John SLINGER

18 February 1916

CLAPHAM – MILITARY NEWS

Lance Corporal Arnold Constantine, 9th Service Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, has been home on sick furlough. He has been at the Front since last July.

Gunner John Slinger, R.F.A. West Yorkshire, came home for five days’ furlough prior to his leaving for the Front.

29 March 1918

FEARED LOSS OF GUNNER JOHN SLINGER, OF CLAPHAM

The following letter was received by Miss L. Slinger on Monday morning:– “I am writing on behalf of Bombardier Thornton and myself to assure you of our deep sympathy over the death of your dear brother Jack. We three have been very close friends for over two years, and his loss we feel very much. One thing I am glad of, and that is that he suffered no pain, his death being instantaneous. We buried him quite close to here along with his four other companions, all the boys of the sub-section attending to pay their last tribute. I have taken under my care his personal effects, and as I am expecting to be in England in a few weeks I will bring them with me. Should you require any more information we shall be only too pleased to do all we can to help you.”

The above letter was forwarded by Gunner Geo. Green of the same battery. Gunner Slinger was the younger son of Mr. James Slinger, and prior to the war was engaged first in the Alpine Gardens at Clapham and afterwards at Gaunt’s Nursery at Farsley. From the latter he enlisted in the R.F.A. at Leeds in July 1915. After nine months’ training in England he went on the Western Front and has had one period of leave. The deceased soldier was looking forward to being home for Easter, and his death adds greater poignancy to his relatives from this fact. He was an ‘old boy’ of Clapham School, and his name adds another to the many past scholars who have made the supreme sacrifice. Gunner Slinger was in his 25th year. His elder brother is also with the forces on the Western Front.

12 April 1918

SLINGER – March 12th, 1918, killed in action in France, Gunner John Slinger, aged 24 years.

“Deeply mourned by one who loved him.”

From his fiancée, Milly Cheshire, Bridle Path (Leeds), Seacroft.

14 March 1919

SLINGER – In loving memory of our dear son and brother (Jack), killed in action March 12th, 1918.

One year has passed – our hearts still sore,
As time rolls on we miss him more;
His cheerful smile, his loving face,
Yet none can fill his vacant place.

From him loving Father, Mother, Sisters and Brother, Gildersbank, Clapham.

12 March 1920

SLINGER – In loving memory of Gunner John Slinger, killed in action March 12th, 1918.

Sweet are the memories that never fade
Of one we loved but could not save.

From Father, Mother, Sisters and Brother, Gildersleets, Clapham, near Lancaster.