Pte 27346 John Mawdsley

The only clue to this soldier’s identity (as his marriage was a civil one with no record available of a father’s name) is the fact that, according to the 1911 census, he had a sister Annie 11 years younger. Process of elimination leads us to this man.

 

John Mawdsley was born in Liverpool on 27th January 1882, the son of John Mawdsley and his wife Ann (née Moss).  His father was from Kirkby and his mother from Ormskirk. They married in 1871 and had ten children.  Baptism and census records can only be found for nine; John had older siblings Emily, George (who died at age 9), and Margaret, and younger siblings William, Mary, Charlotte, Annie, and Frank.

 

In 1881 before John’s birth the family lived in Deysbrook Lane, West Derby. John (like all his siblings) was baptised in St. Mary the Virgin, West Derby, on 05th March 1882.

 

The 1891 census finds them in Stopgate Lane, Fazakerley with six children. His father is listed as a carter (horse), John is 9.

 

When he was 25 John married Amy Allanson, in the December quarter of 1907 in a civil ceremony, and their son John Reuben was born on 21st December that year.

 

In 1911 they are living at 21 Redcar Street, Anfield.  John is 29, employed as a Corporation gardener, Amy is 31, son John Reuben is 3.  Also in the household is his sister Annie, 18, a dressmaker.  His parents are living at 32-34 Kirkdale Road, Everton, with William, Mary, Charlotte, and Frank. 

 

John enlisted as Private 27346 in the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment.

He died of wounds on 18/07/1916 aged 34 and is buried at St Sever Cemetery in France.

 

His death was announced in the Liverpool Echo on 27th July 1916 under the heading,

“Death Follows Wounds”:  

“Private Mawdsley, who died from wounds received in action on July 18, joined the Army in May 1915 and went to France in January 1916.  He resided at 74 Glengariff Road, Clubmoor, Liverpool.”

(His married sister Emily lived in Glengariff Road.)

In the Liverpool Echo on the first anniversary of his death:

“In loving memory of Private J. Mawdsley (2nd Pals), who died from wounds received in action July 18, 1916.  Ever remembered by Bob, Sally, Sep, Kit, and Will (in France). - 89 Windsor Road.”

 

His widow Amy received John’s Army effects, including a War Gratuity of £4.  The pension card, giving Amy’s address as 32 Kirkdale Road, Everton, shows that she was awarded a pension of 17/6d a week for herself and child. She later moved to 111 St. Domingo Vale, Liverpool.

 

His parents and youngest brother Frank are still living at 32-34 Kirkdale Road in 1921.  It is not known when his parents died, or what became of his widow and son.

 

Sadly, John has not been identified on any memorial.

 

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