John Humphreys

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Personal Details

Born: In 1875 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 25 January the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch. He was also known as Jack Humphries.

Family: He was the fifth of ten children born to Thomas Humphreys, a tollgate keeper, and his wife Mary. John did not marry, but his military pension record indicates he had two illegitimate children whose guardian after he died was Miss M Leigh living at 84 Crown Street, City Road, Hulme, Manchester.

Residence: At the time of his baptism the family were living in Redbrook, near Whitchurch; by 1881 they had moved to Whitchurch Road, Hanmer, Flintshire, Wales where they were still living in 1891. In 1911 John lived at 71 Albert Road, Oswestry, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1891 and 1911 he was a railway porter. In 1901 he was serving with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in South Africa.

Died: 13 July 1920 in Chorlton, Lancashire.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry 

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 14912

Date of Enlistment: 14 October 1914

Date of Discharge: 8 February 1916

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for service

Other Information: John served in the Boer War (Private 3389 King’s Shropshire Light Infantry).

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Silver War Badge (number 41939)

Silver War Badge

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

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.


 


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