Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
The following information was kindly submitted by F Tilley in 2016:

"John William Wright was born in 1889 in Coalville, Leicestershire. He was the son of James and Hannah Wright.
John William was a former well known Coalville Cycle-Racer.

Military Service:

John William Wright enlisted with the Army in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Regarding the Roll of Honour of the Coalville Times of Friday 7th March 1919, John William Wright was dispatched Rider in New Zealand Forces.

John William died of wounds on 12th March 1917, he was 28.

He is buried and commemorated at Faubourg d’Amiens Cemetery-Arras (62) Pas-de-Calais, France.

John William Wright is also remembered at Christ Church, Coalville, Leics and at Coalville Clock Tower Memorial, Coalville, Leicestershire."

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Coalville Times article - Friday April 20th, 1917

FORMER COALVILLE CYCLE RACER KILLED

A letter has been received from Sapper H. H. Pink, recording the death of a Coalville soldier, William Wright, who he states, was well-known in Coalville some years ago as a cycle racer. The letter continues, “He was in the orderly room when Fritz was sending shrapnel over. Four of them were standing together, poor old Bill was the only one to catch it. A shrapnel bullet came through the window and went through his heart, death being instantaneous. I can tell you he is missed by all the company. No matter what you asked him to do for you, nothing was too much trouble to him. He was buried in a nice little cemetery here, and we shall look after his grave. We are getting a wreath.”

Since the above letter was received, enquiries have been made by Wright’s friends, and the following reply has been received from Major H. Vickman, of the New Zealand Forces. “I got your letter last evening, and am sorry indeed to have to reply confirming the rumour which has reached you. It came as a great blow to all of us when he was killed in the office on March 12th by shrapnel which burst outside, and broke through the window. He was buried here with others who, like himself, nobly made the great sacrifice. Your friend was a great favourite with everyone, and you may well feel proud of him. He was dispatch riding here for just on a year – one of the most trying jobs, particularly in the freezing winter that anyone could undertake. I have seen him called upon to go for miles along unknown roads in the worst of weather, and at all hours of the night, but never once heard a murmur of complaint. He was always the most cheerful of souls. Nothing was too much trouble, and no obstacle was allowed to prevent him from doing what was required. I trust that knowing what a lot we thought of him may help to make the loss seem lighter to you.”

The deceased soldier left Coalville for New Zealand about five years ago, and went to France with the second New Zealand contingent.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 19/10/2017