Pelton Cemetery
Pelton Cemetery
232106 Gunner
J. Sands
Royal Field Artillery
31st May 1918 Age 22.
Always in Loving Memory
Nearby is a family headstone for Sands which reads:-
In Loving memory of
Gnr. John Sands 232106
R.F.A.
The beloved son of
Robert and Jessie Sands
Who died from Gas Poisoning received
In France May 31st 1918
Aged 22 years and 10 months
Also Jessie Isabella Brewster
Niece of the above born August 30th 1916
Died August 18th 1918
Oh, the parting not for ever for we are all growing old
Soon we will meet our soldier laddie safely gathered in the fold
He is waiting there to welcome us, fond and true
When the gates of heaven are opened he will come and lead us through
William Kirby has submitted the following:-
John, born in 1895 at Perkinsville was the son of Robert and Jessie Sands. In 1911 the family were living at Nova Scotia. Robert was a miner hewer whilst John aged 16 was a driver.
John enlisted at Chester-le-Street in May 1917 and joined the Royal Garrison Artillery. He embarked for France December 27th 1917. He was there until 31st March 1918. He was discharged as medically unfit suffering with tuberculous May 1st 1918 and died May 31st.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 07/06/1918 reports:-
Memorial Service
Pelton Hero "Answers the Call"
Gunner John Sands, RFA, whose parents live at 4 Holyoak Terrace Pelton Lane Ends, served his country valiantly in the great push in March last, by sticking to his post of duty and serving his gun till every man in the battery but himself were wiped out. With true British bulldog tenacity, he continued serving the gun till struck down and there lay for some considerable time before he was taken to the casualty station. He had been wounded, gassed and suffered from trench fever and was sent to a hospital in France. Later on he was transferred to England and came home eight weeks ago. After being sent to a sanatorium he came home again and passed away on Friday last.
It was not until practically the last day that a military funeral was arranged but through the efforts of Mr J.R. Mole chairman of Pelton Parish Council it was decided that this last distinguished honour should be given to a brave soldier who, although he died at home amongst his friends, had sacrificed his life for the honour of England.
Military Funeral
On Tuesday evening, the funeral took place and attracted large concourse of persons who lined the road en-route from the residence of the deceased to the Church at Pelton. Outside the house a detachment of B Company of the 9th Volunteer Battalion were drawn up in charge of C.S.M. S. Hutchinson, and as the coffin was taken from the house it was covered by a Union Jack for a pall. The Volunteers presented arms and afterwards took up their position and preceded the hearse walking with arms reversed. Then came the band of the 9th Battalion Volunteers and the Pelton Colliery band, under the leadership of Mr I. Almond of Birtley and to the solemn strains of the Dead March in Saul the cortege processed to the church.
On arrival at the Church gates the Volunteers opened out leaning on their arms, the cortege passed through being met by the Revs. Fielding Smith (West Pelton) and A.C.C. Firman (Pelton) who carried out the Burial Service. The surpliced choir sang as a processional hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers." The service in the church was fully choral, the choir chanting the 90th Psalm and singing two hymn "Fight the Good Fight" and "Now the labourer's task is o'er" the latter being sung from the church to the graveside. The Burial Service closed by the choir chanting Nunc Dimittus. The firing party has taken up their position by the graveside and under Sergt. J.W. Johnson fired the customary three volleys over the grave, after which "The Last Post" was sounded. A most solemn and impressive service was concluded by the bands playing "Rock of Ages".
The chief family mourners were, Mr Sands (father) the Misses Mary, Margaret and Isabella Sands (sisters). Hundreds of neighbours and friends were present to show their respect. The inscription on the coffin was "John Sands, died May 31st 1918, aged 23 years." A beautiful floral offering was sent by the Pelton Soldiers and Sailors Fund with the committee's deepest sympathy.
John Sands is remembered at Pelton on P26.01 at Pelton Fell on P27.01 and at West Pelton on W112.01
