John Granville BERRY

31 August 1917

EARBY - SECOND-LIEUTENANT J. G. BERRY MISSING: Awarded the Military Cross

The sympathy of his many friends will go out to Mr. W.N. Berry, of Hawthorn House, Earby, who received information last week that his younger son, Second-Lieutenant John Granville Berry, had been missing from his regiment, the West Yorkshires, since August 16th. The information was contained in the following letter from Lieutenant-Colonel H.S.J. Jefferies, the Commanding officer:-

August 22nd 1917.

"Dear Mr. Berry, - I know you will be very anxious to hear any details as to your son. He was seen to be wounded in the attack by the regiment on the 16th. The attack was successful at first, but afterwards we had to retire. Your son was last seen making his way to the rear, wounded in the arm, but has not since been heard of. It is just possible he may be a prisoner in German hands. I will inform you at once should any future evidence transpire.

"Your son was commanding the company at the time, and is an irreparable loss to the battalion. He had been awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry and devotion to duty in the battle on the 3rd of July. We all feel his loss most deeply and sympathise very sincerely with you in your sorrow. We have not given up all hope, however, and pray that some more evidence will soon be forthcoming. Please accept my deepest sympathy."

On Monday Mr. Berry received a telegram from the War Office:- "Regret to inform you that Second-Lieutenant J. G. Berry is reported missing since August 16th. This does not necessarily mean that he is killed or wounded. Any further information will be sent if received."

Second-Lieutenant Berry, who is aged 20 years, is a lad of charming personality, and was connected with his father's firm in the manufacturing business at Earby. He was highly skilled on the technical side, and had won distinction in technical examinations. He was educated at the Skipton Grammar School, the Colne Technical School and the Manchester School of Technology. He joined the Manchester University O.T.C. in May 1916, and the Cadet School at Litchfield in October 1916. Receiving his commission in January 1917, he went to France March 14th 1917. In his recent letters he mentioned his association with Lieut. Frank Gill, who had joined his battalion, son of Mr. John Gill of Skipton, and whose lamentable death in action is recorded in another portion of this issue. Both 'old boys' of Skipton Grammar School, they had renewed their school friendship in the battle area, and formed a happy and congenial companionship.

We sincerely hope that better news will soon be received of the missing officer.

05 October 1917

EARBY - MILITARY CROSS FOR MISSING OFFICER

Among the list of army decorations recently gazetted appears the name of Second Lieutenant John Granville Berry, West Yorkshire Regiment, who is awarded the Military Cross. He is the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Berry, Hawthorn House, Earby, and is 20 years of age. The honour is in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the battle of July 31st. Second Lieutenant Berry, who was reported missing on August 16th, and when last seen was making his way to the rear, wounded in the arm.

23 January 1920

EARBY - LIEUT. BERRY'S DEATH PRESUMED

Mr. W. N. Berry, Hawthorn house, Earby, has received an intimation from the War Office that the death of his son, Second-Lieutenant J. G. Berry, M.C., 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, who was reported missing on August 16th, 1917, must now, for official purposes, be presumed. In deference to the wishes of Mr. Berry the Army Council had deferred taking this step in the hope that favourable news as to Lieut. Berry's whereabouts might be forthcoming. In a letter dated November 29th last the War Office authorities state that experience had shown that no officer who had been missing so long and of whom no news had been received could have survived, and the Army Council regretted that the time had now come when the acceptance of Lieut. Berry's death could not be postponed further. In view of the lapse of time and the absence of news the Council were regretfully constrained to conclude that Second-Lieut. Berry died on or since 16th. August, 1917, and expressed sympathy with Mr. Berry in his bereavement.

On January 9th Mr. Berry received the following letter from the Keeper of the Privy Purse:-

"The King and Queen have during the War invariably sent messages of sympathy to the nearest relative of those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. In cases of doubt, however, their Majesties have restrained from sending any message, always hoping that the report might not be true. The King and Queen have now heard with deep regret that the death of your son, Second Lieut. J. O. Berry, M.C., is presumed to have taken place in 1917, and I am commanded to convey to you the expression of Their Majesties' sympathy with you in your sorrow, and to assure you that during the long months of uncertainty their Majesties' thoughts have constantly been with you and those who have been called upon to endure this exceptional burden of anxiety."

On Tuesday last Mr. Berry received from the War Office the Military Cross won by his son at Westhoek on July 31st, 1917, two days after his twentieth birthday. Regret was expressed in the communication that the gallant officer did not survive to receive the reward from the hands of his Majesty, and enclosed is the following statement regarding the deed for which the distinction was conferred:-

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duly at Westhoek on the 31st July, 1917, in taking command of his company when his company commander had become a casualty and leading them for two days, during which time be displayed most remarkable initiative and determination. He attained all his objectives in the face of a heavy fire and was repeatedly to the fore in repelling counter attacks. His personal gallantry throughout won the admiration of all ranks."

Second-Lieutenant Berry was a lad of charming personality and was at the commencement of a career which was full of promise. He was connected with his father's firm in the manufacturing business at Earby, and was highly skilled on the technical side. He was educated at Skipton Grammar School, Colne Technical School, and the Manchester School of Technology. He joined the Manchester University O.T.C. in 1917, and after a period of training at Lichfield received his commission in January, 1917, going to France in March. All who knew the deceased officer will extend sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.