JOHN BIRKBY 1896–1984

Brother of Thomas

Born in Bingham, Nottinghamshire 1896.

Baptised 4th November 1896 at St Mary and All Saints, Bingham. Father Thomas, mother Ruth Ellen.

Married 1922 St Mary’s Church, Radcliffe, to Winifred Simmons.  Son Geoffrey T.L. born 1923

Died 1984

1901 Census

Age 4 living in Bingham with mother Ruth Ellen, 44, brother Thomas 7 and boarder William Cooling  35

1911 Census

Birkby family now living in Bolton Terrace, Radcliffe on Trent, still with William Cooling. Ruth described as his housekeeper. Both sons described as boarders. John was working as a butcher’s errand boy, brother Thomas as a bricklayer’s labourer (possibly for William Cooling who was a bricklayer).

Military Service

Rank: Sapper formerly Gunner

Service Numbers: 253117, 42378

Military Unit: Royal Engineers, Signal Sub-Section HQ, 25th Army Brigade R.G.A., formerly C Battery, 188th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Theatre of War: France

19.08.15:  Attestation: Nottingham. Address: Lamcote. Age 19 years, 10 months. Occupation: engine driver (gas). Height 5ft 6⅞ ins, weight 119 lbs, chest 36½ ins, ‘teeth very good’ 

19.08.15: Posted, Gunner

02.06.16: Embarked Southampton; disembarked Havre next day

1916-1917:  Expeditionary force, France

13.07.17:  Transferred to Royal Engineers and posted to 40th Divisional Signal Company as Sapper under Army Order 204 1916. ‘Compulsory for benefit of the service’

19.08.17:  Awarded Good Conduct badge

04.08.19:  Demobilised. Specialist Military qualification: Skilled lineman

Medals Awarded: British War and Victory. G.C. badge 19.8.1917 (for good conduct).

Military Personnel Address on 1918 Electoral Register

Water Lane, Radcliffe on Trent

Other information

Military record shows him applying for a post as a skilled workman in the Post Office Engineering Dept. in 1927. Older brother Thomas killed in action, November 26 1917.

1921 Census

Address: Water Lane, Radcliffe

Employment: General Post Office wireman, King Street, Nottm

Household: boarding  with William Cooling, bricklayer, John’s mother Ruth is housekeeper

1922 Electoral Register

Address: Water Lane, Radcliffe on Trent

1939 Register

Not found

Reasons for inclusion on Radcliffe on Trent Roll of Honour 

Lived in Radcliffe on Trent.