Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Sheffield a hotel keeper, born 1842 in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, and his wife Sarah Elizabeth Sheffield (nee Dore, married on the 18th March 1873 in North Wingfield, Derbyshire), born 1847 in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, and who was the daughter of William Dore of North Wingfield. John Davenport was a schoolboy and was born in the 3rd quarter of 1879 in Coalville, Leicestershire, his siblings were, William, a schoolboy, born 1875, George Frederick, a schoolboy, born 1877 and Dorothy Catherine, a schoolgirl, born 1882, all his siblings were born in Coalville, in April 1891 the family home was at The Railway Hotel, Hotel Street, Whitwick, Leicestershire. In April 1911 John was employed assisting in the family business and was residing at The Railway Hotel, Hotel Street, Coalville, together with his widower father, the hotel proprietor and his sister, Dorothy, the hotel manageress, also residing with the family was his cousin Frank Stone, who was in charge of horses and stabling, born 1884 in Swannington, Leicestershire. John, always known as Jack fought during the Boer War between 1899 and 1902 with the Leicestershire Volunteers attaining the rank of Corporal. Upon the outbreak of hostilities Jack rejoined, this time with the 2nd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, and retaining his previous rank as Corporal embarked for France where he joined his Battalion at Givenchy in October 1914. Jack lost his life during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, being killed instantly when a sniper shot him in the head. His father William died on the 31st August of the same year aged seventy four and a half, his mother had died in 1900 while he was serving in South Africa.
John attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement of 1 year with the Colours on the 25th February 1901 in Leicester. He gave his place of birth as Coalville, Leicestershire, his age as 21 years and 6 months and his trade or calling as architect and surveyor. He confirmed that he had served a three year apprenticeship with Mr. Hampton of Loughborough, Leicestershire. He stated that he was currently a member of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father William and brothers William and George and sister Dorothy, all of Coalville as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 4¾ inches in height, weighed 124 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34 and 35½ inches. His complexion was described as dark, his hair colour was dark brown and he had grey eyes. It was noted that he had two moles above his left wrist. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was pronounced fit for Army service on the 25th February 1901 in Leicester. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 6812 on the 25/2/01. Transferred to the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 23/3/01. Promoted Corporal on the 4/1/02. Transferred to the Depot as Corporal on his return from South Africa and discharged on the 19/6/02. Paid a gratuity of £7.10s 0d on the 7/7/02. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 25/2/01 – 22/3/01, 26 days. South Africa, 23/3/01 – 17/6/02, 1 year 87 days. Home Service, 18/6/02 – 19/6/02, 2 days. Total service, 1 year 115 days. John was awarded the South Africa 1901-02 medal.
On Saturday February 27th 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – THE LEICESTERS AND THE GERMAN BAND. “If I am spared to see you all again, I shall have heaps to tell you - no censor then to draw the line, but it has to be done out here. I am sorry I cannot give you any details, but take it from me, the sights one sees every day are dreadful, and really too horrible to write about. It’s more like hell than anything.” Corporal Jack Sheffield, son of Mr. William Sheffield, of the Railway Hotel, Coalville, writing to his friend, Mr. Sam Goacher, of Hermitage Road, Coalville, has the foregoing in an interesting communication from the front. Sheffield is serving in one of the Leicestershire battalions, and left Portsmouth for the front about two months ago. Writing on paper sent from Leicestershire subscribers through the Leicester “Post” and “Mercury” Offices, he says: “I have had rather a rough time since I wrote last. We are in the firing line, and, at places, only about 70 yards, or less, from the German trenches - in fact we can hear them speak quite plainly. We were bothered the other night by a few playing a varied sort of musical instruments, and thus once more listened to a German band. Then one, who, no doubt, had worked in England, would sing some of our comic songs, usually finishing by singing ‘God save the King.’ but instead of ‘King’ they would say ‘Kaiser.’ They had an interruption to their concert though, in the shape of one of our shrapnels. There was no more singing that night, or a few nights after. It broke up their happy home – if it is very happy. I should say not. We are getting on all right. Don’t worry at things being a little quiet. There will be a little excitement as soon as the weather picks up. I have had heaps of narrow escapes, but am pleased to say up to now I am well. One night a Sergeant and myself were talking at a little village (or I might say, the ruins of one) about 200 yards from the German trenches when a shot came and flattened itself just behind our heads. Another few inches! Well, it might as well have been a mile away. It did no damage. A shell came one day and dropped about the next house, killing two little French children, wounding several more, a trumpeter of the Royal Horse Artillery, and four others, one of the wounded having his foot completely blown off. Our casualties have not been large, but large enough.....We are still as lively as ever, and not at all downhearted.
