No.96841, Private, John Alfred WHARF
Aged 19
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John Alfred Wharf was born in 1898 in Lakenheath (Mildenhall Q1-1899 4A:881) son of Elijah Robert and Elizabeth WHARF (née FINCHAM). 1901 census...Aged 2, (recorded as born in Brandon),he was at The Mount, Bury Road, Brandon with his father Elijah WHARF [25] gas stoker, born Brandon; his mother Elizabeth [25] born Lakenheath and his uncle Joseph FINCHAM [18] brickyard labourer, born Lakenheath. 1911 census...Aged 12 (now recorded as born in Lakenheath) he was at The Drove, Town Street, Brandon with his parents (father now an insurance agent); sisters Florence E [9] and Violet P [2]; brother Alec E [7]. The new siblings all born in Brandon. |
click here to go to the Brandon at War website for more information
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He enlisted in Attleborough.
With only one or two tanks allocated to an infantry battalion it has proved impossible to sort out where, and to which Division the 11th Battalion, Tank Corps were attached. From the forum 1914-1919-invisionzone.com it appears that 2 composite companies were formed on the evening of 28 Aug, consisting of 9 tanks. They assembled at Neuville Vitasse where they remained until 31 Aug. During this period 2 ORs were killed. On the original grave registration report John is recorded as Gunner J A Wharf and died on 30th August. The local press had a brief report:- "BRANDON LAD MAKES GREAT SACRIFICE:- Mr Elijah N Wharf, of Town Street, Brandon, has been officially informed that Private John Alfred Wharf, his eldest son, was killed in action on August 29th. John was in the Tank Corps and had been in France about a year and was 19 last birthday. He was expected home shortly."
photo: ww1cemeteries.com click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
