John THORNBER

17 December 1915

LOW BENTHAM – The Latest Recruits

Mr. John Crayston, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Crayston, of Willow Tree Farm, Low Bentham, has joined the West Lancashire Army Veterinary Corps and is stationed at Preston. The following villagers were attested last week and placed in their respective groups:–Mr. John Blacow, the Sun Dial Inn; Mr. John Satterthwaite, grocer; Mr. Edw. Ramskill, grocer’s assistant; Mr. John Parker, butcher; Mr. John Robinson, Green Head Farm; Mr. T.D. Batty, Kirkbeck Farm; Mr. Tom Bateson, fifth son of the late Mr. Giles Bateson, of Ellergill; Mr. Wm. Norcross, silk dresser; Mr. John Wilson, silk dresser; Mr. Squire Jackson, silk dresser; Mr. Geo. Fleming, younger son of Mr. Wm. Fleming, of Crow Trees; Mr. John Dowbiggin, and Mr. James Dowbiggin, sons of Mr. Wm. Dowbiggin, of Robert Hall Farm, Tatham. Those who were rejected include:–Mr. Albert Coates, blacksmith at Clapham; Mr. Alf. Canby, of Holme Farm; Mr. Leonard Shackleton, of the Punch Bowl Hotel; and Mr. J. Thornber, clerk at the Silk Mill.

03 November 1916

LOW BENTHAM – Military Items

Mr. John Thornber, who has been employed as a clerk at Messrs. Ford, Ayrton and Co., left the village on Saturday to join the York and Lancaster Regiment.–Cadet Harold Percy Coates, Artists’ Rifles (son of the Rector) and Cadet Heslop, were on a two days’ furlough at the Rectory this week-end; also Private David Bell, of the York and Lancaster Regiment, was at home on furlough. Two of the first Belgian guests, who left the village some time ago to join the Belgian Army, are on a short visit to the village this week.

15 December 1916

LOW BENTHAM – On Leave

The following have been home on furlough:–Lance-Corporal John Lister, Duke of Wellington’s; Ptes. Alec Wilcock, R.A.M.C.; John Thornber, York and Lancaster; George Burrow, Duke of Wellington’s; Tom Nutter, Ed. Downham, King’s Own Lancaster; Arnold Robinson, Percy Prince, Royal Fusiliers.

19 January 1917

LOWER BENTHAM – WAR ITEMS

Pte. John Wilcock, Duke of Wellington’s Regt., who has been invalided home wounded; Pte. John Thornber, York and Lancaster Regiment; and Pte. Henry E. Walter, Coldstream Guards, have been over on a few days’ furlough.

20 July 1917

THORNBER – Officially reported missing between June 5th and 9th 1917, Pte. John Thornber, York and Lancaster Regiment, son of Mrs. Thornber, Victoria Cottages, Lower Bentham.

20 July 1917

LOWER BENTHAM – PRIVATE JOHN THORNBER MISSING

Sincere sympathy is extended to the widowed mother of Pte. John Thornber who resides at Victoria Cottages, on hearing that she has received official news from the Infantry Record Office that her elder son has been posted as “missing” between the 5th and 9th of June. Mrs. Thornber previously had intimation from his pal in a letter, which is here reproduced:–

“Dear Mrs. Thornber, – I am sorry to say that Jack has been reported missing, but have been hoping that you would have heard from him. Before going into action he entrusted me with a few papers and his watch. These I still have in my possession, and will forward them on to on. You will be pleased to know that your son was one of the best-liked fellows in the platoon and a favourite with everybody. He did his duty whenever the opportunity came his way. I can only hope that by now you have received news of Jack. I am, yours sincerely, LEONARD W. MARTIN.”

Pte. Thornber enlisted into the York and Lancaster Regiment in October last, and entered the trenches on Good Friday. Prior to joining the Colours he was employed as a clerk in the office of Messrs. Ford, Ayrton and Co., which occupation he had held upwards of nine years, being also the Low Bentham correspondent for the ‘Craven Herald’. He was of a genial disposition, a keen angler, and his open-heartedness won him many friends. His father, the late Christopher Thornber, was confidential clerk for Messrs. Ford, Ayrton and Co. for twenty-nine years.

26 April 1918

Private J. Thornber, Low Bentham

Our sympathy is extended to the widowed mother of Pte. John Thornber (York and Lancs. Regiment), of Low Bentham, who has been notified that her elder son, who was reported missing from the 5—9th June last, is now presumed killed. In a letter from the British Red Cross, Mrs. Thornber is informed “our reports show that early in June 1917, the York and Lancs, were in action at ----- On June 7th about 4 a.m. they made an attack encountering high explosive fire when just over the top. We much regret that notwithstanding constant and careful enquiries, we have had to come to the conclusion that he must have lost his life at the time, when he was missing. Pte. Thornber was 25 years of age and up to the time of enlisting was employed as clerk to Messrs. Ford, Ayrton & Co., which occupation he held for upwards of nine years. He was also the Low Bentham correspondent for the ‘Craven Herald,’ and a keen angler. A memorial service is to be held at the Parish Church on Sunday evening.

03 May 1918

LOW BENTHAM – Memorial Service

Immediately after evensong on Sunday at the Parish Church, a memorial service was held in respect of the late Privates John Wilcock and John Thornber. There was a large congregation, many relatives and friends of the gallant lads attending. The Rector conducted the service most impressively, both the late soldiers having been Church officers. The service concluded with the National Anthem.