John M Timbers

Born: 1879

Died: 7th August 1916

Rank and Regiment: Lance Corporal S/15924 in the 2nd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade

Resting Place: Vermelles British Cemetery in France - Plot III. L. 15

Memorials: St. Botolph’s Churchyard, Barford, United Kingdom

John was born in 1879 in Barford to John and Harriet Timbers. It has not proved possible to trace him in the 1901 Census. Quite possibly, given his subsequent military history, he was serving in the Rifle Brigade at that time. At all events, in 1911 he was the only one of John and Harriet Timbers’ six children living at home; he was single, and working as an agricultural labourer. John Snr., who in 1881 had described himself as a fish hawker, was now described as “Fishmonger (Dealer)” and Harriet, rather than being recorded on the Census as a housewife (by having no specific occupation stated) is specifically noted as “Assisting in the business”. Perhaps this implies that their business was doing reasonably well.

Firstly, he enlisted in the militia of the Norfolk Regiment before becoming a fully-fledged soldier on 17th September 1895. He claimed to be 18 – in fact he cannot have been older than 16. At the time, he stood at 5 ft 5¼ in tall and weighed but 119 lb (8st 7lb). He transferred to the Rifle Brigade on 2nd November 1895, and served in the Sudan and South African Campaigns. Later, in 1915 he joined the Territorials in the 4th Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment in 1915, with the service number 24508.

He reenlisted on 14th February 1916 in Great Yarmouth. He was recorded to be in good physical health, standing at 5ft 7.75lb and weigh 10st 14lbs. He is described on his enlistment papers as being both a miner (a surprising occupation for a man from Norfolk) and a serving soldier. He was initially assigned to the 5th battalion, but was transferred to the 2nd Battalion in May 1916. On the 27th May 1916 he embarked with the British Expeditionary Force to France. The next day, he disembarked and was sent to the frontline on the 14th June 1916. On the 1st July 1916, John’s Battalion were at the Battle of Albert. This may be the battle at which he lost his life as he was killed in action on the 7th August 1916 aged 37.

He is buried at the Vermelles British Cemetery in France. His commemoration refers to his service in the Sudan and South African campaigns and the inscription on his gravestone, chosen by his mother Harriet, reads:

THE LORD IS VERY PITIFUL AND OF TENDER MERCY

He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal both of which his father received on his behalf in 1921. His personal effects included 1 disc (identity card), 1 knife, 1 pocketbook and 1 photo, all of which were collected by his brother Richard. His fortune of £5. 5s. 4d. and a War Gratuity of £3 were left to his father.

Vermelles British Cemetery, France