192749 Sergeant John Heywood British Army Lancashire Fusiliers from:75 Gate St., Bolton, Lancs. (d.27 Apr 1916) John "Jack" Heywood was married to my Grandmother's sister, Elizabeth Alice Clough. The following is the text of an undated newspaper clipping describing his death: "Killed by a Sniper"
"The death in action is announced of Sergt. John Heywood, Lancashire Fusiliers. He leaves a wife and seven children, who live at 75 Gate st, Bolton. News of the casualty is conveyed in a letter from Capt. J.C. Metcalfe of the same regiment, who writes -- "I cannot tell you how exceedingly sorry I am at the death of your husband. He has been under me ever since the regiment was formed, and I have always liked him and had the greatest confidence in him. He was always cheerful and in times of difficulty showed what he was really worth." A message was also received from a comrade who states that Heywood was shot through the mouth by sniper on April 27th. The deceased soldier, who had previously served 13 years in the army, fought in the Soudan, South African and Boer wars, and holds medals for each. He re-enlisted in September, 1914, and after training a number of recruits at Salisbury Plains, Aldershot, and Codford, he went to the front in September, 1915. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Mr. W. Cunliffe, contractor, Deane-rd. He was very well known in the Deane-rd district and is on the Roll of Honour at the Savior's Church."
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