In Ration Farm Military Cemetery, La Chapelle-D’Armentieres, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 4/7725 Lance Corporal John Farrar, serving with the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry who died 05/12/1914.

John Farrar was the only son of William Farrar, of Southwick on Wear, and his wife Treaser [Teresa], daughter of Matthew Crawford of Sunderland.

John was born on the 12th August 1890 and was educated at the St Benet’s Roman Catholic School, Monkwearmouth. He had enlisted in 1907 in the Special Reserve of the Durham Light Infantry and was discharged in 1913. He then re-enlisted for another term and was called up for mobilisation on the 5th August 1914. John was part of the 5th wave of reinforcements to be sent to France in November 1914 for the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in France, whilst on sentry duty at Battalion Headquarters, by a stray bullet on the 5th December 1914, and was buried on a farm at Du-Bix.

Source: De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

John Farrar is remembered at Southwick on S130.22,  at Sunderland in S140.048 Part 2 page 11 and in S140.48 Part 12 page 268, in Peter Gibson’s book. and in the D.L.I. Book of Remembrance page page 327 as Farrer.