John Ward. Entitled to 1914 clasp. Killed in Action France and Flanders 25-1-15; 1st battalion. Commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial. Born St George's, Lancashire; enlisted Blackburn; residing at Darwen, Lancashire.
"25th January 1915
CUINCHY
About 7am a German deserter came in and reported an attack imminent. The German attack commenced by the explosion of a mine in the trench held by No. 4 Coy. under Capt. Campbell. The first line of trenches were consequently rushed by the Germans. No. 1 Coy. on the embankment by the La Bassee Canal held its ground and No. 2 Coy. under Lt. Viscount Acheson held on to the keep and Brickstacks and repelled the German attacks. The Battalion remained in position during the night of Jan. 25th."
Documents available: Medal Index Card; Soldiers Died in the Great War information (shows "Died", but MIC has "K in A"; Commonwealth War Grave Register page; extract of history of Coldstream Guards at Cuinchy.
Condition: VF; please see photographs for detail
