John Thomas's Story.
Newspaper report of John's death:
PRIVATE J. T. JONES.
Much sympathy is felt in the town for the suddenly bereaved mother of Private John Thomas Jones, of the East Lancashire Regiment, who was killed in France on July lst. Private Jones, who was 32 years of age, and who lived in Lower-street, was the sole support of an invalid mother anda crippled brother, and his death is a particularly sad loss to them. In the words of' his mother, he was an "exceptionally good lad," and his last letter home, only written on the day previous to his death, testified to the thought and sympathy he extended to those at home. He worked at the Lostock Chemical Works for some time, but three weeks prior to enlisting he went to work at Crosfield's Soap Works, Warrington. He had been in France 12 months, but had not had the good fortune to obtain a leave during that time. He vas for some years a teacher in the United Methodist Sunday School, and those in a position to do so, speak very highly of the good influence he extended to tho young people.
The news of his death was conveyed to his mother in the following letter from the Chaplain (the Rev. W.H. Jeffries):-"I am afraid that you have heard before now of your son's death. I wish my letter had been the first intimation, but it was not until to-day I could obtain. your address. Your son was killed in action on July 1st. I was not very far away, but not actually in the firing line, so did not see him. From what I have been able to learn his death was due to a bursting shell, and it must have been almost instantaneous. It will be some comfort to you to know that he did not suffer. I was greatly interested in your son, as we were both United Methodists, and also becauso I had preached at Middlewich as a student. He was regular in attendance at my services, and we had many chats together.
"He was a brave soldier and greatly respected in his regiment. Any words of mine must seem poor to beguile you from a grief so great, but your son died a true hero's death in trying to save his country. May the thought of his gallant conduct and the fact that he was prepared for whatever might happen bring you consolation at this time. He rests by the side of many of his gallant comrades who have fallen in the recent action. Will you and his brother accept my sincere sympathy. I pray that God of all comfort mav sustain vou until you meet your loved one again in the land of light."
PRIVATE J. T. JONES.
Much sympathy is felt in the town for the suddenly bereaved mother of Private John Thomas Jones, of the East Lancashire Regiment, who was killed in France on July lst. Private Jones, who was 32 years of age, and who lived in Lower-street, was the sole support of an invalid mother anda crippled brother, and his death is a particularly sad loss to them. In the words of' his mother, he was an "exceptionally good lad," and his last letter home, only written on the day previous to his death, testified to the thought and sympathy he extended to those at home. He worked at the Lostock Chemical Works for some time, but three weeks prior to enlisting he went to work at Crosfield's Soap Works, Warrington. He had been in France 12 months, but had not had the good fortune to obtain a leave during that time. He vas for some years a teacher in the United Methodist Sunday School, and those in a position to do so, speak very highly of the good influence he extended to tho young people.
The news of his death was conveyed to his mother in the following letter from the Chaplain (the Rev. W.H. Jeffries):-"I am afraid that you have heard before now of your son's death. I wish my letter had been the first intimation, but it was not until to-day I could obtain. your address. Your son was killed in action on July 1st. I was not very far away, but not actually in the firing line, so did not see him. From what I have been able to learn his death was due to a bursting shell, and it must have been almost instantaneous. It will be some comfort to you to know that he did not suffer. I was greatly interested in your son, as we were both United Methodists, and also becauso I had preached at Middlewich as a student. He was regular in attendance at my services, and we had many chats together.
"He was a brave soldier and greatly respected in his regiment. Any words of mine must seem poor to beguile you from a grief so great, but your son died a true hero's death in trying to save his country. May the thought of his gallant conduct and the fact that he was prepared for whatever might happen bring you consolation at this time. He rests by the side of many of his gallant comrades who have fallen in the recent action. Will you and his brother accept my sincere sympathy. I pray that God of all comfort mav sustain vou until you meet your loved one again in the land of light."