Lives of the First World War

John Bolton is also commemorated on this memorial. "This memorial, now listed as an historic monument, was erected at the instigation of Carrie Whitehead J.P. in September 1915 and is recognised as the first community World War One Memorial to be erected in this country. It was given "Grade II Listed Building" status in August 1999. The War Memorial 1914 - 1919 Rawtenstall Cemetery Roll of Honour This cross was erected by Carrie Whitehead, September 1915 that it might be some comfort to those who lost men very dear to them In grateful memory of the men of Rawtenstall who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914 - 1918 He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces. Is. XXV. 8".

Lieutenant in the 5th (Territorial) Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment at time of death.

On the evening of September 25, 1916, the German Zeppelin L21, commanded by Obeleutnant Kurt Frankenburg, was spotted off the coast of Lincolnshire before it headed over Yorkshire and into Lancashire, where it followed the tracks of the East Lancashire Railway line along the Rossendale Valley. The Rossendale Free Press reported that the first incendiary bomb fell shortly after the Zeppelin passed over Seat Naze at Newchurch. It fell in the grounds of Heightside House, but failed to ignite. Heightside House was the home of the Bolton family and the bomb is currently on display in Whittaker Park Museum, Rossendale. (H. H. Bolton on the display case refers to John Bolton's father, Henry Hargreaves Bolton J.P. b. 1857)

in uniform

As awarded to John Bolton for service in the Great War (Medal Index Card)

1/5 East Lancashire Regiment, Cairo