Tuesday 14 July 2015

Bond, John Thomas - Private (25542)

Pte John Thomas Bond
1st Battalion,
Border Regiment,
Killed in Action 19th May 1917,
Age 33,
Commemorated Arras Memorial.

Newspaper Report:

Private John Thomas Bond, 33 years of age, who before enlistment was employed as a weaver at Messrs. Tomlinson's, Plantation Mills, Haslingden, has been reported missing since May 19th 1917.  Mrs. Bond, who resides at 7, Haughton Road, Helmshore, has now received definite official information from the War Office, that her husband was killed on May 19th last.
This is another instance in which a highly respected young man who, in the prime of manhood, has given his all at the alter of sacrifice in the effort to defend the honour and liberty of those whom he loved best. He has left a young widow with three little children, the eldest of whom is only 11 years old, to mourn the loss of a loving husband and a kind hearted father.  The youngest child the father never saw, as he was born after the father had been home on his last leave from France.  Private Bond had been connected with the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Bury Road, Haslingden, from his boyhood, and was a member of the choir for many years.  Much sympathy is being manifested towards Mrs. Bond and her little ones.

Newspaper Memorials:

Private John Thomas Bond, age 33 years, reported missing since May 19th 1917, now reported killed in action on that date.

"No loved ones stood around him,
To bid a last farewell;
Although his grave we cannot see,
He like a soldier fell.

He is gone but not forgotten,
Often do we call his name,
But there's nothing left to answer,
But his picture in the frame."

From his loving Wife and Children, 7 Haughton Road, Helmshore.

Oft we think of you, dear son and brother,
And our hearts are sad with pain;
Ah! this world would be a heaven,
Could we hear your voice again.

Just two years ago you left us,
How we miss your loving face;
But you left us to remember,
None on earth could fill your place."

From Father, Mother and Sister Lizzie, Driver Harry at Malta.

Pte John Thomas Bond Census details - Click over census to enlarge