Personal Details
Born: 12 January 1895 and baptised 6 February 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.
Family: He was the third of seven children born to William Challenor, a general labourer, and his wife Elizabeth Challenor. He married Alice May Williams (nee Clawley) in September 1923 and together they had 2 children – Leslie and Margaret.
Residence: In 1901 the family were living at 10 St John Street, Whitchurch; ten years later they had moved to Blackoe Farm, Alkington, Whitchurch. When he enlisted in 1918 John showed his address as 5 Raven Yard, Whitchurch, Shropshire moving to 6 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch prior to 1939.
Employment: In he was a cow man; his occupation was shown as tailor in 1939
Died: 30 June 1959 in Shrewsbury, aged 60.
Other Information:
His surname was also spelt Challoner and Challinor
Alice May Clawley married William Williams in 1915 and then married John in 1919.
Military Details
Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Rank: Private
Service Number: 11464
Date of Enlistment: 31 August 1914
Date of Discharge: 25 September 1918
Reason for Discharge: Invalided out
Other Information:
Right leg amputated.
He was brother to George and Frank Challenor both of whom died during the war.
John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914/15 Star) and the Silver War Badge B21371.
The 1914 Star (also known as 'Pip') was authorised under Special Army Order no. 350 in November 1917 and by an Admiralty Fleet Order in 1918, for award to officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight of 22–23 November 1914. The former date is the day after Britain's declaration of war against the Central Powers, and the closing date marks the end of the First Battle of Ypres.
The 1914–15 Star (also known as 'Pip') was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. The period of eligibility was prior to the introduction of the Military Service Act 1916, which instituted conscription in Britain.
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Silver War Badge was issued in the United Kingdom and the British Empire to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness from military service in World War I. The badge, sometimes known as the "Discharge Badge", the "Wound Badge" or "Services Rendered Badge", was first issued in September 1916, along with an official certificate of entitlement.