In the Albert Communal Cemetery Extension, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 23/720 Lance Corporal John Robert Gallon, serving with the 23rd (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers who died 25/06/1916.

The son of Edward and Eleanor Gallon and the husband of C. Platt (formerly Gallon), of 3, Rose Villa, Sheepwash Bank, Choppington, Northumberland. Born at Choppington.

Derek Johnstone has provided the following:

John Robert Gallon was born on 31st December 1885 at West Choppington, and christened 14th February 1896. His parents were Edward Gallon from Wallsend, and Eleanor Gallon from Choppington.

In 1891, John, aged 5 years, lived with his parents at Choppington High Pit where his father worked in the coal mines.

In 1901 John was living in his brother-in-law’s house at Choppington. He was working as a pony driver underground at the age of 15.

The 1911 Census information shows he was a coal miner and married, living at Fourth Row, Choppington Colliery. He married about 1910 and his wife came from Barrington, Northumberland.

Military information show that he enlisted at Bedlington and on his death his effects went to his widow Catherine in 7th September 1916 and in 6th September 1919 when his widow was now Catherine Platt.

CWGC records confirm John was the husband of C Platt (formally Gallon) of 3, Rose Villa, Sheepwash Bank. Choppington. His Pension Index card records only his wife Catherine so its possible they did not have any children.

John’s older brother William Gallon, also in the Tyneside Scottish with the service number 23/722 died 1st July 1916.

John Robert Gallon is remembered in Ashington on A17.01 (A17.27) and A17.43 and in Choppington on C36.01 and C36.04.