Private John William Balshaw Royal Army Medical Corps, Duke of Lancaster Yeomanry and St John
The Man John William Balshaw was born on Sunday 21st October 1888 in Farnworth, Bolton, Lancashire, only son of John Seymour a Coal Miner and Sarah Ellen nee Tonge, a Cotton Winder.
In 1891 the family were living at 23 Caldew Street, Farnworth and by 1885 at 87 Price Street. In May 1885 aged just 33, John senior died, possibly as a result of a mining incident and was buried on 5th June in St John The Evangelist Church. By 1901 John junior and Sarah were now living at 3 Sixsmith Hill, Sarah still a cotton Winder and John aged just 12 working as a Cotton Spinner! Presumably having completed his education.
In 1908 aged 20 John became involved with the St John Ambulance Association (SJA) in the Farnworth Division, No 4 District as a Private No 7177 and in 1911 had temporarily moved to Bristol, boarding at 31 Causway, Fishponds working as an Iron Turner at Fishponds Motor Works.
In 1891 the family were living at 23 Caldew Street, Farnworth and by 1885 at 87 Price Street. In May 1885 aged just 33, John senior died, possibly as a result of a mining incident and was buried on 5th June in St John The Evangelist Church. By 1901 John junior and Sarah were now living at 3 Sixsmith Hill, Sarah still a cotton Winder and John aged just 12 working as a Cotton Spinner! Presumably having completed his education.
In 1908 aged 20 John became involved with the St John Ambulance Association (SJA) in the Farnworth Division, No 4 District as a Private No 7177 and in 1911 had temporarily moved to Bristol, boarding at 31 Causway, Fishponds working as an Iron Turner at Fishponds Motor Works.
Between April and June 1913 aged 24 John married Edith Skelhorn in Farnworth and they lived at 37 Cooke Street in the town. John also joined the Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes at Lodge No 1058 in Furness.
Between 1911 and 1914 utilising his SJA skills, John enlisted into the Regular Army as a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) with service number 9745. Following the outbreak of World War I on 4th August 1914, John was attached to the 22nd Field Ambulance, which became a part of the 7th Infantry Division, formed during September and early October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. They were assembled in the New Forest in Hampshire before initially moving to Belgium as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The Division landed at Zeebrugge in the first week of October 1914, John disembarking on 7th, and were ordered to assist in the defence of Antwerp. However, by the time they arrived the city was already falling and the 7th was instead ordered to hold certain important bridges and other places that would help the westward evacuation of the Belgian army. Once the Belgians were through, the Division was moved westwards, where the infantry entrenched in front of Ypres, the first British troops to occupy that fateful place suffering extremely heavy losses in the First Battle of Ypres (19th October – 22nd November 1914). John saw action here and served under fire or operated within range of enemy mobile artillery from his arrival on 7th October until 22nd November 1914, becoming eligible for the award of the 1914 Star and clasp ‘5th Aug- 22nd Nov 1914’.
John served the entire war with the RAMC and 7th Division, who by February 1915 had been reinforced to fighting strength and in action at the Battles of Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, Festubert, the second Action of Givenchy and the Battle of Loos. In 1916 they were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the capture of Mametz, Bazentin, the attacks on High Wood, Battle of Delville Wood, Guillemont, and operations on the Ancre.
In 1917 they fought during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line and the flanking operations around Bullecourt during the Arras offensive, before moving to Flanders for the Third Battle of Ypres, seeing action in the Battle of Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcapelle and The Second Battle of Passchendaele.
In late 1917 major change occurred with 7th Division being one of five British formations selected to be moved to Italy. This was a strategic and political move agreed by the British Government at the request of the Allied Supreme War Council, as an effort to stiffen Italian resistance to enemy attack after a recent disaster at Caporetto. Many diaries at this time, by men who had witnessed slaughter in the floods of Passchendaele, talk of the move and Italy as being “like another world”. Much work was done preparing to move into the mountainous area of the Brenta, but eventually the Division was instead moved to the line along the River Piave, taking up positions in late January 1918. In October 1918, the Division played a central role in crossing the Piave - the Battle of Vittoria Veneto, fought from 24 October to 3 November 1918 (with an armistice taking effect 24 hours later). This battle marked the end of the war on the Italian Front, secured the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and contributed to the end of the First World War just one week later.
