Information: Geordie at War Project
In Benwell (St.James) Churchyard is a family headstone of Varey which reads:
Loving memory of
Charlotte
beloved wife of Richard John Varey
who died Jan 26th 1934 aged 79 years.
Also John Arthur, beloved son of the above
who was killed in action in France
Feb. 4th 1917 aged 21 years.
Also the above Richard John Varey
who died Dec. 3rd 1937 aged 78 years.
The Geordie at War Project states:
The 26th Battalion was formed in London in 17 May 1915 by the Lord Mayor and City of London. Originally it was composed of mainly bank clerks and accountants from the City. The Battalion landed in France on 4 May 1916 and came under the command of 124th Brigade, 41st Division.
The Battalion War Diary indicates they came under fire in their trenches on 5 February and five soldiers were killed. Private Varey may have been one of these.”
John Arthur Varey is remembered in Scotswood on S84.01, S84.02 and S84.03
