Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
John was born in 1899 at Barnard Castle the son of John Ernest and Mary Elizabeth (nee Gregory). He was baptised at the Parochial Chapelry Barnard Castle on 4th February 1900. The couple, who married in 1894, had 3 children although John was their only son. John had 2 older sisters, Eliza Jane (domestic servant) and Olive Mary. John senior was employed as a blacksmith working on sanitary machinery.
John (known as Johnie) was called up for service on 25th January 1918 although he was deemed to have enlisted on 22nd December 1917. He gave his age as 18 years 1 month.
He was examined at Sunderland the details were that he was 5’4” tall, weighed 112 lbs, his faith being Church of England. He had dark hair, fresh complexion and brown eyes. He gave his working details as being a temporary postman.
The day after his enlistment he was sent to Rugeley Camp, Staffordshire for training.
When John was ready for active service, 1st July 1918, he embarked at Folkestone for the journey to France. He disembarked the same day at Boulogne.
He was only fighting in France for 6 weeks before he was killed in action in the field on 9th September 1918.
His possessions he took into action with him were letters, photos, wallet and a religious book. These items were returned to his family.
The following words were inscribed on his headstone :- “His duty is done”
Recipient of the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
John Bailey is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.01, B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 209
