No.58920, Lance Corporal, John SUCKLING
Aged 22
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John SUCKLING was born at 8 Pound Row, Haverhill on 15th February 1896,(Risbridge Q1-1896 4A:728), baptised in St Mary's Haverhill on 12th April 1896,
son of John and Eliza Kate SUCKLING (née RIDGWELL).
1901 census...Aged 5, he was at 4 Mount Road, Haverhill with his father John SUCKLING [28] bricklayer; his mother Eliza [29] born Toppesfield, Essex; sisters Elizabeth [6] and Hilda [11 months]; brother Stanley [2]. All except his mother were born in Haverhill. 1911 census... Aged 15, Marine store's assistant, he was at 10 Mount Road, Haverhill with his parents (mother a hairweaver); sisters Elizabeth, Hilda and Freda [3]; brothers Stanley, Edward [8], Reginald [6] and Conrad [1]. On Army form 5080 in 1919 his father recorded all the family living at 10 Mount Road, Haverhill, parents, brothers Stanley Arthur [21], Edward [17] Reginald [15] and Conrad [10]; sisters Elizabeth [25], Hilda [19] and Lily [8] |
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The South West Suffolk Echo of 23rd November 1918 reported that:- "Mr. and Mrs. J. Suckling, of 10 Mount Road, Haverhill, have been informed of the death of their son, Lance-Corpl. J. Suckling, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, at Malta. Deceased, who was 22 years of age, joined up about three years ago, and had seen much service in France. He passed away at Malta on October 26th as a result of influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia. The following letter has been received from a chum:- "Will you please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear son Jack. We have been friends for a long time, even before we left England. Knowing he came from Haverhill, and I lived at Barnardiston Hall in 1906 we used to have some nice talks of the district. We all indeed are very sorry to lose him, and we shall miss him very much. He was very bright and cheerful, and although often very unwell he never complained. We buried him at Pieta Cemetery amongst many other brave lads. The coffin was placed on a gun carriage, covered by the Union Jack, and drawn by five mules. The Military band and about 150 men followed him. The service was very comprehensive, and I am sure our hearts went out to you all very much, being so far away. There were six beautiful wreaths, from the Fire Brigade, to which he belonged, also from the Officers and N.C.O.'s, as well as the Company. I can assure you it showed how well he was respected by all who knew him. May God comfort you in all your sorrow and help you through is my earnest wish." He enlisted in Chelmsford on 15th November 1915, giving his age as 19 years 9 months, height 5 feet ? inches, chest 32"-34" (81.3 to 86.4 cm), address 26 Henry Road, Chelmsford, next of kin, his father John at 10 Mount Road, Haverhill. Placed in Reserve, mobilised in the Middlesex Regiment on 17th April 1916..In 24th July 1916 he sailed from Folkestone to Boulgone where he joined the 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in the field. He went ill with bronchitis on 8th November 1916 and was passed from No.6 Field Ambulance to No.3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station on 10th, then to No.4 General Hospital Carniers on 13th, from where he was evacuated to England on 17th November. He spent some time in St.Lukes War Hospital, Halifax from where he managed to get leave to 10 Mount Road, Haverhill from 20th to 30th December. Probably not fully fit for war action, he was next transferred to Garrison Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and spent some time in Tipperary, Ireland. On 8th October 1917 he arrived in Malta and was transferred to the Garrison Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment and was promoted to Lance Corporal on 16th September 1918. Shortly after he was ill and taken to St Andrews Hospital in Malta where he died on 26th October from influenza and broncho-pneumonia. |
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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