The War Diary records: 10 Mar-15 - All in position by 5.00am 10th March. At 7.30am the artillery bombardment commenced and at 7.45am C Coy followed by D Coy moved up by communication trench to the northern position of eastern face of PORT ARTHUR. At 8.05am B and C Coys advanced each Coy having two platoons in front line closely supported by the other two platoons in 2nd line. The advance was carried out at a steady double. The first line of enemy’s trenches was carried and the advance was continued over several other enemy’s trenches and communication trenches reaching the final objective (line P.O. to road) at about 5.20am. B Coy occupying that position of German trench extending from P. to the line joining D and 5 and C Coy on their right extending through O. to the road. Two platoons from each A and D Coys had supported B and C Coy in third line. The D Coy platoons occupied the houses about D. and covered C Coys rear and finally moved up on C Coys right joining C Coys to road D.N. Meanwhile owing to the 1st/39th edging off to their right a gap of about 200 yards of the first German trench been unaccounted for and this position was still held by Germans who moved down trench opposite our right. Two parties endeavoured to dislodge them from trench to north of wired house and from wired house opposite our right. One platoon of D Coy from Reserve under Capt ROMILLY succeeded in bombing them back down trench eventually up to within 20 yards of wired house, here a barricade was built and with two reserve platoons of A Coy was held until the SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS advancing from our left took the line. (The Coys in the front line at once commenced improving the German trench and reversed the parapet). About 5.00pm, the enemy endeavoured to retire north eastwards but with the 1st SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS attacking from the west, the 3rd LONDON REGT. from the south west and the fire of A Coy enfilading them they raised the white flag and surrendered. About 80 prisoners were taken. About 3.40pm orders were received that the left of our advanced line was to swing round to P. to connect with 2nd/3rd GURKHAS this had already been done. At 3.45pm information received that the DEHRA DUN Bde was going to pass through to attack the BOIS DE BIEXZ and that GARWHAL Bde would remain on line T.P.O. and consolidate position. At 5.15pm Front line of I.A. Corps. from left to right 2nd/39th – 2nd/3rd – 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGT. – 1st SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS – 3rd LONDON REGT. – 1st/39th – up to this hour the right flank of forward line by road had been in the air. About midnight 10th/11th March the 2nd/39th were withdrawn and attached to the DEHRA DUN Bde.
The War Diary records: 11 Mar-15 - The DEHRA DUN Bde advanced as far as the BOIS DE BIEZ but before dawn withdrew and dug themselves in. The 2nd/2nd GURKHAS digging a trench 100 yards in front of the 2nd/3rd GURKHAS trench and the 2nd/39th coming into that portion of our line held by C and ½ of D Coys. The trench dug by the 2nd/2nd made 60 yards of trench on my left, which was occupied by B Coy and faced north, of no account as this portion of the trench flanked the line held by the 2nd/3rd GURKHAS. The ½ of A Coy in front line was withdrawn to D. at dusk. During the night 11th/12th March the 2nd/2nd GURKHAS were withdrawn and the trench was left unoccupied.
The War Diary records: 12 Mar-15 - The enemy artillery shelled PORT ARTHUR. On the 12th March at 5.15am the Germans counter attacked and A Coy at D. was called up but this counter attack broke down on the right at 100yards from our trenches. On the left they occupied the trench vacated by the 2nd/2nd GURKHAS and advanced from there direct on the 2nd/3rd GURKHAS. They were received with frontal fire from the GURKHAS and enfiladed by B Coy and one Machine Gun under Capt McINTYRE and few returned to their trench. At 9.00am a white flag was seen in this trench and at 9.30am a Coy of the 1st/4th GURKHAS advanced as there was no further movement by the enemy a party under 2nd Lt McINTYRE under fire from enemy behind white flags rushed to the trench and assisted the GURKHAS in clearing it of the enemy, many of whom were killed or wounded, the remainder surrendering to the 1st HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY further north. Information received at 11.00am the SIRHIND Bde supported by JULLUNDER Bde was going to attack in easterly direction, but no attack took place although troops were formed up behind front line, owing to open nature of ground and lack of cover they suffered somewhat heavily. At 3.37pm received information that GARWHAL Bde would remain in possession of line. At 6.00pm FEROZEPORE Bde came up but by 11.00pm it was decided that attack would not take place. Heavy artillery shelled PORT ARTHUR from 1.00pm to 2.15pm. Battn HQ’s and ½ D Coy moved to D. at 3.00pm. JULLUNDER and FEROZEPORE Bde withdrawn about 11.30pm.
