John William REDFEARN

19 July 1918

Private John Redfearn, Kirkby Malham

The painful news was received on Tuesday morning by his father, Mr. John Redfearn, of Kirkby Malham (who, by the way, is totally blind), that his only son, Private John Redfearn, aged 23 years, had died on July 13th from bronchial pneumonia at a base hospital at Étaples. The deceased soldier, who was very popular in Malhamdale, and had a host of friends, was, prior to enlisting, engaged as footman for Mr. Walter Morrison, of Malham Tarn, and it is just a year ago since he was home on leave. He enlisted April 30th 1915 in the A.S.C. Motor Transport, went out to France May 10th the same year, served with the Motor Transport until August 1916, when he volunteered for dispatch riding, and served in that capacity with the 3rd Army Survey Corps down to June 6th last, when he was admitted into 59 Casualty Clearing Station suffering from epilepsy. A wire was received by his father on June 8th stating he was dangerously ill, followed by a letter saying he was unconscious from Thursday to Saturday. He regained consciousness but was seriously ill. He remained in the Clearing Hospital until June 30th, making very little progress, and was then removed to the base hospital at Étaples. Bronchitis set in followed by pneumonia, and the end came, as stated, last Saturday. He had had several narrow escapes, and during the retreat from Albert a few weeks ago lost almost everything he had. Yet he was always cheerful. His loss is keenly felt by his father and sister, who were looking forward to having him on leave. We tender to them our sincere sympathy in their bereavement.

23 August 1918

KIRKBY MALHAM –THE LATE PRIVATE J. W. REDFEARN: Despatch Rider's Brave Action

Mrs. Redfearn, of the Church Hall, has received a letter from Major F. J. Salmon. R.E. with the 3rd Army, bearing on the circumstances of the illness and death of Private J. W. Redfearn, whose obituary notice appeared in the ‘Craven Herald’ on the 19th of July.

Major Salmon says:– “I am afraid I cannot give you very much information about your nephew, as it is very difficult to keep track of one’s people as soon as they get evacuated at the base. He appears to have been perfectly well the day and evening before his illness. He was taken ill with some sort of fit at night in his quarters and immediately removed to 59 Casualty Clearing Station, where he remained practically unconscious for many days. As soon as he got better he was evacuated to the base. I am at present acting in command while the Colonel is away, and was not at the headquarters at the time. I am asking Warnes who is here to write you further particulars. Warnes appears to have been his closest friend, but he was well liked and popular among all the M.T. men. His loss was deeply regretted by all the officers and men of the battalion (then a company). He was a splendid fellow, and did most excellent work. He was our most reliable dispatch rider, and could be relied upon in any emergency. During the March retreat he did a run along the Arras-Baupaume road when it was practically ‘front line’ and all other traffic had ceased. The road was under direct observation and swept by machine gun fire from the enemy. The infantry told him he could not get through but he did. It is very sad that a fellow like that should die as he did. Please tell his father that all those in this battalion who knew Redfearn feel for him deeply in his bereavement.”