Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
John was born January 18th 1897 at Heighington then later baptised on February 21st 1897 at St Michael’s Church in the village. He was the eldest son of Joshua and Sarah (nee Burdon Bellwood) who married in 1896. They had 5 children together although sadly 2 died.
In 1901 the family was living at Ricknal Cottages, Preston le Skerne where his father was a horseman on a farm. He had two brothers, Charles and James. Another two brothers arrived after the census had been taken ie Albert (born/died 1902) and Joshua (born/died 1903).
By 1911 Joshua was now a farmer at Rye Close Farm with his sons Charles and James working alongside him. John is living nearby with his grandfather who at age 75 probably needed a young helper on his farm.
John enlisted at Spennymoor into the army although his service records are not available.
However a report of September 1st 1917 shows that John was wounded as per the War Office Daily List No 5353. This entitled the soldier to wear a “Wound Stripe”.
A later War Office Daily List no. 5674 shows that John was previously reported missing, in fact, he died of pneumonia as a prisoner of war in German hands.
A card giving details of John as prisoner of war shows his capture date of March 22nd 1918 at St. Quentin on the Western Front. It also shows a reference number P.A.25519.
The inscription on his headstone in Germany reads :- Peace Perfect Peace
An amount of £12.11d.9d due to him then later a war gratuity of £13.0s.0d was allocated to his father.
Note: Although most records including CWGC show date of death as 06/05/1918 it is noted on his pension records (Fold 3) that his death occurred on 12/06/1918. This appears to be incorrect.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
Acknowledgments: Carol Hird who also provided the photo taken from the Northern Echo 08/11/1915.
John William Bellwood Hill is remembered in Kirk Merrington on K26.01
