JOHN GUEST 

John GUEST
Rank: Private
Service Number:1926.
Regiment: 5th Bn Cheshire Regiment
Died of wounds Monday 7th June 1915
Age 20
FromLymm.
County Memorial Lymm
Commemorated\Buried Spoilbank Cemetery
Grave\Panel Ref: I.G.12.
CountryBelgium

John's Story.

John was born in Lymm in 1895, fourth son of John & Agnes Guest (nee Butterworth) and resided at Legh STreet, off Bridgewater Street, Lymm.  In peace time he was a plumber in the service of a relative in Oughtrington.  He attended St. Mary's Parish Church and was married to Phylis Cheetham.

He was killed by a bullet to the head on 7th June 1915 aged 21

An undated letter from Sgt Harold Clare to John's parents said:

"He was at his post when unfortunately a bullet went through his head.  He did not die instantly, in fact I thought he would live providing we took the risk of taking him to a doctor at the dressing station which was about a mile and a half away from the trenches.  Although it was getting daylight the Lymm men gladly volunteered to take the risk.

Lance Corporal Kay, Privates J M Jones, J Read, H Brookes and myself took poor Jack as quickly as possible without mishap but the doctor told us there was no hope.  He was unconscious all the time, dying a hero's death.  We got back to the trenches safely and we have just got to know Jack has died.  We did all we possibly could to save him, Private H Brookes, our stretcher bearer, worked splendidly in putting on the bandages.

Our comrade's death has caused a deep gloom over us all.  He was such a bright and happy lad, greatly respected by all officers and men alike, particularly by the Lymm men.  He was such a bright and happy lad and strongly devoted to his duty always to be trusted and always reliable.  You have lost a good son and England has lost a good soldier.  I beg to express to you on behalf of his Lymm comrades our sympathy in your great sorrow.  It pains me to write this letter, but I thought it would be some little comfort to you to realise that poor Jack has given his life for his King and the counrty he loved so much.  He will be buried by our Chaplain in a pretty spot and I shall apply for us to attend his funeral."



Researched and compiled by Lynn Smith