Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday June 15th, 1917

Mrs Marsh, of Jackson Street, Coalville, widow of the late Mr J. J. Marsh, manager of the Coalville Liberal Club, yesterday morning received information from the War Office that her son, Pte. John Joseph Marsh, of the North Staffs Regiment, was killed in action on May 24th. On the same day, Mrs Marsh received a letter from the deceased, bearing the postmark May 22nd, in which he stated that he was once more back in the battalion, after being in hospital suffering from inflammation of the legs. He was then in fairly good health, and they were having some nice weather, “tres bon” as the French say. The official notification of his death was preceded by a letter from the deceased’s commanding officer who wrote, “I am sorry to tell you that your son was killed while the battalion was in action a few days ago. I am sure it will be a great comfort to know that he died like a soldier. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your grief, and the sympathy of his company where he will be greatly missed.” Pte. Marsh was 22 years of age, and formerly worked at Stableford’s. Mrs Marsh’s other son, Bernard, is serving in Africa.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 16/11/2017