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Royal Garrison Artillery,
Died in Wellington Lines Hospital Aldershot
22nd July 1917
Age 36
Buried at Holden Hall Cemetery, Haslingden
Newspaper Report:
THE SAD CASE OF A HASLINGDEN VOLUNTEER AT ALDERSHOT.
The funeral will take place at Haslingden Cemetery some time this weekend of Gunner John Pilling, R.G.A., whose wife and child live at 21 Booth Road, Haslingden, and who died at Wellington Lines Hospital, Aldershot, on Sunday night age 36.
Behind his death lies a story of a soldier's unfailing devotion to duty. He enlisted in November, 1915, and while on draft for the front towards last week-end he ruptured a blood vessel through over anxiety to qualify and keep it for the battlefield. He had to be removed to the hospital last Saturday, but his case was a bad one from the first, and he passed away the following night.
Up till recently he had served as an anti-aircraft gunner. For many years he was a tackler at Commercial Mill, Haslingden, and he was following that occupation, at a Helmshore mill when he enlisted. A member of Haslingden New Jerusalem Church will be preached at that place of worship by the pastor (the Rev. C. Newall) on Sunday evening, August 5th.
The deceased was the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Hull, of whom Mr. Hull died a few years ago.
The soldiers relatives do not desire a military funeral for him, but Haslingden Patriotic Fund Committee are sending a wreath.
Newspaper Memorials:
In loving memory of my dear husband, Gunner John James Pilling, R.G.A., who died July 22nd 1917 at Farnborough, Hants.
"Little he thought his time so short,
In this world to remain,
When from his home he went away,
He thought to come again.
No morning dawns, no nights returns,
But what we think of you."
Sadly missed by his loving wife, mother, and son 21 Booth Street.
"Farewell, dear husband, your life is past,
My love for you was to the last;
We mourn for you and sorrow take,
And I'll love my son for your sake.
From his sorrowing Wife, Son and Mother.
"Just when his hopes were brightest,
Just when his thoughts were best,
He was called from a world of sorrow,
To that land of eternal rest."
From his Father and Mother in law, 5 Station Road, Haslingden.
"He has gone like a flower cut down in full bloom,
From the sunshine of life to the shade of the tomb;
But death cannot sever the chain of our love,
Nor steal the fond hope we shall meet him above."
From Fred and Mary.
