John Bradfield Winn

JOHN BRADFIELD WINN

Private 22483, 12th/6th Northumberland Fusiliers

Died 3rd July 1916 aged 33

No Known Grave Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Son of William and Sarah Jane Winn

Lived 36, Brighton Street, Heckmondwike

John was born in 1883, the eldest child of William Winn of George Street, Heckmondwike and Sarah Jane nee Alderson from Barnard Castle. William had been a Butcher at the time of his son's christening which took place in St Thomas’ Church in Huddersfield, but by 1891 he had become a Public House Waiter in Heckmondwike. They attended the George Street Chapel where at least two of the younger children were baptised.

The family then moved to live at the Victoria Tavern in Knowler Hill, Liversedge where another child was born and where William was the Licensee in approximately 1897. William died in 1900 and Sarah Jane and family moved back to Upper George Street at some time before March 1901.

The 1911 census records that John Bradfield Winn was aged 28, unmarried, living with his mother and employed as a Boot Riveter at the Co-operative Wholesale Society boot and shoe makers, also known as Goliath Footwear, in Brunswick Street, close to Heckmondwike Library.

The outbreak of war came and John enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers alongside Albert Yeadon and they embarked for war on 17th December 1915. His younger brother Private Charles Winn also enrolled, but in the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment). Later he was reported as suffering from shell shock and in the 3rd General Hospital, Newport, Monmouthshire, but he went on to survive the war.

The Heckmondwike Herald newspaper published the following information in July 1916, “Unofficial news has reached Heckmondwike of the death in action of Private John Bradfield Winn, whose home is at 36, Brighton Street, Heckmondwike. The sad intelligence was conveyed in a letter written by Private Albert Yeadon, son of Mr Arthur Yeadon in which he said that Winn was killed on 3rd July. Thirty three years of age, Private Winn joined the Northumberland Fusiliers along with Private Yeadon in June 1915 and went to France about six months later. He was, before enlisting, employed at the C.W.S. Boot works.”

He died during the first phase of the Battle of the Somme and his effects and money, which amounted to £4 3s 10d, were left to his mother. Private Yeadon was killed in action eight days later.{PL/KH-146}

Medals: Victory, British and 15 Star.

Commemorated: St Saviours Memorial, now displayed within St James’ Parish Church; the Green Park Memorial and Vellum Roll of Honour.

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