Name
John Farr
Circa 1890
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
12/09/1917
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
33860 (*1)
Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ST. PATRICK'S CEMETERY, LOOS
II. D. 15.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hitchin Town Memorial, Hitchin British Boys' School Memorial, Hitchin, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Hitchin, Not on the Buntingford memorials
Pre War
From various records John was born around circa 1890 in Buntingford and his parents were recorded in the 1901 census as James and Eliza (née Maylin) and they had married on 23 December 1848, however this is wrong. In 1901 John was 10, and that would mean that Eliza would have been 61 when he was born, which means is not possible for her to be his mother. Much more likely is that John was their grandson. The same census (1901) also lists Harry (b c1884) and Alfred (b c1886) as their sons. It is much more likely that all three were their grandsons.
From various census, before John’s birth, James and Eliza’s children included Alfred (b c1849), Elizabeth (b c1850), John (b c1853), Herbert (b c1855), Henry (b c1858), Kate (b c1866), Laura (b c1870). Unfortunately a search of the 1911 census, which might have clarified matters, has, so far, been fruitless.
Later pension records record Elizabeth Julia Maylin as John’s mother, but his ‘Soldiers’ Effects’ records give his sister, Elizabeth Maylin as his sole legatee. A Hertfordshire Express newspaper report of John’s death confirms that Mrs Maylin of 4 Gascoyne Yard, Queen Street, Hitchin – an address used later, was his sister. It also confirms that John was a marine store dealer before the war.
Elizabeth Julia Farr married Herbert Walter Maylin in 10 November 1902. Herbert served before and in the Great War his service records confirm the marriage.
In the 1911 census Elizabeth (29 and born in Buntingford) and Herbert (28) were living at 4 Gascoynes Yard, Queen Street, Hitchin, Herts. Both were present as well as three children and had been married for 9 years. Also present was a lodger John Farr, 21 and ‘dealer marine on own account, born in Buntingford. Not only was John a lodger but also Elizabeth’s brother. Ages, addresses etc. all fit.
Working backwards they were found in the 1901 census in Buntingford, under the incorrect name Fann. The family were living at The Globe Inn. High Street, Buntingford. Present were both parents: John (36, b c1855) and Ada (26), with John and working as a licenced victualler. Their children were Lizzie (Elizabeth Julia, aged 9), Alfred (5) and John (1).
Albeit there is a discrepancy in John (senior)’s birth year, it would sems that he was the son of James and Eliza listed above and so John (junior) was their grandson, and his elder sister was Lizzie, later Elizabeth Julia Farr.
Officially John was recorded as born in Buntingford, Herts. and was living in Hitchin, when he enlisted in Bedford.
The newspaper report confirms that he enlisted in April 1916, was born in Buntingford
Wartime Service
John was given the Regimental Number 33860 in the 8th Battalion of the Bedfords, although he had at one time been in the Essex Regiment with the Regimental Number 6347.
He went to France on the 26th December 1916, was wounded and was later killed in action in Frances by a shell "which brushed close to him". He had been wounded previously
At around the time of his death the 8th Battalion was at Bois Hugo on the northern slopes of Hill 70 (Loos) engaged in raiding the enemy lines. During this time they were shelled with considerable quantities of gas as well as by high explosives.
On the 12th September the Battalion were in trenches, reasonably quiet during the day though aircraft were active at night. ‘B’ Company took position in trenches opposite the enemy line to be raided on the 13/14th September. The usual night firing resulted in three or four killed and six wounded.
He is buried in Plot II, Row D, Grave 15, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Loos.
Additional Information
*1 His Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) gravestone shows the Number as 38860 we have supplied evidence and requested correction (9/10/2024).
After his death £6 5s 1d was authorised to go to his sister, Elizabeth Maylin on 5 December 1917. Later, a war gratuity of £6 was authorised to be paid to her, on 27 November 1919.
His pension cards record Mrs Elizabeth Julia Maylin, his mother (sic it was his sister), as his next of kin, living at 4 Gascoyne Yard, Queen Street, Hitchin. She was awarded a gratuity of £19 1s 14d awarded 22 March 1918.
Acknowledgments
Kate Thompson
Adrian Dunne, David C Baines, Jonty Wild, Carol Emery