The War Diary records: 13 Mar-15 - Heavy shelling in neighbourhood of D. and NEUVE CHAPELLE during the morning. Snipers very active. At 12.30pm it was reported by a Gunner observing officer that the enemy were collecting on the line of LAYES river S.5.b to M.36.c. Orders were issued by Bde at 5.15pm for relief of line by SIRHIND Bde (Appendix E). Operational orders issued at 6.30pm (Appendix F). At 5.30pm information was received that appearances were in favour of the enemy attacking. Relief completed at midnight 13th/14th March all quiet and Battn marched to L’EPINETTE via F. Bde HQ’s RUE DES BERCEAUX – QUEEN MARY ROAD – LA COUTURE – ZELOBES and LOCON ROAD arriving at billets at 6.00am 14th March.
On Saturday April 3rd 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL CASUALTIES. COALVILLE SOLDIER KILLED AT NEUVE CHAPELLE. Official information has been received that Corporal John Davenport Sheffield, B Company, 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, Indian Expeditionary Force, was killed at the battle at Neuve Chapelle, on the 10th March. Corporal Sheffield was the third and youngest son of Mr. William Sheffield, of the Railway Hotel, Coalville, and about 35 years of age. The greatest sympathy is extended to his family. Jack Sheffield, as he was familiarly known, served for several years in the Ashby de la Zouch Company of the Leicestershire Volunteers, and saw active service in the South African War, for which he offered his services with the Volunteer Company. He retired from the Volunteers after the war, and on the formation of the National Reserves, joined the Ashby and Coalville Company from which he enlisted on the outbreak of the war. He was posted to the 3rd Leicesters, and went for a few months training to Cosham, Portsmouth, eventually going out with a draft to the 2nd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. His last communication from the front was on the 7th March, and a few days subsequent to the Neuve Chapelle engagement, a friend regretfully wrote that after the company had charged some trenches successfully, they were discussing the grand rush, when Sheffield was shot in the head. The funeral took place the same afternoon. Mr. Sheffield was a popular figure in Coalville and district. Up to the time he volunteered for the war he played for the Coalville Swifts Football Club, and in other days was connected with the Burton United, Coalville Excelsior, Coalville Town, Ibstock Albion, and Coalville Wednesday F.C.’s.
On Friday April 16th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HEAVY LEICESTERSHIRE CASUALTIES.” – MEN WHO FELL AT NEUVE CHAPPELLE. – OFFICIAL LISTS. – The official lists of casualties published during the past week contain the names of numerous representatives of the Leicestershire Regiment, several of whom will be recognised as belonging to Melton Mowbray and district. Reported from the base, 24th March.
KILLED.
Ball (11054), Private A., Barker (10872), Private A., Bates (12314), Private W., Betteridge (9239), Lance Corporal T., Bishop (11078), Private J. H., Bosher (9534), Private H., Bradley (6131), Lance Corporal A., Bradley (11776), Corporal G. J., Branson (9838), Private F., Brooks (12142), Private B., Brown (11185), Private H., Brown (8631), Private S. W., Carter (11125), Private W., Congreve (8282), Private F., Conway (5393), Private A., Cooke (9898), Private E. A., Corby (8485), Private W. H., Cornish (10358), Sergeant J., Cousins (6007), Private C. E., Cox (8829), Lance Corporal F. J., Croucher (8854), Private L., Cunnington (12090), Private H., Davis (9923), Private F., Elson (7096), Lance Corporal F. A., Emery (8269), Private W., Ferguson (9277), Private R. E., Garton (9939), Private E., Green (11801), Private G., Hall (12041), Private E., Hallam (6473), Private O., Hayes (8740), Drummer D., Helsdon (6021), Lance Corporal W., Hicks (10718), Private E., Hinckley (9160), Private L. J., Holt (11718), Private C. H., Holt (12093), Private W., Hopkinson (12383), Private J., Hyde (8199), Private J. W., Lake (9242), Private H., Latham (12468), Private W. S., Lee (11330), Private E. H., Lees (5329), Sergeant E., Littlejohn (8708), Private T., Locks (8961), Private L., McHugh (12700), Private A., Mansfield (9034), Private H., Morgan (8412), Private A., Moore (5661), Private F., Neat (5342), Sergeant J., Needham (6400), Private H. S., Peacock (11043), Private G., Potterton (8959), Private W., Poyser (12070), Private J. G., Randle (6164), Private L., Reynolds (10162), Private J. S., Robinson (8732), Private P., Rowley (9863), Private W., Sanders (9225), Private U., Sheffield (12078), Corporal J. D., Shipsides (6396), Private E., Skelcey (8825), Private R., Soden (11262). Private W. A., Tansley (7898), Lance Corporal W. J., Taylor (12412), Private F. W., Towndrow (5708), Lance Corporal E., Twigg (7466), Sergeant J., Vine (10426), Private W., Ward (10951), Private W. R., Wardle (6399), Private W., Wareham (12045), Private H., Warner (9285), Private A. H., Warner (9864), Private O., Watson (11669), Private J., White (9522), Private A., Woodford (9045), Private A. F.
On Saturday March 10th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. SHEFFIELD.- In loving memory of Corpl. John Davenport (Jack) Sheffield, Leicestershire Regt., youngest son of the late Mr William Sheffield, of Coalville, killed in action at Neuve Chapelle on March 10th 1915.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday January 22nd, 1915

