Cpl 22984 John Dwyer

• Age: 29
• From: Widnes
• Regiment: 3rd Kings
• Died on Wednesday 20th November 1918
• Commemorated at: Widnes Cem Lancs
  Panel Ref: IV. R.RC.916

John Dwyer was born in Widnes in 1889 the son of John Dwyer and his wife and his wife Mary (nee Regan) who married in Prescot in the December quarter of 1888. Both of his parents were born in Widnes. John was the first of eight children born to his parents. His siblings were Edward (died aged 3), William,  Joseph,  Thomas (died aged 4), Mary, Ellen and Julia. 

In the Census of 1891 the family are living at 28 Margaret Street, Widnes. John's father is aged 30 and is employed as an Alkali Labourer, mother Mary is aged 24.  Also present are six close relations.  

By 1901 the family are living at 54 Ann Street West, Widnes. His father is aged 39, now showing as a Chemical Labourer, mother is aged 34, children are listed as; William 18 a labourer, Mary Winifrede 15 at school, Ellen 14 at school, Julia 11 at school, and Joseph 9 at school. Also present are two boarders who work at the Alkali works.

John attended St Mary's College in Middlesex between 1908 - 1910. The college was atvthe time the only Catholic training college for male teachers in England and Wales. He took up a teaching position soon after in Dundee and whilst there started playing football for Dundee Hibernian. 

John is not shown on the 1911 Census, his family are still residing at 54 Ann Street West, Widnes. His father is recorded as being aged 44, still a Chemical Labourer, His mother is shown as aged 42. 

He enlisted in Liverpool on 05th November 1914 joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 22984. He gave his age as 25 years and 90 days, his occupation as a School Teacher. He was described as being 5' 4 inches tall and weighed 126lbs, 35” chest, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair and he had a scar on his chin. He stated his religion as Roman Catholic.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

His service record shows that he was appointed as paid Lance Corporal on 08/12/1914. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Corporal on 09/02/1915 and again to Acting Serjeant  on 01/07/1915. However, John reverted to Private at his own request on 01/09/1915. He must have had second thoughts as he was again appointed paid Lance Corporal on 20/10/1915 and promoted to Corporal on 08/11/1915 just a day after his arrival in France.

John attended Trench Mortar School on 24/04/1916 and whilst at this training he was wounded with what is described as crushed fingers. He returned to the UK on 06/05/1916. Whilst at home he married Jane (Jennie) Timmins in Rhyl on 14/09/1916, her address was 96 Derby Road, Widnes and she became his next of kin. 

His records show that he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment on 16/02/1917 and was discharged from the Army on 23/03/1917 being considered as no longer physically fit for active service. He received a Silver War Badge numbered 177954. The reason stated is Tuberculosis of Lung aggravated by action.

John spent time in Sanitoriums as he sought treatment for his condition. Indeed he wrote to his wife in May 1917 from Eastby Sanatorium in Skipton, Yorkshire. 

Sadly John died in the Italian Hospital in London on 20th November 1918, aged 29, just days after the Armistice.

He received the last rites and was interred at Widnes Cemetery on 23rd November 1918.

The graves are scattered in various parts of the cemetery. After the war a Cross of Sacrifice was erected facing the entrance in honour of all these servicemen. Subsequently a Special Memorial was installed commemorating two men buried in a part of the cemetery which was turned into a Garden of Rest, where their graves could no longer be maintained. A similar memorial commemorates three men originally buried in Widnes (St. Mary) Old Cemetery around the site of a former church, whose graves are now lost.

There are 100 First and Second World War burials in the Cemetery.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 26th November 1918: 

DWYER - November 20 at Italian Hospital, London, in his 29th year, JOHN, the dearly beloved husband of Jennie Dwyer, Farnworth, Widnes, “Simmaries” 1908-10; late Liverpool Pals, 20th King’s. Fortified with the rights of the Holy Church. R.I.P. Interred at Borough Cemetery, Farnworth, Saturday, 23rd inst. 

His widow, Jennie, date of birth 25th February 1890, received his Soldiers Effects and received a pension of 15/- a week.  

On the 1921 census at 96 Derby Road, widow Jennie, aged 31 is living with her mother and family. Using her dob she cannot be found on the 1939 register, nor is there a suitable remarriage record. 

His mother died, aged 59, in 1926.

His father died, aged 67, in 1932.  

A notice was placed in the Dundee Courier on 01st March 1941: 

Dwyer - John Dwyer, teacher in Dundee (Strathmartine Road area) played for Dundee Hibs, 1910 or 1911; killed in action in last war. Brother is anxious to get in touch with friends. Please communicate with 1123 Advertiser. 

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