had been married for three years and had had one child who had died by the time of the census. However, the death notice in the local paper in 1917 was placed by his 'wife and child' so they had another child some time after the census. His brother, Herbert, also served in the war.
Acting bombardier John Thomas Saunders attested on 10th December 1915 at Nottingham, he gave his age as 34 yrs and 2 months, his address as 40 Hartley Road, Nottingham, he stated he was a munitions worker and his next of kin was his wife Ada of the same address. He was posted to the reserves the following day. He was mobilised for war on 15th June 1916 and posted as a gunner to the Royal Garrison Artillery. On 19th July 1916 he was posted to 321 Clyde, Royal Garrison Artillery. On 28th October 1916 he was posted to 278 Siege battery, Royal Garrison Artillery and on 18th March 1917 landed in France. He was killed in action on 5th July 1917 and is buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension (grave ref II.C.32). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged), 20 July 1917: 'Saunders. Killed in action July 5th, Bombardier JT Saunders, Royal Garrison Artillery, 40 Hartley Road. Wife and child. Father, mother, sisters, brother in France.' In memoriam published 5th July 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “SAUNDERS. – In loving memory of my dear nephew, Bombdr. J. T. Saunders, killed in action July 5th, 1917. He fought the good fight, his victory won. – Auntie Lizzie Munton. “SAUNDERS. – In loving memory of Bombardier T. Saunders, killed July 5th, 1917. A great sacrifice. – Wife & Marjorie. “SAUNDERS. – In affectionate remembrance of Bombr. T. Saunders (Tom), killed July 5th, 1917. Ever in our thoughts. – Father, mother, sisters, brother Herbert (in France).” Above in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
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