Private John Connor.
203705 8th Seaforth Highlanders.
Killed in Action 2nd August 1918, aged 20.
John was born in Manchester in 1898, the son of Thomas and Mary Connor.
In the 1911 census the family had moved to 6 Emmott Court, Hammerton St, Burnley. Thomas 50 french polisher, Mary 49, Annie 18 cotton weaver, Mary 16 cotton weaver, John 13 scholar, and Margaret 8.
From the Burnley Express dated 17th Aug 1918: JOINED WHEN SIXTEEN. ONLY SON KILLED.
Mr and Mrs Connor of 7 Gillowe Street Foulridge, have received news that their only son Private John Connor age 20, of the Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action on July 21st.
The sad news is converted in the following letter from An Officer:- "Dear Mrs Connor, it is with the deepest regret that I write to inform you of the death of your Soldier Boy, John, who was killed in action on July the 31st.
John been employed for some time as a runner on the headquarters staff of the battalion and we had all got on to appreciate his good work, loyalty to Duty and disregard of danger, while his unfailing cheeriness made him a great friend of all."
the deceased soldier join the army in February 1915, when he was only 16 years of age, and went out to Egypt, and afterwards to France, where he was wounded. He was recalled to England on the representation of his parents that he was underage, and was in England for some time, but went out again last February. He was connected with St Mary's Boy's Brigade.
John left his effects to his mother Mary.
According to the CWGC memorial book: “ John the son of Thomas and Mary Connor of 7 Gillowe Street, Burnley.
John is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France: