Jack's Story.
Birkenhead News 31 July 1915
West African Britisher
Dies whilst Serving the King.
Some months ago a number of natives of British West Africa, eager to do “their bit” for the Empire, joined various units of the Army in the Liverpool area. The majority of them enlisted into the 3rd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment at Birkenhead, and we understand that they have made good and efficient soldiers. Almost without exception the men were seamen and firemen, most of them in the service of the Elder Dempster Line.
Among those patriotic Africans was Pte. John Lebby, who speedily became popular with his comrades. Unfortunately he was taken ill some ten days ago, and pneumonia developing, he was removed to the Military (RAMC) Hospital in Palm Grove, where, in spite of all that could be done for him, he died last Saturday. The gallant soldier was given an impressive military funeral at Flaybrick Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, the obsequies being attended by many hundreds of people. Some 200 men of the 3td Battalion assisted at the last rites, including a number of the soldier’s African comrades, who appeared to greatly appreciate the honours done to their compatriot. The band, with muffled drums, attended, and played funeral marches on the way to the cemetery, and at the close of the ceremony three volleys were fired and the “Last Post” sounded on the bugles.