Pte. John Morgan

John was the only son of John and Mary Morgan of Shirlheath Farm, Kingsland.

He was educated at Eardisland school and then went to work on his father's farm.

John initially enlisted in the Montgomeryshire Regiment but was subsequently transferred to B Company 4th (Territorial) Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

His battalion was attached to the 47th (2nd London) Division and positioned in the Ypres salient of the western front.

B company was a pioneer unit and John's daily tasks would have involved digging and rebuilding of trenches, relaying roads and maintaining barbed wire defences.

John’s unit was present at the battles of Messines (7th - 13th June), Pilckem Ridge (31st July - 2nd August), and the third battle of Ypres (18th August - 2nd September). During the course of this major battle John was reported as “being killed when out with a working party and was unfortunately caught by shell fire”.

Capt. Christopher, John’s Commanding Officer, wrote to John’s family, saying how John was a fine example of a soldier and a great favourite with everyone. He added, “your son was killed by a piece from a shell, which burst by his side; death was instantaneous and he could not have suffered any pain. Capt. Christopher ensured that the men from the unit would be making a large white cross for the grave, and that, “You should know that his funeral was attended by nearly all his fellow soldiers”.