Lives of the First World War

"The War Office have now officially reported as killed, Pte. John William Ormerod, of the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch), who before the war lived with his wife and children at 23 Marlborough-street, Burnley. Since he went to the front, Mrs Ormerod has removed to 21, Engine-street. to be nearer her mother. Pte. Ormerod has been officially reported as missing since the 27th of October 1914, and his wife has had no further news during the last eighteen months. Pte. Ormerod was called up as a reservist on August 5th 1914, and journeyed with the Expeditionary Force to France in September. A returned soldier, who has been home wounded stated that a big battle occurred on the 27th October, and out of 800 Black Watch men engaged, only 110 answered the roll call on the following day. Pte. Ormerod was a native of Burnley and well known in the town. Previous to the war he was a weaver at Belle Vue Mill. He enlisted in the army in 1900, and served seven years with the colours. He went through the South African War, and holds the medal with four bars. Pte Ormerod was 33 years old when he was reported missing and apparently killed. He leaves a widow and two children. The photo given herewith was taken several years ago."

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