John (Jack) Hornby Overview

John (Jack) Hornby Overview

known 1st January 1890

Private, 4648, Manchester Regiment, 11th Battn, Born Wood Nook Accrington, residence St Annes, enlisted Blackpool. Killed in action on 26/09/16 aged 21. Named in the Memorial Chapel at St Annes Parish Church, on the memorial stone at Church Rd Methodist Church and on the memorial in Ashton Gardens and buried at Grandcourt, Regina Trench Cemetery, Plot III, Grave E5. In 1911 Jack was living at 140 St. Albans Rd aged 16, with parents. He was a Shop Assistant. He enlisted in September 1914 and was drafted to the Dardanelles in August of the following year. Suffering from dysentery he underwent treatment in a hospital in Cairo. Upon recovery he rejoined his regiment and went to France in July 1916. The St. Annes Express reports his death “ whilst engaged in a deed of superb gallantry- that of rescuing a wounded comrade- a greatly esteemed young Stannite in the person of Jack Hornby, of the Manchester Regiment, gave his all for king and country.” Jack’s commanding officer 2nd Lieut Smith-Carrington wrote to his mother “I greatly regret to inform you of the death of your son Pte J Hornby who was killed in action on 29th September, gallantly trying to rescue a wounded comrade. We all miss him greatly......(He) always did his work well and was very popular in the Company." Jack had been a resident of St. Annes for 15 years, was educated at Heyhouses School and employed by his uncles Messrs Shields of St. Annes Square. He was an enthusiastic member of the Ist St. Annes Scout Troup, being an Assistant Scout Master. The St. Annes Express reports an incident three years prior to his death when he was instrumental in saving two boys from drowning. For this act of bravery he was awarded the Medal of Merit of the Scouts Association. Jack attended the Church Road Wesleyan Sunday School, and St. Annes Parish Bible Class. A Memorial Service was held for him at Church Road Wesleyan Church. Sources of Information CWG. Soldiers who Died. Census. St Annes Express (letter home, 12/11/15),.St Annes Express (20/10/16, in mem 28/9/17), Parish Magazine (Nov 1916)

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  • Profile picture for John Hornby

    Born 1895

    Died 1916

    British Army 4648 Private Manchester Regiment