John Stanley's Story.
John Stanley Lea, known as Jack to his family, was the only child of William Lea (1864–1943) and Lucy Cliff (1866–1951). He was born in Nantwich on 11th November 1891. His father was an ironmonger, and the family lived at Beechroft, Park Road in Nantwich. John attended Hepworth College, Rhyl, and after leaving school became an apprentice ironmonger working alongside his father and uncle.
He enlisted into the Motor Transport section of the Royal Army Service Corps on 3rd November 1915, his military records showing that he was 5' 9" in height and 23 years old. He was not married.
In January 1916 he was aboard the SS Duchess of Argyll, disembarking in Rouen on 18th January.
John was killed in action on 1st September 1917, dying of wounds to his arms, legs and abdomen from a bomb dropped from a plane. His parents were informed that his death was almost instantaneous.
The article goes on to say how much John was liked and respected by those who knew him, and mentioned his involvement with the Wesleyan Church in Nantwich:
He is buried in Mendinghem military cemetery. John's name appears on the Nantwich War Memorial. A year after his death, his parents gave a donation to the local hospital to fund an x ray machine, and a cot was named in memory of their son "Jack".
Researched by Shena Lewington (October 2026)
He enlisted into the Motor Transport section of the Royal Army Service Corps on 3rd November 1915, his military records showing that he was 5' 9" in height and 23 years old. He was not married.
In January 1916 he was aboard the SS Duchess of Argyll, disembarking in Rouen on 18th January.
John was killed in action on 1st September 1917, dying of wounds to his arms, legs and abdomen from a bomb dropped from a plane. His parents were informed that his death was almost instantaneous.
The article goes on to say how much John was liked and respected by those who knew him, and mentioned his involvement with the Wesleyan Church in Nantwich:
He is buried in Mendinghem military cemetery. John's name appears on the Nantwich War Memorial. A year after his death, his parents gave a donation to the local hospital to fund an x ray machine, and a cot was named in memory of their son "Jack".
Researched by Shena Lewington (October 2026)