DO YOU KNOW

That Mr J. Sheffield, son of Mr W. Sheffield, of the Railway Hotel, Coalville, is at present near Lille, with his regiment who are operating with the Ghurkhas?

Coalville Times article - Friday February 26th 1915

GIFTS TO LOCAL SOLDIERS

MORE LETTERS OF THANKS

Another batch of letters and postcards have been received by Capt. Stevenson at the Coalville Recruiting Office from men at the front, expressing thanks for gifts which were provided from funds raised at two concerts at the Olympia in December.

The comment sent by Jack Sheffield was "Good old Coalville! Pleased to receive the parcel safely and know you are not behind the other towns in doing your share towards the troops here. They were much appreciated especially as they arrived at a time when they were most needed. We have just now come out of the trenches."

In another article in the same issue were printed two of his letters.

LETTER FROM CORPL. SHEFFIELD

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

Corporal Jack Sheffield, son of Mr William Sheffield, of the Railway Hotel, Coalville, writing to Mr Walter Higgins sen., tobacconist, of High Street, Coalville, and acknowledging a parcel from Coalville people, said he found the packet of cigarettes with Mr Higgins name on it. “It was like old times,” he says “to see the old name once more, and no less to say I enjoyed the smoke immensely. We had just come out of the trenches, so we enjoyed them all the more. I am pleased to say that I am all right up to the present, and am enjoying myself as much as is possible in the circumstances.” Corporal Sheffield served in the South African War with the Leicestershire Volunteer Company, and afterwards joined the National Reserve, from which he enjoined one of the Leicestershire Reserve Battalions, and previous to proceeding on war service was stationed near Portsmouth for six months.

