No.16713, Private, John BARRY
Aged 29
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John BARRY was born in 1888 in Painswick, Gloucester (Stroud Q4-1888 6A:313), son of Gerald and Lizzie BARRY (née ADAMS). "Soldiers Died" has him born at CastleConnell,
Limerick as he is recorded on the "Ireland, Casualties of World War 1"
1891 census...Aged 2, he was at The Street, Stradishall with his father Gerald BARRY [25] coachman, born Federmore, Limerick, Ireland; his mother Lizzie [23] born Feltwell,Norfolk and sister Gertrude Mary[3months] born Framlingham 1901 census...Aged 12, he was at 17 Eastgate Street, Bury St.Edmunds with his parents, sisters Gertrude and Kathleen Rose [3] born Barrow; brothers Lawrence William [8] disabled, born Newport, Gerald Patrick [6] born Little Walden and Gilbert Michael[4] born Gazeley. Another brother Cecil was born and died in 1901. 1911 census...Aged 22, a waiter, he was at 73 St James' Gardens, London, working at the club there. His parents were inThurston,l father a domestic groom, with sisters Kathleen Rose, Noreen Matilda {3] and Sybil Lily [1]; brothers Gilbert, Cecil Edmund [4] and Frank Thomas [6]. The four youngest children were born in Thurston He married Gertrude Annie HOLLOCKS (b.11-7-1889) on 31st October 1914, and they moved to Brooke Lane, Preston, nr. Lavenham. She married Thomas HOLLOCKS in 1921 |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds He was drafted to France on 30th May 1915. Tracing machine Gun companies is difficult, but John died of his wounds at No.48 Casualty Clearing Station, at Ytres, France. The Bury Free Press of 16th February 1918 reported:- PRVT JOHN BARRY DIES IN FRANCE- KILLED BY A GERMAN SNIPER It is with sincere regret we record that Prvt.John Barry, Machine Gun Corps, of Preston, Suffolk, has paid the supreme penalty in France. The deceased brave soldier was wounded on the night of 20th January, just as he was coming out of the trenches, after being in them 16 days, by a German sniper. He had served in France 2 years and 8 months, and had been home on leave four months previous to his death. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Barry, of Thurston His wife, to whom deepest sympathy is extended in her heavy bereavement, has received letters from the Chaplain at the 48th Casualty Clearing Station, and the Matron of the hospital where Prvt Barry died: "48th Casualty Clearing Station, B.E.F. France- Dear Mrs Barry- by the time this letter reaches you, you will have received the sad news of your husband's death. May God help you to bear this great grief and comfort you in time..............." " 48th C.C.S. 2nd Jan.1918 - Dear Mrs Barry, it is with greatest regret that I have to tell you that your husband passed away this forenoon at 12:45 pm. His death was very peaceful and without pain as he was unconscious for two hours before the end. It may comfort you somewhat to know this, and that he was in kind hands. He did so want to live, poor soul, for your sake. He said one of the last things that he was going to write to you quite soon and did not want you to know he was so very ill. He will be laid to rest in Rocquigny Road Military Cemetery by the Chaplain of the unit, who will be sure to write to you. His effects will be forwarded in course of time by his depot to you - with very sincere sympathy, Matron"
photo courtesy of great niece,Kathy Magnall photo: Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
