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| Pte John Sibbering |
Lancashire Fusiliers,
Died of Wounds on 21st October 1917
Age 38
Buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
John Sibbering was born in Cherry Tree, Blackburn in 1879. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Sibbering. In 1891 John was living at 9, Carr Mill Street, Haslingden, with his widowed mother, brothers Robert & Nicholas and sisters Ellen & Emma. At that time, John, aged 12, was working as a cotton spinner. John’s mother, Elizabeth died in 1894 and in 1901 the Sibberings were still living at 9, Carr Mill Street, with John’s brother Nicholas being listed as the head of household. Sister, Ellen was also still living at home but Robert, the eldest son was married and lived next door. For many years John worked at Carr Mill, Haslingden, but up to the outbreak of war he was employed at Hazel Mill, Acre. He joined up on 21 March 1916 and went out to the Front on 3 August, 1916. He was single and had lived at 8, Edward Street, Acre, with his sister, Mrs Emma Waddington, who had received a letter from a Sister at the clearing station to the effect that “ he had received a severe gunshot wound in the abdomen, and was buried by a chaplain in an adjoining cemetery, where so many of our fine fellows are lying”. John died from wounds on 21 October 1917 and was 38 years of age.
"The 17th Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers moved to the Ypres part of the front in October 1917. The front line was just a series of shell-holes filled with water. The approaches were very exposed and consisted mostly of deep mud. It was over this ground that the Battalion was part of an attack on the Germans in the Houthulst Forest near Poelcappelle.
On 20 October the Battalion formed up in its assembly positions at 2 am, ready to move at 5.35 am. At first the men advanced in perfect order and gained their objectives by 6.45 am. Due to a misunderstanding however, the troops on either side of the Battalion did not advance as far, so the Germans counter-attacked with some success. The Battalion, however, was able to consolidate its position until the line was restored. During this period four officers and 32 men were killed and eight officers and 142 men were wounded.
Pte. Sibbering died from his wounds in a Casualty Clearing Station the following day". From Bill Turner’s Book.Newspaper Report:
Private John Sibbering, Lancashire Fusiliers, was admitted to a clearing station with gunshot wounds in the abdomen on October 20th, 1917, and succumbed next day.
Age 38, the deceased was single, and joined up on March 21st 1916, going to the front in the following August. He was in Haslingden on 10 days leave five or six weeks ago.
He was a spinner, and for many years worked at Carr Mill, Haslingden, but he was emplouyed at Hazel Mill, Acre, before going to the colours.
He lived at 8 Edward Street, Acre, which is tenanted by his sister, Mrs. Waddington, who has received a letter from a sister at the clearing station to the effect that the deceased has been buried "in a little cemetery where so many of our fine men are lying."
Newspaper Memorials:
In loving memory of Private John Sibbering:
"We often think of days gone by,
When we were all together;
A shadow o'er our lives is cast,
A loved one gone for ever."
"May he rest in peace."
From his brother, Bob, and Annie, nephew and nieces
"Nobly he did his duty,
Bravely he fought and fell,
Now the bells of peace have rung
And the flags did proudly wave,
You are still by us remembered,
One of the unreturning brave."
Ever remembered by his sister and brother, Emma and Walter, nephew and niece, Bob and Nellie, 8 Edward Street, Acre.
"No one knows the silent heartache,
Only those who have lost can tell,
To-day recalls sad memories,
Of the brother I loved so well."
Ever remembered by his sister, Ellen, 1 New Pleasant, Acre.
"God knows how much we miss you,
More than loving words can tell;
Not one day have we forgot you,
Since, you bade this world farewell."
From sister Mary Jane; also nephew and niece, Jack and Bertha, 13 New Pleasant Street, Acre.
"Oft we think of you, dear brother,
And our hearts are sad with pain;
O! this world would be a heaven,
Could we hear your voice again."
From sister and brother, Mr. and Mrs. Singleton and family, 9 Rudd Street.
"Only a wooden cross,
Only a name and number;
May angels guard that sacred spot,
Where my brother lies in slumber."
From his brother, Nicholas and Kitty and little nephews, John Sirbering, Walter and Robert.
"This day brings back the memory,
Of one who was called to rest;
For those who think of him to-day,
Are those who loved him best."
From niece and nephew, Mr and Mrs. Acton, 467, Acre.
"Sleep on, dear brother, in a soldier's grave,
Your life for your country you gave;
No one was near you to say good-bye,
But safe in God's keeping now you lie."
From his sorrowing Sisters and Brother; also relatives - 8 Edward Street, Acre, Haslingden
"We oft times sit in silence,
No eyes may see us weep,
We pictured his safe returning,
And longed to clasp his hand,
But God has postponed the meeting,
Till we meet in a better land."
Ever remembered by his Sister and Brother, Emma and Walter, 8 Edward Street, Acre.
"What happy hours we once enjoyed,
When we were all together;
A shadow o'er our life is cast,
A loved one gone for ever."
From his Sister Ellen and Brother in law Joseph Bentley, 1 New Pleasant St, Acre, Haslingden.
"Somewhere abroad he peacefully rest,
Far from his home and those he loved best;
Still deep in our bearts his memory we keep,
Dear is the grave where he now lies asleep."
From his sorrowing Sister mary Jane and Nephew (serving) and Niece, John George and Bertha, 5 New Pleasant St, Acre.
"Somewhere abroad he peacefully rest,
Far from his home, and those he loved best;
Still deep in our hearts his memory we keep,
Dear is the place where he now lies asleep."
From his Sister and Brother in Law 9 Rudd Street., Haslingden
"May his reward be as great as his sacrifice."
From his Brother Nicholas and Kitty, and little Nephews, John Sibbering, Walter and Robert.
"Until the day dawns and the shadows flee away."
Ever remembered by bhis Brother Robert and Family.
"This day brings back the memory,
Of one who was called to rest,
And those who think of him to-day,
Are those, who loved him best."
From his Nieces and Nephews, Tom (somewhere in Persia) and John (in France), Joe (in India).
"He proudly answered his country's call,
And gave his life to save us all;
One year has past since that sad day,
When one we loved did pass away."
Ever remembered by his Nephew and Niece, Bob in France and Nelly.
"Ever his memory shall be cherished,
In our hearts a tender spot,
For his many acts of kindness,
Which will never be forgot."
Niece and Nephew, Mr and Mrs. J. Acton.
