John Edward Heatley

King's Royal Rifle Corps

Personal Details

Born: 9 August 1892 in Whitchurch, Shropshire; baptised in St. Alkmund’s Church on 14 August the same year.

Family: He was the eldest of five children of Edward George Heatley, a saddler, and his wife Jane. He married Edith Nevitt in 1923 in Coventry, Warwickshire and together they had one child John E.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, the family were living in Yardington, Whitchurch. By 1901 they had moved to Oddfellows Cottages, 40 Smallbrook Road where they lived until at least 1919. His pension card showed his address in 1919 as 40 West End, Whitchurch (which we believe to be the same residence). In 1939 they were living at 28 Smallbrook Road where he continued to live until his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a tinsmith. He was working for London and North Western Railways in 1922 and in 1939 his occupation was a sheet metal worker in railway service.

Died: 18 May 1970 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, aged 77.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Royal Rifle Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: C/453

Date of Enlistment: Prior to 16 November 1915

Date of Discharge: 19 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: John’s brother, Frank, was killed in action in WW1.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1915 Star).


Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

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.





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