John was born in Greenwich, Kent, on 3rd April 1899 to parents John James and Pamela Minnie. The family lived at 5 Alfred Place, Hoskins Square, Greenwich and John was baptised at the local church in Christchurch on 20th April 1899. He was the seventh of eight children.
On the 1901 census John was aged 1, almost 2 years old and lived at the same address as he was born, along with his parents and siblings. By 1911 the census recorded John aged 12; he was at school but also worked as a newspaper boy. The family had thinned out with the eldest children leaving home and they had in the meantime moved to 70 Church Street in Greenwich.
On leaving school he bagan work and prior to joining the navy he worked as an acetylene carter. John began his training as an Officer’s Steward on 31st July 1916, leaving HMS PEMBROKE on the 11th April 1917. He was posted to HMS VANGUARD the following day and spent just 3 months aboard.
He was killed aged 18 and awarded the British and Victory medals.
(#176 - 400/843)
Sources:
1901 & 1911 England Census
London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1906 London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; Reference Number: p78/ctc/008
The Kentish Mercury August 17th 1917
UK, British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; 008 (1914 - 1919)
CWGC Register
UK, Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 ADM 171; Piece: 105
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0954
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services, 1848-1939 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen's Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece: 1006
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923 Western Front Association; London, England; Pension Record Cards; Reference: 098/0456/HOL-HOL
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