Wednesday 17 June 2015

Hanson, John James - Private (5589)

Pte John James Hanson
10th Battalion,
Lancashire Fusiliers,
Died of wounds Military hospital, Bury.
8th March 1918,
Age 20,
Buried Holden Hall Cemetery, Haslingden. 

Newspaper Reports

Private John James Hanson, Lancashire Fusiliers, although only 19, has been wounded twice - the last time being when two of his toes were blown off, - and he is now at Bury Military Hospital.

Pte. John Hanson (20) who was buried with Military Honours at Haslingden Cemetery attained the age of 16 in January 1914 and on September 5th of that year enlisted at Bury in his father's old regiment which had become the Lancashire Fusiliers. He went to France in July 1916. Twenty months later he was wounded for a second time and also had prolonged suffering from gas attack. Still on June 23rd he wrote in his diary "Sticking it". He died at Bury. His parents lived at Station Road Helmshore and he is on the Musbury Church roll on honour. A military band from Bury played Chopin's  Funeral March. 

Newspaper Memorial:

In loving memory of Private John James Hanson, who died of wounds March 8th, 1918; also Private Solomon Hanson, who died in action August 1st 1917. 

"We have died for the dear Homeland,
The land of the brave and free;
Always remember that, mother,
Whene'er you think of us.

When this sad war is over,
And the others come marching home,
And you think of your fallen heroes,
Who never more return.

Just look upon them, dear mother,
Though the tears may dim your eyes,
Remember, your sons were soldiers,
And not afraid to die."

From Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers (Albert serving), Helmshore.