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Pte. John Denton
British Army 1/5th Btn. 2 Coy. Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Greenhill Lane, Derbyshire
(d.2nd Sep 1915)
Jack Denton was the only surviving son of John and Sarah Denton. He joined up (I believe as a regular rather than as a draftee) and was shipped off to France. John was killed in action on the 2nd September 1915 aged 22. This is the entry in the diary of the CO for that day:
Casualty report in War Diary Sept 1915 1st/5th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers list at end of diary includes 16 755 Pte Denton J, 2 coy killed 2.9.15 War diary entry for the day - 2nd September 1915 Sept 2nd - Bombardment of ? 13 commenced 3.55am Over a dozen of our own shells apparently 4.7 pitched in our lines doing considerable damage to support lines. Bombardment ceased for a time. Later the 4.5 howitzer and 1.8 pdrs continued making good shooting. New sniper post built in rear of B.4 Bombardment of ?(ters) 13 and area continued during afternoon. Enemy retaliated on Hooge-Zourve Wood area 5.15pm. Enemy ceased firing 6.30pm. A vague report that a trench had been evacuated to our left came in. Enemy suddenly opened heavy bombardment in same direction. Battalion stood to ? 9.30, nothing happened. W coy returned Company of 1st ? Reg in B3 during night which was very wet. Our ? guns reported have made good progress north side of ? (ters? 13 earlier in evening. Rest of night quiet. War Diary Index No: WO95/1430
My grandmother (Jack's niece) was around 7 at the time. She recalled coming home from school and finding her grandmother on the floor with the telegram in her hand that relayed the news he had been killed. Her grandmother had, in fact, suffered a stroke.