Between 1911 and 1914 utilising his SJA skills, John enlisted into the Regular Army as a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) with service number 9745. Following the outbreak of World War I on 4th August 1914, John was attached to the 22nd Field Ambulance, which became a part of the 7th Infantry Division, formed during September and early October 1914, by the bringing together of regular army units from various points around the British Empire. They were assembled in the New Forest in Hampshire before initially moving to Belgium as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The Division landed at Zeebrugge in the first week of October 1914, John disembarking on 7th, and were ordered to assist in the defence of Antwerp. However, by the time they arrived the city was already falling and the 7th was instead ordered to hold certain important bridges and other places that would help the westward evacuation of the Belgian army. Once the Belgians were through, the Division was moved westwards, where the infantry entrenched in front of Ypres, the first British troops to occupy that fateful place suffering extremely heavy losses in the First Battle of Ypres (19th October – 22nd November 1914). John saw action here and served under fire or operated within range of enemy mobile artillery from his arrival on 7th October until 22nd November 1914, becoming eligible for the award of the 1914 Star and clasp ‘5th Aug- 22nd Nov 1914’.
John served the entire war with the RAMC and 7th Division, who by February 1915 had been reinforced to fighting strength and in action at the Battles of Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, Festubert, the second Action of Givenchy and the Battle of Loos. In 1916 they were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the capture of Mametz, Bazentin, the attacks on High Wood, Battle of Delville Wood, Guillemont, and operations on the Ancre.
In 1917 they fought during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line and the flanking operations around Bullecourt during the Arras offensive, before moving to Flanders for the Third Battle of Ypres, seeing action in the Battle of Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcapelle and The Second Battle of Passchendaele.
In late 1917 major change occurred with 7th Division being one of five British formations selected to be moved to Italy. This was a strategic and political move agreed by the British Government at the request of the Allied Supreme War Council, as an effort to stiffen Italian resistance to enemy attack after a recent disaster at Caporetto. Many diaries at this time, by men who had witnessed slaughter in the floods of Passchendaele, talk of the move and Italy as being “like another world”. Much work was done preparing to move into the mountainous area of the Brenta, but eventually the Division was instead moved to the line along the River Piave, taking up positions in late January 1918. In October 1918, the Division played a central role in crossing the Piave - the Battle of Vittoria Veneto, fought from 24 October to 3 November 1918 (with an armistice taking effect 24 hours later). This battle marked the end of the war on the Italian Front, secured the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and contributed to the end of the First World War just one week later.
On 11th March 1918 John and Edith had their only child, a daughter, Irene, indicating John may have been on leave in the UK during summer 1917, just prior to the Division’s move to Italy.
For his war time service John was awarded the 1914 Star and clasp, 1914-18 British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Italian War Merit Cross, awarded for a number of reasons including, to ‘foreigners’ for conspicuous service. He was also eligible to later claim the La Medaille Commemorative des Battailes de la Somme, which he did in 1965.
Following the War John returned to 37 Cooke Street and to his job as an Iron Turner working at the Astley Green and Agecroft Collieries. On 11th November 1921, three years after the Armistice, he was awarded the RAOB Medal named to him as Brother Balshaw. In about 1925 he also enlisted once again, into the Territorial Army (TA), The Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry as a Trooper and with service number 399440.
In 1929 he was awarded the Service Medal of the Order of St John for 15 years’ service and the first clasp in 1934, followed in 1937 by the Efficiency Medal ‘Territorial’ listed in Army Order 177 of 31st August.
He was also involved with the local Moorfield Football Club, a member of the local St John’s church and in 1938 aged 50, on leaving the TA, joined the local Special Constabulary and the Air Raid Precaution (ARP).
In 1939, John, Edith and Irene were living at the same address in Cooke Street, John was shown as an Engineer, Iron Turner and as First Aid Posting with the ARP working at Messrs Entwistle and Gass Ltd, who were Engineers, Bleachers' Machinists and Iron founders whose specialities were machinery for bleaching, dyeing and finishing cotton goods, which included special laundry machinery, centrifugal pumps and air compressors, in Farnworth.
For his war time service John was awarded the 1914 Star and clasp, 1914-18 British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Italian War Merit Cross, awarded for a number of reasons including, to ‘foreigners’ for conspicuous service. He was also eligible to later claim the La Medaille Commemorative des Battailes de la Somme, which he did in 1965.
Following the War John returned to 37 Cooke Street and to his job as an Iron Turner working at the Astley Green and Agecroft Collieries. On 11th November 1921, three years after the Armistice, he was awarded the RAOB Medal named to him as Brother Balshaw. In about 1925 he also enlisted once again, into the Territorial Army (TA), The Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry as a Trooper and with service number 399440.
In 1929 he was awarded the Service Medal of the Order of St John for 15 years’ service and the first clasp in 1934, followed in 1937 by the Efficiency Medal ‘Territorial’ listed in Army Order 177 of 31st August.