UPSET THE GERMAN BAND

In another letter written to Mr Sam Goacher, Corpl. Sheffield says, “We are in the firing line, and, at places, only about 70 yards, or less, from the German trenches – in fact we can hear them speaking quite plainly. We were bothered the other night by a few playing a varied sort of musical instruments, and thus once more listened to a German band. Then one, who, no doubt has worked in England, would sing some of our comic songs, usually finishing by singing “God Save the King,” but instead of ‘King’ they would say ‘Kaiser’. They had an interruption to their concert, though, in the shape of one of our shrapnels. There was no more singing that night or a few nights after. There will be a little excitement as soon as the weather picks up. I have had heaps of narrow escapes, but am pleased to say up to now I am well. One night a sergeant and myself were talking at a little village (or I might say, the ruins of one) about 200 yards from the German trenches when a shot came and flattened itself behind our heads. Another few inches! Well, it might as well have been a mile away. It did no damage. A shell came one day and dropped about the next house, killing two little French children, wounding several more. We are still as lively as ever, and not at all down-hearted.”

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Coalville TImes article - Friday April 2nd, 1915

COALVILLE SOLDIER KILLED

CORPL. J. D. SHEFFIELD

It is with much regret that we record the death of Corpl. J. D. Sheffield, son of Mr W. Sheffield, of the Railway Hotel, who was one of the heroes – there are four or five in the Coalville district – who fell in the great battle of Neuve Chapelle, and it will be some consolation to their sorrowing relatives to know that they did not sacrifice their lives in vain, since this was the greatest British victory yet achieved in the war, the Germans being utterly routed and suffering very severe losses.

It had been known, unofficially, for several days that Jack Sheffield had fallen, but we refrained from publishing the news until it was received from the military authorities, in the hope that their might be some mistake, but the official intimation of the sad event was received by Mr Sheffield on Tuesday morning. Sympathy with the family will be the greater as for several weeks Mr Sheffield has been confined to his home by illness.

The news conveyed in letters received from comrades of the deceased soldier at the front show that on March 10th, Sheffield participated in a brilliant charge against the Germans at Neuve Chapelle, in which the enemy suffered great loss and a lot of ground lately held by them was captured. The Leicesters, to which Sheffield was attached, were prominent in this attack, and the gallant Corporal was laughing and joking – as was his wont – to a companion in arms, when he was picked out by a German sniper and shot through the head, death being practically instantaneous. At the moment, the Leicesters were engaged in entrenching themselves on the new ground captured and Sheffield was remarking with pride to his mate what a smart piece of work they had accomplished.

When the South African war broke out Mr J. D. Sheffield joined the Leicestershire Volunteers and took part in this campaign being raised to the rank of corporal. He took his old rank on joining the Leicestershire Regiment some months ago to participate in the great war now raging. On returning from South Africa, Sheffield and other Leicestershire volunteers had a great reception, a dinner being given in their honour at the Grand Hotel, Leicester.

Mr J. D. Sheffield will be remembered as a brilliant and popular footballer, having played for Coalville Swifts and the Town club of which he was formerly captain. He also played outside right forward for Burton United (now defunct) when that club figured in the second division of the English Football League. He possessed a rare turn of speed which made him a terror to the opposing backs. Of a genial disposition he was very popular with all associates and there are many in Coalville who will regret his death.

The letters received state that Mr Sheffield was buried close to where he fell, and that the spot is marked by a wooden cross bearing his name.

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Coalville Times article - Friday April 16th, 1915

ASHBY BOARD OF GUARDIANS

SYMPATHY WITH THE CHAIRMAN

The chairman said he was sure he was voicing the feelings of all the members when he said how very much they regretted to learn that Corporal J. D. Sheffield, a son of the chairman of the Board (Mr W. Sheffield) had been killed at the front, his name appearing in the casualty list published in the papers that morning. It must be a great blow to their chairman. They all knew that Mr Sheffield, jun., was a very worthy young man, who did his duty before he went and also at the war. He (Mr Varnham) also hoped that Mr Sheffield would soon be restored to health and be able to take his place again in that room. (Hear, hear). Personally, he felt Mr Sheffield’s continued absence very much. He moved a vote of confidence with him in the death of his son. This was seconded by Mr Fowler and carried.

Coalville Times article - Friday October 22nd, 1920

IN MEMORIAM

In memory of Pte. J. Sheffield, killed in action, September 26th, 1916.

“Time cannot alter love so true,
This day brings back our grief anew.”

“May he rest in peace.”

From Mother and Father, and Family
79, Charnwood Street, Coalville

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 2017.