John Lightfoot's Story.
Arrived in France 17th July 1915.
John is remembered on the Christ Church Memorial at Barnton, Northwich.
Northwich Guardian 29th Oct. 1915. PRIVATE J. L. DALE, BARNTON SOLDIERS DEATH FROM WOUNDS.
Mr. and Mrs. Dale of 29 Broadway, Barnton have received information from one of the officers of the 7th East Lancashire Regiment, that their son, John Lightfoot Dale has died from wounds received on Sunday, October 17th. While on duty he was shot by a sniper and was severely wounded. After receiving attention from his comrades, he was conveyed to the field hospital, where, despite the effort of the doctors, he died.
Prior to enlisting Private Dale was an energetic worker for the Parish Church. He was for many years a member of the choir and was a teacher in the Sunday School. He was always a willing worker for any of the parochial gatherings in connection with the church which he so dearly loved. He was also a member for many years of the Church Lad’s Brigade. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was a Conservative and a member of the Conservative Club. This is the first casualty among the many of the club’s members who are serving their King and country.
Private Dale enlisted on September 3rd 1914 and prior to joining the Army was employed by the Co-Partnership Building Co., by whom he was highly respected. He went to France with a large contingent of Barnton and Northwich men on July 17th. He was 23 years of age. For several years he had been a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters “Lord de Tabley” Court, in which he had passed through various offices.
Letter from a chum.
The first intimation the parents received was in a letter from a chum, who after imparting the sad news said, “I am nearly heart-broken myself at losing so good a pal. He was a good lad and loved by all the company. Such a war! In the midst of life we are in death. We never know whose turn it is next. Please accept my deepest sympathy. He has died a hero’s death fighting for the rights of our beloved country.
Officer’s Sympathy
The officer of the deceased’s company, in a letter to Mrs Dale states:- “It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your son Private J. Dale, from wounds received last Sunday. His death adds another name to the long list of brave fellows who have fallen in the service of their country.
I must say he was a splendid soldier, always ready to do his duty under any conditions and I miss him very much indeed. He was my servant and I always found him ready to help me and others. We miss him very much, as every one was fond of him and his death is deeply regretted amongst the company. I sympathise deeply with you in your great bereavement and pray that you may be comforted and given strength to bear your heavy loss.”
A touching letter has been received by Mrs Dale from the landlady of the house where the deceased was billeted at Clevedon, before proceeding on active service. She says “I can’t tell you have grieved we are about Jack-dear boy; the best and brightest of them all. We know that Jack was ready to meet his God and must all look forward to meeting again in a better land, where there will be no war.
C.W.G.C. remember a J. L. Dale at Merville Communal Cemetery (lV.K.3) France He served with the 7th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment, Service No 13157, date of death 19th Oct. 1915 aged 23. Son of Henry and Elizabeth Dale of 20 Broadway, Barnton, Northwich. Personal Inscription; Not gone from memory or from love but gone to his heavenly home above.
N.A.M.C. have a medal card for a John L. Dale with the 7th East Lancashire Regiment, No 13157. Awarded the 15 Star, British and Victory medals, T.o.W. (1) France, D.o.E. 17-7-15.
Cheshirebmd records a John L. Dale born in Weaverham in 1892, which works in with his age of 23 as recorded by C.W.G.C. for is death.
Researched Bob H.