J.B. Hanby in Hospital [Far left sitting]

Medal Index Card

Sunderland Echo Wednesday 11/12/1918

J.B. Hanby's Snuff box returned to the family.

Photo : Marie Cooper (formerly Hanby)

John Blackbird Hanby was born 1897, at Shotton to John Blackbird Hanby, Snr., [born 1871, Shotton Colliery, died 11th March 1959 at 4 Coronation Cottages, Shotton], Limestone Quarryman, and his wife Hannah Maria, [nee Levett], [born 1875, Haswell], at Front Street, Shotton, Durham. They were married in 1892.

John was one of nine children, Christopher born 1895, George born 1899, but died before 1911, Eveline born October 1900, Sarah Hannah born 1908, Frederick born September 1910, and Walter born 1905, all born at Shotton, and James W. Hanby born 1916. Two children, names unknown died before 1911.

Sarah later married a Robinson Sanderson.

John junior was a Coal Miner working for the Horden Colliery Company Ltd. He was also a member of the Victoria Working Men's Club. Here a Christopher Hanby who was a member of the billiard team for the Club often played and won here. His name appears in the local newspapers.

His older brother Christopher was also in the forces during WW1, however he was invalided out with Shell Shock.

John Blackbird Hanby originally enlisted at West Hartlepool, in the West Yorkshire Regiment, service number 54610, then was in the 2/8th (Ardwick) Battalion. Service number 53925.

Formed at Ardwick in August 1914 as a second line unit. Disbanded in France on the 13th February 1918. He was transferred to the 2/7th Battalion, which formed at Manchester in August 1914 as a second line unit. Then was transferred again to the 12th (Service) Battalion.

Formed at Ashton-under-Lyne in September 1914 as part of K2 and came under orders of 52nd Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. Moved to Wimborne in January 1915 and in May 1915 went on to Hursley Park. On the 17th of July 1915, disembarked at Boulogne. On the 24th September 1917, it absorbed HQ and two squadrons of the dismounted Duke of Lancaster's Yeomanry.

He was killed on the 22nd October 1918. The War Diary mentions that it was a quiet day. No casualties recorded.

The Snuff box was made by his father and was returned to the family when John Blackbird Hanby was killed as part of his personal effects. It still remains in the family today.

Source : Marie Cooper

John Blackbird Hanby, Senior left £332 16s 9d to Sarah Hannah Sanderson.

Note: the CWGC has his second name as 'Blackboard' it is Blackbird.

This may be caused by his medal roll entry, also being transcribed incorrectly.

He is remembered at Murton on M47.05 and at Shotton on S125.01 and S125.02

Manchester Regiment Archive
Manchester Regiment in WW1
The CWGC entry for Private Hanby