John Kelsall

John Henry Hassall

Personal Details

John Ernest Kelsall, born in Bettisfield, Flintshire in 1894, the fourth son of Thomas and the late Mary Ann Kelsall of Hyde Farm, Stourton, Stourbridge, Staffordshire. John’s mother died when he was 4; his father remarried Martha Penlington and had further children.

Husband to Ethel Louise Kelsall (nee Cracknell) of 69 Cemetery Road, Ipswich, Suffolk (they married in December 1916).

Military Details

Regiment : 8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment

Rank : Private
Service Number : 25809

Killed in action; France 14 December 1917 Aged 25

Medals and Awards
John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

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.



Further Information

Will of John Ernest Kelsall
Kelsall, John Ernest of 69 Cemetery-road Ipswich private 8th battalion East Surrey regiment died 14 December 1917 in France Administration (with Will) Ipswich 18 September to Ethel Louise Kelsall widow. Effects £260 11s. 8d.

Taken from Forces War Records


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Information provided by Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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