Lives of the First World War

Early close-up sepia photo of John Bardgett in uniform.

Studio style photo of John Bardgett in uniform.

CWGC Headstone of L/Cpl. John Bardgett at Lonsdale Cemetery, near the village of Authuille, France.

The scan shows the original notification of John’s burial that his wife Alice received more than a year after he was killed on the battlefield. As John’s body was not recovered for many weeks he probably would have been reported missing at the time until he was identified.

Transcript of the obituary: Above we give the picture of Lance-Corpl. John Bardgett, of 11 Chapel Street, Appleby, who was reported missing some months ago, and whose death is now confirmed. Lance-Corporal Bardgett, who was in the Border Regiment, was a workman in the employ of the Appleby Corporation. The Rev. A.J.W. Crosse, chaplain, has written Mrs Bardgett: “I think it will be some consolation to you to know that among the bodies lately found on the battlefield and buried was that of your dear lad. A troop of cavalry attended the burial in the cemetery where most of the men in the same regiment rest. A wooden cross bears his name at the head of the grave. I send you his disc with my deepest sympathy. He died a brave death for his country, and lies near the spot where he so gloriously fell”.

A silk postcard from John Bardgett to his wife Alice.

A silk postcard from John Bardgett to his wife Alice.

A silk postcard from John Bardgett to his wife Alice.

A silk postcard from John Bardgett to his wife Alice.