KELLY – Killed in action, August 20, JOHN (Jack) the dearly loved son of Thomas and Mary Kelly, of 6, Oak-lane, Hooton, in his 18th year.
When last we saw his smiling face
He looked so strong and brave;
We little thought how soon he’d be
Laid in a soldier’s grave
Deeply mourned by all at home.
The death is announced of Pte. Jack Kelly, only son of Mr. and Mr.s Kelly, of 6, Oak-lane, Hooton, who have recieved official intimation that he was killed in action on August 20th, 1918. He received his education at Willaston School, and was a member of their Scout Troop.
Later on he joined the Eastham Church Lads’ Brigade, and there attained the rank of sergeant. He was called up in October, 1917, and after a period of training was ultimately drafted to France in April of this year, and fell before he had reached his 19th birthday.
Previous to enrolment he rose to the rank of chief clerk in the office of the Gum Tragasol Supply Co., Ltd.
John “Jack” Edward Kelly was born in 1899, the exact date is unknown, and was baptised on 22nd October, 1899 in Threapwood, Cheshire.
Serving as part of the 2nd Grenadier Battalion, Jack Kelly was killed during the Hundred Days Offensive, a series of Allied attacks which ultimately resulted in the end of the First World War.
Kelly died one day before the commencement of the Second Battle of the Somme, 21st August, which lasted until late September, 1918.
Beginning on 8th August with the Battle of Amiens, The Hundred Days Offensive sought to reclaim the ground taken by the Central Powers through their Spring Offensive from earlier in the year and to break through the infamous Hindenburg Line.
Private Jack Kelly is buried in France at the Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux.
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