William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

John was born at Gateshead in 1899 the son of James and Caroline (nee Cowell). The couple married at Gateshead in 1889. According to the 1911 census they had 7 children together but sadly 2 died including their youngest girl Mary Jane who died in 1889 in infancy.

The 1901 census shows the family to be living at 11 Waggon Way Street, Felling, Gateshead. Their children at that time were Phyllis, Ann, Robert and John. Father James was working as a coal miner hewer. Their mother Caroline died in 1909 at the young age of 42 years.

By 1911 the family was living at 103 Waggon Way Street. James shown on the census return as a widower was still working as a hewer but his eldest son Robert had found employment as a coal screen separator whilst the other children are still at school. Two new daughters were showing on this census, Margaret and Caroline.

Also living with the family are Thomas Foster who was a sinker at the pit and a servant Phyllis Foster. It seems likely Thomas and Phyllis were related as either sister or wife. The seven folk living there occupied just 2 rooms.

James married Dorothy Clarke in 1913.

John enlisted at Sunderland on May 15th 1917. He arrived at Rugeley Camp, Cannock Chase on May 18th 1917.

His records show him to be 5’3” tall, weighing only 7st 1lb. He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. His character was noted as being very good. He was sober and industrious. His trade was as a motor driver? His address was 17 Musgrave Terrace, Washington.

He was transferred to the British Expeditionary Force on April 6th 1918 but after only 29 days health problems were occurring. His illness started in April 1918 in France although prior signs had been causing concern for a while. He had previously been hospitalised at other hospitals. From May 5th 1918 until July 4th 1918 John was treated at the Western General Hospital, Manchester with bronchitis, cough, night sweats and loss of voice. It was thought TB was the possible cause. Early in his hospital stay a sputum sample was taken from him which confirmed tubercule bacilli was present. By July 26th 1918 pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed.

On July 27th 1918 aged 19 years 4 months he was discharged at York as being no longer fit for war service. His condition was contributable to ‘service during present war’ as John had been quite well. His total service up to his discharge was 1 year 72 days which apart from 29 days in France were served at home.

He was awarded a Silver War Badge.

He died at home on November 22nd 1918.

John does not have a Commonwealth War Grave.

John Bannister is remembered at Usworth on U9.08 and at Washington on W96.01 and W96.11