John Wilson

Forename(s):
John

Surname:
Wilson

Initial(s):
J

Service Number:
38092

Rank:
Private

Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 23rd (Service) Battalion (4th Tyneside Scottish)

Died:
12/06/1917

Aged:
23

Buried:
Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun

Service History:
Enlisted at Alnwick, Northumberland.

At the end of May 1917 the Northumberland Fusiliers' 23rd (Service) Battalion (4th Tyneside Scottish) moved into the front line at Arras. The Battles of Arras began on 9 April & continued until June when the British focus switched attention to the Ypres Salient.

On the evening of 5 June, after a 4 minute barrage of the enemy lines, the Tyneside Scottish Battalions moved over No Man's Land but encountered strong opposition & heavy fire. The fighting continued throughout the day. Ammunition became depleted & the men, who'd received no rations, suffered from extreme thirst. To compound matters, the 23rd Battalion was caught in a British trench mortar barrage forcing a withdrawal.

In the early hours of 7 June the Germans launched a determined attack accompanied by heavy trench mortar barrages, which caused many casualties. The Tyneside Scottish counter-attacked to push the Germans back before they were eventually relieved on the night of 7-8 June.

Wilson was wounded during these actions but he succumbed to his wounds when at No. 8 Casualty Clearing Station.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 31)

Background:
Born in 1893, the son of James & Sarah Wilson, of Gloster Hill, Amble, Northumberland.

Local Memorial:
Amble War Memorial (Possibly) Felton War Memorial incorporating Acton, Eshott, Swarland & Thirston