Saturday 9 May 2015

Wade, John William - Private (37598)

Private John W. Wade
East Lancashire Regiment,
Died 17th January 1919,
Age 28

Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery.  

Newspaper Report:

HASLINGDEN SOLDIER DROWNED.

After going through the Gallipoli campaign and serving in Mesopotamia without injury, Private J. W. Wade (about 28) of 34 Pine Street and of the 6th East lancashire Regiment, has been accidentally drowned at Basra, at the mouth of the Tigris, in the Persian Gulf, whilst bathing.  He was at the time on his way home and his letters show that he had looked forward much to seeing home again.  He was a single man.  A memorial service was held at Laneside Church on Sunday morning, when Rev. W.T.Evans M.A., preached, and Mr. Hargreaves, the organist, played the "Dead March" at the close of the service.


Newspaper Memorials

In loving memory of our dear son and brother Pte. John William Wade, 6th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, who was accidentally drowned in the Tigris, Mesopotamia near Bagdad on January 15th 1919 aged 28.

We little thought when he said goodbye
We parted forever and you were to die
Oh the grief that we feel words cannot tell
For we could not be with you to bid you farewell
Too far away thy grave to see
Yet we will always think of thee.

We pictured his safe returning 
And longed to clasp his hand
But God has postponed the meeting
Till we meet in a better land.

From his sorrowing Mother and Father, Sister and Brothers 34 Pine Street Haslingden.

In Loving memory of my dear brother
Somewhere abroad he peacefully rests
Far from his home and those he loved best
Still deep in our hearts his memory we keep
Dear is the grave where he now lies asleep.

From his sorrowing Brother and Sister. Ernest and Pollie. 43 Prospect Hill, Haslingden.