John's Story.
Birkenhead News 12 June 1915
Died for King and Country
ROCK FERRY SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION.
A CAMMELL LAIRD EMPLOYEE.
The sad intimation of the death of her husband, Pte. J. Elston, was received by Mrs. Elston, 50, Lees Avenue, Rock Ferry, on Thursday. Pte. Elston, who was attached to “A” Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was called up for service in August, he having seen a considerable number of years’ service in India, and embarked for the scene of action on August 24th. His wife received numerous letters from him, which were always written in a bright and cheery manner. In May, however, they suddenly ceased, and Pte. Elston was first gazetted as wounded and then as missing. The official intimation says that he was killed in action and was buried on Whit Sunday.
In one of his last letters Pte. Elston said :- “If I do not come back you will know I have died for my King and country.” In private life Mr. Elston was employed by Messrs. Cammell Laird and Co. as a plater’s helper. He was a native of Tranmere, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him at Rock Ferry.
He leaves a wife and one young child, to whom heartfelt sympathy is expressed by numerous friends.