In the Gaza War Cemetery Israel and Palestine (including Gaza)  is the Commonwealth War Grave of 50559 Private John William Gallon, serving with the 1/5th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, who died 03/11/1917.

The only son of Matthew Edward and Mary Gallon, of The Pines, London Road, Petersfield, Hants.

John William Gallon was born in June, July, August, 1895, at Victoria House, Market Lane, Dunston, Gateshead, Durham the son of Matthew Edward Gallon [born October 1860, died 1929], and his wife Mary nee Gosling1874 – 1976.

They had two children John William the eldest and Jessie Isabella born 1903 at Dunston.

[Matthew’s father, James was a railway porter, who died in December 1915 age 79, he was married to Isabella who died in 1901 aged 67. Between 1861 and 1881 Matthew had moved around, with at least three addresses, 4 and a half Snow Street, 5 Buckingham Street and 10 Sunderland Street all at Westgate, Newcastle upon Tyne].

John William’s father, Matthew was an Iron and Brass Foundry employer, and in 1911, John was employed in his father’s foundry as an apprentice. His sister was still at school. The family had a live in general domestic servant called Alice Hues.

During the War, Matthew became a Councillor.

John enlisted in 1914, at Newcastle upon Tyne, and was posted to the 1/5th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. Prior to this he was in the Royal Army Service Corps as 4/143391, Private.

1/5th Battalion. August 1914, in Bury St Edmunds. Part of Norfolk & Suffolk Brigade, East Anglian Division. 18th May 1915, formation renamed 153rd Brigade, 54th (East Anglian) Division

30th July 1915, John embarked at Liverpool and moved to Gallipoli via Mudros. Landed at Suvla Bay on the 10th August 1915. 19th December 1915, evacuated from Gallipoli and arrived at Alexandria. Served in Egypt and Palestine thereafter.

His unit was involved in the Third Battle of Gaza during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I.

He died from his wounds in Egypt on the 3rd November 1917.

In his will he left effects of  £153 0s 1d to his mother.

His parents moved to The Pines, London Road, Petersfield, Hants, after the War. They eventually retired to Tynemouth and resided at 44 Percy Gardens Tynemouth.

They had a War Memorial given in perpetuity unveiled in Swalwell Cemetery in memory of their son.

He was the nephew of William Calvering Gallon

John William Gallon is remembered at Dunston on D31.01,  at Swalwell on S85.04 and at Whickham on W86.09