Jack Eastwood Gill

Acting Sergeant 2455. 1/7th Battalion. Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment. Attached to 147th Machine Gun Corps.

Born: 1894 at Windhill, Shipley.

Adopted son of Walter and Eliza Ann.

Address: 94 James Street, Golcar.

Occupation: Weaver at Messrs. Pearson Brothers. Victoria Mills, Golcar.

Enlisted: October 1914.

Died of wounds: 16th July 1916. Aged 22.

Buried at Connaught Cemetery, Thiepval. Somme. Plot 12. Row J. Grave 6.

Jack had been a pupil at Clough Head School, he wrote home frequently and one of the characteristics of his letters to his relatives was his cheerful and optimistic spirit that always pervaded them. He never complained about anything and always counselled those at home to keep smiling. He was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme.

His mother received this letter from his captain." It is with deep regret I have to send you the sad news of Sergeant Gill's death. He was killed while building a machine gun emplacement last night (15th inst.) His loss is a very great blow to me and to all who were in any way connected with him. He was one of the very best sergeants and was the most willing, keen and hard worker it has been my lot to meet. He never regained consciousness after being hit and died twelve hours later. I sincerely trust that the knowledge that he died nobly, was doing his duty for King and Country will be of some comfort to you in your great bereavement."

Jack's name is on the Roll of Honour in St. John's Church, Golcar, Clough Head School and Huddersfield Drill Hall.