224937 Pte. John Long British Army 19th Btn. E Company Lancashire Fusiliers from:Salford John Long was my Nan's brother. He worked at Goodwins soap factory in Salford and joined the Lancashire Fusiliers as an underage soldier. He lived at 3 Tintern Street with his family prior to joining the army. His father Ernest Long wrote to the front line to inform his officers that he was fighting in the machine gun section and was not actually 18 until 19th July 1916; he had already been on the front line since November 1915. He actually said he was 19 and 8 months on enlisting. He was sent back from Etaples station to Bury barracks but returned to the front line as soon as he was of age.
He fought right through the war even though he suffered trench fever and was treated in the field hospital. He spent 6 months as a German prisoner of war before returning home.
Sadly he only lived to the age of 24 as he died from the effects of the gas over the years he fought. His father Ernest was by his side when he died in Salford Royal Hospital. His death certificate was dated 20th Sept 1922 and causes of death were pernicious anaemia and gastric haemorrhaging. So terrible that having fought so many battles and been a prisoner of war he should die such a painful death. We shall remember them.
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