Thiepval Memorial
Pauline Priano has submitted the following information:-
John Ward enlisted in Spennymoor and was assigned with the rank of Private 6570 to the Duke of Wellington West Riding Regiment which in 1914 was mobilised to coastal defences in Hull and Grimsby until November 5th 1914 they were moved to billets in Doncaster. On March 31st 1915 the Division was warned it would go on overseas service and entrainment began on April 12th. Two days later April 14th 1915 they embarked for the western front, the infantry via Folkestone landing in Boulogne while all other unit went via Southampton to Le Havre. By the 19th the Division was concentrated in the area of Estaires-Merville-Neuf Berquin and May 5th they formed the 147th Brigade, 49th West Riding Division, Reserve Army taking part on May 9th in the Battle for Aubers Ridge and December 19th the defence against the first Phosgene attack. The preparations were already in place for the beginning of the Battles of the Somme and in July 1916 the 49th Division took part in the Battle of Albert, the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, the Battle of Pozieres Ridge and in the Battle of Flers-Coucelette September 15-22nd during which Martinpuich was captured. Private 6570 John Ward Duke of Wellington West Riding Regiment was killed in action September 22nd 1916 and has no known grave.
His sacrifice is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Somme, France, pier 6a & 6b, raised in commemoration of the 72,194 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the service of their country before March 1918.
John would have been awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal in recognition of his war service.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
John Ward is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and and C107.12