He was also involved with the local Moorfield Football Club, a member of the local St John’s church and in 1938 aged 50, on leaving the TA, joined the local Special Constabulary and the Air Raid Precaution (ARP).
In 1939, John, Edith and Irene were living at the same address in Cooke Street, John was shown as an Engineer, Iron Turner and as First Aid Posting with the ARP working at Messrs Entwistle and Gass Ltd, who were Engineers, Bleachers' Machinists and Iron founders whose specialities were machinery for bleaching, dyeing and finishing cotton goods, which included special laundry machinery, centrifugal pumps and air compressors, in Farnworth.
John served in the Special Constabulary, ARP and SJA during World War II and was promoted to Acting Sergeant in the SJA. During 1940 aged 51 at a ceremony in the First Aid Post in the Clinic, Albert Road, Farnworth he was awarded the second clasp to his OSJ Service Medal, followed in 1944 and 1949 by the third and fourth clasps representing over 35 years’ service. He qualified for the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal in about 1942 and a further Long Service clasp dated 1952, when he was aged 64. He was also awarded the Defence Medal for service in the Special Constabulary during the War.
John retired in 1953 aged 65 and in later life lived at 11 Firwood Avenue, Farnworth. During the first quarter of 1971 Edith passed away and John died on 12th January 1977 aged 88. He was cremated in the local crematorium on 17th January and his ashes scattered in the grounds.
It seems John was at one time simultaneously active in the RAOB, TA, SJA, SC and ARP – a busy and dedicated man serving his country superbly during two World Wars in a humanitarian capacity; involved in some of the most notable and bloody battles of World War I including the one securing the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A great achievement for one who left school and was working by the age of 12.
John retired in 1953 aged 65 and in later life lived at 11 Firwood Avenue, Farnworth. During the first quarter of 1971 Edith passed away and John died on 12th January 1977 aged 88. He was cremated in the local crematorium on 17th January and his ashes scattered in the grounds.
It seems John was at one time simultaneously active in the RAOB, TA, SJA, SC and ARP – a busy and dedicated man serving his country superbly during two World Wars in a humanitarian capacity; involved in some of the most notable and bloody battles of World War I including the one securing the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A great achievement for one who left school and was working by the age of 12.
The Story The medals awarded to John William Balshaw were acquired from the Dix Noonan Webb auction held on 17th February 2021.
They were of interest because of the treble long service combination, the confirmed award of the Italian War Merit Cross and the additional medals and ephemera with the group.
Most of the research had already been completed by previous custodian of the group, David Lloyd, but some further digging on Ancestry.UK uncovered some of the missing pieces to the jigsaw allowing a detailed biography to be built up.
Of interest was the fact John Balshaw served in the same Corps during the entire first war and appears to have seen action in some of the bloodiest and most well-known battles of the conflict, including the final battle in Italy resulting in the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
His subsequent and World War II service also appear impeccable and selfless. A man who served for so long and in so many organisations may now be remembered and recorded for posterity.
They were of interest because of the treble long service combination, the confirmed award of the Italian War Merit Cross and the additional medals and ephemera with the group.
Most of the research had already been completed by previous custodian of the group, David Lloyd, but some further digging on Ancestry.UK uncovered some of the missing pieces to the jigsaw allowing a detailed biography to be built up.
Of interest was the fact John Balshaw served in the same Corps during the entire first war and appears to have seen action in some of the bloodiest and most well-known battles of the conflict, including the final battle in Italy resulting in the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
His subsequent and World War II service also appear impeccable and selfless. A man who served for so long and in so many organisations may now be remembered and recorded for posterity.
Brother John W Balshaw's Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes Medal - dated 11th November 1921.
Newspaper article detailing awards of St John Ambulance Association Medal.
Medal Details
- 1914 Star: 9745 PTE. J.W.BALSHAW RAMC.
- 1914-18 British War Medal: 9745 PTE. J.W.BALSHAW RAMC.
- Victory Medal: 9745 PTE. J.W.BALSHAW. RAMC.
- Defence Medal: Unnamed as awarded.
- Efficiency Medal 'Territorial': 399440 TPR. J.W.BALSHAW. DOF LANC. YEO.
- Special Constabulary Long Service Medal: JOHN W.BALSHAW
- Service Medal of the Order of St John: 7177 PTE. J.W.BALSHAW. FARNWORTH DIV. No 4 DIST. S.J.A.B. (1929)
- Italian War Merit Cross: Unnamed as awarded.
Provenance
- Lockdales 28-29 Jan 2017
- David Lloyd Collection
- DNW 17 Feb 21
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This page last updated 22 Mar 21
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