| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
John was born in 1887 the son of Charles Arthur and Christiana Widdas, he was baptised at St Mary's church on 16 May 1888. John lived on Dog and Duck Lane and later Waltham Terrace and Mill Lane. He started work at 14, doing house and ship painting which he continued to do until he was called up. John married Alice Maud Schofield in 1911, they had a son Arthur Edward born 1912 and Sydney Bertie in 1914, both were baptised at St Mary's.
Private John Edward Widdas, service number 963, served with the 5th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). He lost his life in France on 15 Sep 1916. The battles fought that day were Battle of Deville Wood, Battle of Fleurs-Courcelette and the Battle of Passenchendale. His body wasn't recovered and he is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
The Beverley Guardian reported John's death along with other soldiers who were also killed at that time. Alice his widow received what must have been a comforting letter from John's Company Officer:
"Dear Mrs Widdas, it is with great regret that I have to inform you of the loss of your husband Private J E Widdas 963. He was killed by a shell on the morning of the 15th September while fighting like the splendid fellow he was, to help his company to victory. He was very popular with us all, and his loss is felt keenly by all his comrades. Will you accept my heartfelt sympathy in your great loss."
Another letter was written by John's Quarter-Master Sergeant Albert Holding, in which he expresses deepest sympathy and also that of his comrades. He says he was liked by all who knew him, the late Captain thought the world of him, and they were all sorry to lose him.
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |