John's Story.
John was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Derbyshire of 11 Ivy Street, Runcorn. He was born at Weston Village on the 11th October 1896. He enlisted at the age of 19 at Warrington on 19th November 1914, and was drafted out to France on the 9th July 1915.In a letter to Johns mother, his officer wrote to say that he had been killed while taking part in a charge in which he and many of his comrades had lost their lives. In another letter, from a pal, who wrote to say he had been killed by a sniper during the attack. He was a first class bomb thrower and wore bombers badge.
In civilian life, John was employed as a moulder at Castner Kellner Works, Weston Point. He was a member of the Runcorn Tally Ho Harriers and had won several prizes for boxing, being attached to St Michael's Bible Class.
He joined up with Joseph Poole, Reg No 15952
Complied by Graeme Ainsworth and Percy Dunbavand.