Private John E. Firth
John E. (Edward or Edwin) Firth was the son of William Henry (publican) and Annie Elizabeth Firth. He attended St Marie's R.C. Sunday School and was a drummer in the Boy's Brigade. Before the war, he was a locksmith’s assistant employed by Mr W. Sunderland of Gibbet Street.
He served in the 1st/4th Bn. Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment).
John E's mother received a letter from Sec. Lieut. W. S. Booth, "D " Co., 4th W.R., stating that her son:
"...Pte. John Edward Firth, was killed by the explosion of a trench mortar on the 19th inst...."
(Halifax Courier, Saturday, January 1, 1916)
John was killed on 19th December 1915, aged 20 years. He was interred at Talana Farm Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, grave reference IV.H.7. (CWGC)
John E. Firth is commemorated at Lister Lane Cemetery on the gravestone of grave number 868
Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery
Registered Charity No 1097153
Monumental Inscription
In loving memory of William Henry Firth, who died July 17th 1900, aged 42 years.
External rest give to him, O Lord, & let perpetual light shine upon him.
Also Annie Elizabeth, wife of the above who died April 23rd 1924, aged 54 years.
Also John Edwin son of the above killed in action Dec. 19th 1915 aged 20 years.
Also Edith, daughter of the above who died September 3rd 1960.
R.I.P.
Source of biographical information including the image of Private John E. Firth:
The Halifax Courier, dated January 1st, 1916
CWGC: Courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Members of:
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