Home World War Two Killed Soldier – Wardle, John – Killed by a Shell

Soldier – Wardle, John – Killed by a Shell

November 1918

Mexborough and Swinton Times November 9, 1918

Private John Wardle
Northumberland Fusiliers

Private John Wardle, of Middlecliffe, who enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers in September 1914 was killed by a shell on October 10.

He leaves a widow and four children.

Prior to enlistment he was employed at Houghton Main. The following letter has been received from Capt. F. E. Bendix (R.A.M.C.), whose orderly he ,was:

“It is with the deepest regret and most heartfelt sympathy that I write to tell you of your husband’s death. Words are useless to express one’s feeling at such times and my heart is too two full to attempt to write words of comfort, for I loved Wardle, perhaps more than any of the others with whom I came in contact, and they all loved him.

He was killed by a shell just after helping to dress, and carry in a wounded comrade. He was always so brave and cheery, and more than ready to help those in trouble. He always made me his special care, and I dare say he has often written and told you how happy we all were here together.

He will be terribly missed, and all his, fellow stretcher-bearers have asked me to send you their deepest expressions of sympathy in your sorrow. Your husband died a hero’s death, and we can all look back on the time he was with us with love and pride, and we can all take an example from his courage and cheerfulness. His grave is in a little ‘churchyard behind the village of Epincy and close to the place where he fell.      There he, lies with several of his comrades, an everlasting example of bravery and devotion for those who come after him.”