Private John Thomas Kendall (served as John Duffy)
7458 2nd Duke of Wellingtons West Riding Regiment.
Killed in Action 12th October 1916.Aged 32.
(His Brother Pte. James Edward Kendall Died of wounds 4th June 1917.)
According to John’s service record he was born in Todmorden, Yorks about 1884.
In the 1911 census his mother Mary Ann 56, he and his brother John were living with their grandmother Margaret and Aunt, Bridget Duffy of 7 Pickup Court, Burnley.
John Duffy first signed on into the 3rd West Riding Regiment on the 2nd of June 1903. On the 23rd of November 104 he was transferred into the 2nd battalion and on the 4th of November 1905 he was again transferred to the 1st Battalion. In 1905 he was permitted to extend this service so as to complete 8 years with the colours. On the 23rd of February 1911 he was transferred to the army reserve with his consent was re-engaged for one year. He was mobilised in Halifax on the 5th of August 1914. On the 17th of December 1914 in France he deserted His Majesty's Forces whilst on Active Service and was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. On the 13th of June 1915 the sentence was suspended as possibly sent back to the front line.
From the Burnley Express dated 7th July 1917: BURNLEY MOTHER'S DOUBLE LOSS.
A double bereavement has been suffered by Mrs Kendall, who is a widow living at 12 River Street Burnley, in the loss of two soldiers sons. Private James Edward Kendall age 25, was killed in an Eastern Theatre of War on June 4th this year. Thus, he had seen two years’ service with the forces having a enlisted in June 1915. He joined the KORI, and was transferred to the East Lancashire’s. He was drafted last April to the scene where he made the supreme sacrifice two months later. Before joining the army he worked at Towneley Brickworks. He was connected with St Mary's RC Church and school, and played for the football club.
Lived at 12 River Street.
John left his effects to his Mother Mary and brother Charles. He had also left them to James but when he died his name was deleted from the record.
John is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France: Pier and Face 6A&B
Photo courtesy of George Coppock, 2024