Pte 73593 John Wood Lomas

• Age: 42
• From: Dukinfield
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• Died Saturday 9th June 1917
• Commemorated at: Ashton-under-lyne, Lancs
  Panel Ref: M.913

John Wood Lomas was born on the 22nd October 1874 in Dukinfield, Cheshire the son of James Lomas and Margaret Ann (née Wood) who were married on the 28th June 1870 at St Michael and All Angels Church, Ashton under Lyne. John was aged 24, his father, John. Lomas, whilst Margaret was aged 21,her father, John Wood. 

John was baptised on Christmas Day,the 25th December 1874 at St Peter's Church, Ashton Under Lyne.

The 1881 Census shows 6 year old John living with his parents and siblings at 16 Manchester Road, Ashton under Lyne. His father, James, is a Professor of Music, born in Dukinfield in 1846, his mother Margaret Ann is also a Professor of Music born at Mellor in Derbyshire in 1849. John's siblings were; George Henry b.1872, Elizabeth b.1873, Agnes Jane b. 1877, James Herbert b. 1878 and Edith b.1880. The family have 1 servant.

The 1891 Census finds the family have moved and are living at 6 Henry Square, Ashton under Lyne. John is a 16 year old Clerk, living with his parents and six siblings. His father is 45 years of age and is a Professor of Music, his mother is 42 years old. His siblings are listed as; George H. a 19 year old musical student, Elizabeth an 18 year old school teacher, Agnes 14 is a scholar, James is a 13 year old office boy, Edith 11 and Harold 8 are scholars.

His father, James, died, aged 47, in 1893. 

The 1901 Census finds the family living at 123 Portland Street, Ashton under Lyne. John is now 26 years of age and is employed as a cotton salesman. He lives with his widowed mother aged 52 and five siblings; Elizabeth a 28 year old school teacher, Agnes a 24 year old teacher of music, James a 23 year old railway clerk, Edith is 21 with no occupation listed, and Harold a 17 year old builder's clerk.

John married Eliza Andrew on the 31st January 1905 at St. John The Evangelist Church, Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire. John was a 30 year old cotton salesman of 136 Burlington Street, father, James, deceased, whilst Eliza was aged 29 of 37 Heys Street, Hurst, her father, John, was also deceased. 

His mother died, aged 59, in 1909. 

In 1911 they are living with their 3 daughters at 127 Blandford Street, Ashton under Lyne. John is now 36 years of age and a Clerk in a cotton merchants warehouse. His wife Eliza was born in 1876. Their children are as follows; Margaret Eliza b.1906, Edith b.1907, Minnie b.1908 and a further daughter named Ruth in 1916.

John's service records have not survived but we know that he enlisted in Ashton under Lyne. Whilst on active service he fell seriously ill and was returned to England. In Bath Hospital, probably Combe Park, he died of pneumonia on the 09th June 1917, aged 43. 

He now rests at Ashton und Lyne Cemetery (at M.913) where his headstone bears the epitaph: 

”AT REST”.

There are 80 First and Second World War casualties buried in the Cemetery.

We currently have no further information on John Wood Lomas. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.