World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
John Fife
Forename(s):
John
Surname:
Fife
Initial(s):
J
Service Number:
1701
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 2/7th Battalion Territorial Force
Died:
29/04/1919
Aged:
26
Buried:
Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland
Service History:
Served in France from 21 April 1915.
Wounded less than a month after arriving in France. In letters to his mother he described his time in France & his journey to hospital at Aberdeen for treatment of, & recovery from his wounds.
Writing to his mother from hospital in Aberdeen: 'I had to stop with the Colonel's horse at the village where I was wounded. I was getting some things off the pack-horse when a big 'Jack Johnson' came over & blew the horse's head right off & I got the rest. I have got 22 shrapnel wounds in my leg, arm, shoulder & hip. The doctor says I will soon be better & home to see you all.'
(Source: fusilier.co.uk/north_east_northumberland_ww1_great_war_casualties/)
Fife appears to have been discharged from service after being wounded. It seems unlikely he will have died from his wounds so long after being wounded, more likely, perhaps, he was one of those who succumbed to the worldwide flu pandemic.
Awarded '15 Star, Victory & British War Medals.
Background:
Born at Wooperton, Northumberland in 1892, the oldest son of George & Eleanor J Fife.
In 1911 the family was living at PattenÂ’s Yard, Alnwick. Eleanor, then, was widowed.
Pre-enlistment occupation: Colliery Labourer.
Fife's younger brother, Private Wilfred Fife, served with the Army Service Corps.
Local Memorial:
Alnwick War Memorial.
Alnwick, Roll of Honour in Northumberland Hall
