In Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium is the Commonwealth War Grave of 27325 Private John George Shanks Litherland serving with 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry who died 22/04/1916.

The son of Thomas and Francis Litherland, of 26, Station Avenue, Fence Houses, Co. Durham.

In Christ Church Churchyard Great Lumley is a family headstone which reads:-

In loving memory of
Thomas
Beloved husband of
Frances Litherland
Died 6th July 1943
Aged 66 years

Also Stanley, Edwin
Pte. Jack & James
Sons of the above

William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

John George Shanks Litherland was born at Jarrow in the last quarter of 1899. His parents were Thomas and Frances (nee Shanks) who had married at Newcastle in 1896. The 1901 shows the couple together with their young son, James (born 1897). At this time father, Thomas, was working as a labourer at a gas producers in the steel works. John aged one was a patient in the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary on the census date. His illness is not recorded. Frances gave birth to William Turnbull September 2nd 1901.

By 1911 the family were living at 25 Railway Terrace New Herrington. There were 6 family members living in 2 rooms. Father, Thomas, was now a coal miner/deputy overman below ground whilst James aged 14 was working as a belt boy above ground. John and William were attending school. Thomas Edwin was only four months old.

Stanley and Mary Isabella were born in 1913, followed by Joseph B. in 1915. Unfortunately, both (Thomas) Edwin and Stanley died in 1916.

John (known as Jack) enlisted at Shiney Row on June 15th 1915. He lied about his age which he gave as 19 years 2 months, in fact, he was only 15, a boy soldier.

Jack was posted to 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry as service no. 23725. He was recorded as being 5 feet 9inches tall with no distinguishing marks.

On February 23rd 1916 Jack embarked with the British Expeditionary Force to France. He only lasted 60 days at the front as on April 21st 1916 he was seriously wounded in action. It seems he was hit by a shell burst that did massive damage to his head, face and hands.

The next day April 22nd Jack died of his wounds aged 16 years at No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station which was located at Remy Sidings near Poperinghe. His total service amounted to 313 days.

His father added the following inscription to his headstone:- Greater love have no man than this. He lay down his life for his friends

Father Thomas was entitled to his due pay amounting to £2 10s 6d plus £3 war gratuity.

The family were living at Station Avenue, Fence Houses at the time of Jack’s death.

Jack was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his military service.

John George Thomas Shanks is not remembered by name on a local War Memorial.

The Memorial in Fence Houses F47.01 bears no names.

He is remembered in the D.L.I. Book of Remembrance page 93