Private John (Jack) Howarth. 

10177 9th Royal Fusiliers.

Killed in Action 6th August 1916, aged 19.

John was born in Burnley about 1897, the son of Joseph Howarth and Elizabeth Hennessy. In the 1901 census the family lived at 42 Ball St, Burnley. Joseph 32 a warp dresser, Elizabeth 35, John 3 and Phillip 1 month. They were all born in Burnley except Elizabeth who was born in Birkenhead, Cheshire.

By the time of the 1911 census the family had moved to 83 Parliament St, Burnley. Joseph 43, Elizabeth 44, John 13 weaver, Philip 10, Mary 7 and Mary Hennessy (41) Elizabeth’s sister. Joseph and Elizabeth had been married 15 years and has 3 children , all surviving.

From the Express and Advertiser dated 26th August 1916: ANOTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL BOY. BURNLEY SOLDIER KILLED BY SNIPER.

Another member of St. Mary's RC Church has fallen on the battlefield in France. This is Private 10177 Jack Howarth, whose home was at 83 Parliament Street Burnley and his death took place on August 5th. Private Howarth who enlisted on January 14th last was in the Public Schools Battalion (Royal Fusiliers) and his comrade, Private H Nicholl of Mytholmroyd, has written to the parents under date August 11th; "It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son Jack. It is something I did not like doing, but I knew you would have to know some time, and as I was one of Jacks close pals  thought it my duty to tell you. It happened on Saturday night last. He was chosen as one of the party to go for rations, and the way was through a very shallow trench. It was while he was on the work that he was caught by a sniper and shot clean through the head. I was not with him at the time but fellows who were said he died without any pain. I cannot say much more as my heart is too full for words, as he was such a good companion and always ready to do his bit. I and his other pals join in tendering you our heartfelt sympathy in your sad bereavement."

Private Howarth who was aged 19 years only went out to France on July 7th. Formerly a weaver at Cooper's Hill Top Mill, Private Howarth was one of the altar boys at St. Mary's church and had served for 5 years in the choir. He was also a member of the Catholic Boys Brigade.

Bombardier Howarth who went through the Boer War and was killed whilst serving with the County Palatine Artillery was, his uncle.

From The Express and Advertiser dated 9th September 1916: OFFICIAL NEWS NOW RECEIVED.

The parents of Private John Howarth of the Royal Fusiliers who live at 83 Parliament Street Burnley have received official news of their sons death in action on August 6th. We published a photograph of the soldier on August 26th, and also gave details of how he came by his death.

Lived at 83 Parliament Street.

John left his effects to his father Joseph.

John is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France:  Pier and Face 8C, 9A & 16A.

Photo courtesy of George Coppock, 2024