Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George Thompson, a domestic groom, born 1854 in Northampton and his wife Maria Thompson (nee Burditt, married in the 4th quarter of 1877 in the Market Harborough, Leicestershire district), born 1852 in Lubenham, Leicestershire. John was born in 1879 in Wilbarston, Northamptonshire, he had one sibling, a sister Lizzie, born 1881 in Lubenham, in April 1881 the family home was at Lubenham. In April 1891 John was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home in Rushes Lane, Lubenham, together with his father a domestic groom and servant, his mother and sister Lizzie, a schoolgirl. In March 1901 John was employed as a coachman and was residing in the family home at Harborough Road, Middle Lane, Lubenham, together with his father a groom, his mother and sister Lizzie, a dressmaker. In April 1911 John was employed as a domestic groom and was residing in the family home at The Cottage, Medbourne Grange, Medbourne, Leicestershire, together with his wife Margaret Jane Thompson (nee Embleton, married at Newbiggin, Northumberland of the 23rd December 1908), born 1876 in Morpeth, Northumberland and their daughter Dorothy Eleanor, born 11th November 1909 in Medbourne. Following the 1911 census John and Margaret had further children, Constance M., born and died in the 3rd quarter of 1911, twins, Florence Mary, born 11.45am and Winifred Margaret, born 11.30am on the 18th February 1913, the latter three children were all born in Medbourne and George Edward, born on the 11th August 1914 in West Langton. John and his wife latterly resided at West Langton, Leicestershire.
John attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement (For the Duration of the War, with the Colours and in the Army Reserve.) on the 10th December 1915 in Market Harborough. He gave his present address as West Langton, Market Harborough, his age as 36 years and 94 days and his trade or calling as stableman. He confirmed that he was married. He gave his wife Margaret Jane Thompson of West Langton, Leicestershire as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 6 inches in height, weighed 144 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34½ and 36½ inches. His record of service began when he attested on the 10/12/15. Transferred to the Army Reserve on the 11/12/15. Mobilized and joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 32198 on the 25/8/16. Posted and commenced training on the 25/8/16. Posted to the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 30/8/16. Embarked from Folkestone to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 22/12/16. Disembarked in Boulogne on the 22/12/16. Joined 23rd Infantry Base, Etaples on the 23/12/16. Transferred to 1st Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment at Etaples, and allocated the service number 27965 on the 25/12/16. Joined the Battalion in the field and allocated to “D” Company on the 26/12/16. Admitted to 12th Field Ambulance, in the field with J.C.T thumb on the 22/1/17. Admitted to No.1 General Hospital at Etretat on the 29/1/17. Transferred to 39th General Hospital, with N.Y.D. Slt. at Le Havre on the 31/1/17. Discharged to 6th Convalescent Camp, Etaples (Pediculosis) on the 22/2/17. Joined 23rd Infantry Base at Etaples from Convalescent Camp on the 3/3/17. Rejoined the Battalion and “D” Company, in the field on the 24/3/17. Wounded, in the field on the 10/4/17. Admitted to 30th Casualty Clearing Station suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, legs and hand on the 10/4/17. Admitted to 13th General Hospital, Boulogne on the 12/4/17. Died from wounds on the 18/4/17. A summary of his service records: Home Service 25/8/16 – 22/12/16. British Expeditionary Force, France, 23/12/16 – 18/4/17. Total service 1 year 130 days. John was awarded the British and Victory medals. On the 31st August 1917 the following articles of personal property were forwarded from the Officer in charge of Records, No.3 District, Preston to John’s widow, at West Langton, Leicestershire, 1 disc, 1 pipe, 1 brush, 1 knife, 1 purse, 1 belt and 1 bag.
The War Diary records: 10 Apr-17 – During the morning the enemy shelled the SCARPE VALLEY indiscriminately. 12.30pm. Orders received for an attack to be made as soon as possible with the object of holding the village of ROEUX and the line of the chemical works. Later the time for the advance was given as 2.30pm. The Battalion was advised to send one Company to seize the railway bridge in H.24.a. at once. This Company moved at 2.25pm and established touch with few casualties, with three platoons on the embankment on the North side of the bridge and one on the South. Owing to machine gun fire they were unable to advance, the machine gun being in a trench 500 yards further along the embankment. This Company have suffered some casualties including the Company Commander, Captain V. O. TODD. Killed 2nd Lieutenant S. T. SCOTT (wounded and died). At 2.30pm the remainder of the Battalion moved through the town edge of FAMPOUX with the object of crossing the embankment under cover of the Company already established there. As soon as they emerged from the village they came under heavy machine gun fire from the chemical works and trenches in front. Meanwhile the Battalion Headquarters moved to the Headquarters of the DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT in FAMPOUX – then, at 2.40pm, received a message stating that the plans had been altered and that the Cavalry would move in advance being closely followed up by the Infantry (2 Companies) who would consolidate the ground gained by the Cavalry. Orders were at once sent to Companies informing them and ordering them to hold their present positions but not to advance further. “B” and “C” Companies were withdrawn. 4.30pm. Advance guard of Cavalry arrived. Patrols were sent out. The Cavalry Brigadier arrived at Battalion Headquarters. After receiving reports from Officer Commanding KING’S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY, Officer Commanding DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT, and his patrols, he considered the possibilities of advancing in face of the known opposition. Snow began to fall. Before a plan of action had been made a report was received that the enemy was counter attacking. Positions were taken up to repel the attack and the Cavalry dismounted to assist. The attack was not in strength but as snow continued to fall and it was getting dark the operations were abandoned. On Officer Commanding DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S REGIMENT stating he was satisfied with the intention, the Battalion withdrew to the 4th German system at about 7.00pm. Enemy shelled FAMPOUX up till about 9.00pm. Estimated casualties for 9th and 10th four officers, 175 other ranks. A quiet night.