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John Abbotson HARPER

Main CPGW Record

Surname: HARPER

Forename(s): John Abbotson

Place of Birth: Giggleswick, Yorkshire

Service No: 20/145

Rank: Private

Regiment / Corps / Service: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

Battalion / Unit: 18th (Service) Battalion. (2nd Bradford)

Division: 31st Division

Age: 25

Date of Death: 1916-07-01

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Addenda Panel, Pier and Face 4 C.

CWGC Cemetery: ---

CWGC Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: GIGGLESWICK, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

John Abbotson Harper was the son of Frederick and Agnes Ann Harper, née Fell. Frederick was born at Guiseley and Agnes at Giggleswick, Yorkshire.

1901 Giggleswick, Yorkshire Census: Mill Hill Road - John Harper, aged 8 years, born Giggleswick, son of Agnes A. Harper (married).

1911 Giggleswick, Yorkshire Census: Church Street - John Abbotson Harper, aged 18 years, born Giggleswick, son of Agnes Ann Harper, widow.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte John A. Harper, 20/145, West Yorkshire Regiment. Correspondence: (Mother) Mrs. A.A. Harper, 890, Broadway Terrace, Manchester Rd. Bradford, Yorks.

The informal title of the 18th (Service) Bn Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (2nd Bradford) was the 2nd Bradford Pals.

John is commemorated in the 'City of Bradford Great War 1914-1918 Roll of Honour'.

Data Source: Local War Memorial

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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---

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Private John Abbotson HARPER

Private John Abbotson HARPER

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 31st Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 31st Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: HARPER

Forename(s): John Abbotson

Born: Giggleswick, Yorks

Residence:

Enlisted: Keighley, Yorks

Number: 20/145

Rank: Private

Regiment: Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)

Battalion: 18th Battalion

Decorations:

Died Date: 01/07/16

Died How: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France & Flanders

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: HARPER

Forename(s): John Abbotson

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 20/145

Rank: Private

Regiment: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)

Unit: 18th Bn.

Age: 25

Awards:

Died Date: 01/07/1916

Additional Information: Son of Frederick and Agnes A. Harper, of Giggleswick, Settle, Yorks.

View Additional Text

View Additional Text For Soldier Records

BRITISH BATTALIONS ON THE SOMME, by Ray Westlake (Pen & Sword Books Limited 1994)

18th (Service) Bn. Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (2nd Bradford)

Moved forward from Bus-lès-Artois with 15th and 16th West Yorkshire during night (30/6). Attack on Serre (1/7) – followed 15th and 16th into action suffering over 400 casualties.

[John Abbotson Harper was one of the casualties on the 1st July 1916.]

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View Craven Herald Articles

View Craven Herald Articles

Craven Herald and Wensleydale Standard Logo

01 July 1921

HARPER – In loving memory of our dear brother, Private John A. Harper, 18th West Yorks. Regiment, reported killed July 1st, 1916.

Ever remembered by his loving sisters and brother-in-law.

11 May 1923

GIGGLESWICK

One of War’s Victims – News has been received by his relatives’ that the body of Private J. A. Harper, of the 18th West Yorks (Bradford Pals), has been found on the Somme battlefield, and re-interred in an English cemetery. Pte. Harper was reported missing on July 1st, 1916, and this is the first intimation his relatives have received regarding the place where he actually fell.

18 May 1923

SETTLE - A SETTLE VICTIM OF THE WAR

Above is reproduced a photograph of the late Private J. A. Harper, 18th West Yorks (Bradford Pals), whose body, as reported in last week’s ‘Craven Herald,’ has been found on the Somme battlefield and re-interred in an English cemetery.

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