CLS Chronicle 07/12/1917
Photo: CLS Heritage Group
In Ropery Lane Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:
In loving memory of
John Selkirk
died 15th February 1932 aged 69 years
Mary Ann, wife of the above,
died 2nd June 1939 aged 76 years
And of his sons,
Joseph died 12th May 1899
aged 15 years
Thomas, died 27th April 1890,
aged 5 years, interred at Pelton.
John, died 21st September 1917
aged 27 years.
Interred at Lijssenthoek
"Till the day dawns"
John was born and lived at Chester-le-Street. He had enlisted at Durham.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 07/12/1917 reports:-
Like Many More
Mr J. Selkirk, 4 Ernest Terrace, Chester-le-Street has received the following letter from a chaplain of No 3 Canadian C.C.S. concerning the death of his son Pte. J. Selkirk.
It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of your son in this station at noon yesterday. I had prayers with him at noon. He did not suffer and his end was peaceful. Everything possible was done for his comfort. He will be buried beside many of his comrades who like himself have made the supreme sacrifice. You have my deep sympathy and I pray that the God of all comfort may sustain you in your sorrow A.H. Denoon (Chaplain)
It would be a comfort to a lad of his faith to have a good man with him in the end. In a letter to his mother some time ago he wrote - Cast doubts aside and put your whole trust in God. He will bring us out of this horrible strife if He wills it.
He is deeply mourned by his parents sister and friends.
John Selkirk is remembered at Chester-le-Street onC105.01, C105.12, C105.15 and C105.40
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 257
