Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Twigg, a coal miner, born 1851 in Measham, Leicestershire, and his wife Emma Twigg (nee Partner, married in the 2nd quarter of 1886 in the Market Bosworth, Leicestershire district), born 1865 in Bagworth, Leicestershire. John was born in the 1st quarter of 1888 in Nailstone Wood, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Susannah, a schoolgirl, born 1883 in Barlestone, Leicestershire, Rosa Annie, a schoolgirl, born 1881 and Herbert, born 1889, the latter two siblings were both born in Nailstone Wood, in April 1891 the family home was at Iron Houses, Nailstone Wood Lane, Ibstock, Leicestershire. In the 1st quarter of 1892, John’s mother died, aged 27. In March 1901 John was employed as a coal miner and was residing in the family home at Iron House, Ibstock, together with his father and stepmother, Emily Twigg (formerly Thomas, married in the 3rd quarter of 1895 in the Market Bosworth, Leicestershire district), born 1865 in Carlton, Leicestershire, and his siblings, Herbert, and step siblings Eliza Thomas, born 1891 in Ashby, Leicestershire, Sarah Thomas, born 1892 in Bagworth, and his half blood siblings, Mary Ann, born 1895 and Ann, born 1898, the latter two siblings were both born in Nailstone Wood. In April 1911 John was absent from the family home at 80, Chapel Street, Ibstock, residing there was his father, a collier, his step mother and half blood sibling, William, a schoolboy, born 1902 in Nailstone Wood, Leics., John was serving as a Private with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and was stationed at Fort Saint George, Madras, India.
John attested into the Militia to serve an engagement of 6 years on the 5th August 1904 in Leicester. He gave his place of birth as Nailstone Wood, Coalville, Leicestershire, his age as 18 years and 1 month and his trade or calling as miner, his present employer being, Mr. Edward Smith, of Coalville, Leicestershire. He stated that his current home address was Nailstone Wood, Coalville, Leicestershire. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father William Twigg, his mother Emma Twigg, brothers Herbert Twigg and William Twigg and sisters Rose Twigg and Polly Ann Twigg, all of Nailstone Wood, Coalville, Leicestershire as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 8 inches in height, weighed 139 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34 and 36 inches. His complexion was described as fresh, his hair colour was red and he had blue eyes. It was noted that he had a scar on his left flank. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was pronounced fit for the Militia on the 8th August 1904 in Leicester. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 9001 on the 8/8/04. Commenced 33 days drill training on the 8/8/04. Transferred to the Regular Army (Leicestershire Regiment) on the 9/9/04. John attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement of 3 years with the Colours and 9 years in the Reserve on the 9th September 1904 in Leicester. He gave his place of birth as Ibstock, Coalville, Leicestershire, his age as 18 years and 2 months and his trade or calling as coal miner. He stated that he was unmarried. He confirmed that he was a serving member of the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment – Militia. He gave his father William, mother Emily, brothers Herbert and William and sisters, Rosa, Polly and Ann, all of 80, Chapel Lane, Ibstock, Leicestershire as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 8¼ inches in height, weighed 141 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34½ and 36½ inches. His complexion was described as fresh, his hair colour was red and he had blue eyes. It was noted that he had a scar on his left flank. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was pronounced fit for the Army on the 9th September 1904 in Leicester. A follow up medical examination after six months service and a gymnastics course recorded his height as 5 foot 9 inches, his weight as 143 pounds and his chest measurement as 36 inches. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 7466 on the 9/9/04. Posted to the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and commenced recruit training on the 9/9/04. Transferred to the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment stationed at Colchester on the 9/1/05 – 21/9/06. Awarded the 3rd Class Army Certificate of Education on the 18/11/05. On the 18/6/05 awaiting trial by D.C.M. On the 23/6/05 tried by D.C.M. and convicted of “Using threatening language to his superior officer,” and sentenced to 21 days imprisonment. Extended service to complete 8 years with the Colours on the 28/10/05. Attended a class of instruction in Transport Duties at Colchester on the 21/2/06. Stationed Belgaum, India on the 13/10/06 – 12/2/11. Appointed Lance Corporal (unpaid) on the 4/6/10. Appointed Lance Corporal (paid) on the 31/1/11. Reverts to Private at his own request on the 20/2/11. Stationed in Madras, India on the 13/2/11 – 28/9/12. Transferred to the Army Reserve on the 24/11/12. Mobilized on the 5/8/14. Posted to the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 5/8/14. Appointed Lance Corporal in Portsmouth on the 8/8/14. Appointed Corporal at Fort Purbrook on the 4/9/14. Appointed Lance Sergeant (paid) at Fort Purbrook on the 8/9/14. Promoted Sergeant on the 9/11/14. Posted to the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 9/11/14. Killed in action during operations in the field on the 10-13/3/15. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 9/9/04 – 20/9/06, 2 years 12 days. India, 21/9/06 – 22/10/12, 6 years 32 days. Home Service, 23/10/12 – 8/11/14, 2 years 17 days. British Expeditionary Force, France, 9/11/14 – 13/3/15, 125 days. Total service, 10 years 186 days. John was awarded the 1914 Star, British and Victory medals. The following information was provided by John’s father William Twigg on the 16th April 1919, and was witnessed and signed by -?- Binks, Clerk in Holy Orders, Ibstock Rectory, Leicester on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, William Twigg of 80, Chapel Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire. Full blood brothers of soldier, Herbert Twigg, age 29 of, Barlestone near Nuneaton, William Twigg, age 17 of 80, Chapel Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire. Full blood sister of soldier, Rose Twigg, age 32 of Bath Lane, Leicester. John’s surviving service documents are in a very poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
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. SERGEANT J. TWIGG KILLED AT NEUVE CHAPELLE. FORMER FORWARD OF LEICESTER F.C. A letter has been received by his friends conveying the news of the death of the well known footballer, Sergt. J. Twigg, 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. Sergt. Twigg who was killed in the engagement at Neuve Chapelle, last played as forward for Leicester Rugby Football Club during the season !913-14, afterwards going to Rochdale. C.S.M. H. T. Dooley writes to the friends:- “I am so awfully sorry to inform you of the death of Sergt. J. Twigg. I happen to be a friend of his, and have been ever since he first came to the Regiment in India, and so I know fairly well his doings. He was a brave fellow, and did his duty always. It was at the battle of Neuve Chapelle that he was hit in the head by a piece of shell, and died almost instantaneously. Everybody in the Company and Regiment, too, was sorry to hear he had been killed. However there is the consolation that he died fighting for his King and country.”
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.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday February 12th, 1915

Several postcards have this week been received at the Recruiting Office from men at the front expressing thanks for gifts sent. The money for the gifts was provided by two patriotic concerts given at the Coalville Olympia on Sunday, November 22nd, organised by Captain Stevenson and Messrs. R. Blower and W. Baldwin, who constitute the recruiting committee for the Bosworth Division. Appended are a few of the replies received:

Allow me to thank you very much for the parcel of comforts received. It is very pleasing to know that our friends at home are thinking of us and our comfort out here. I can assure all friends that our Tommies are quite pleased with them.

Sergt. J. Twigg

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 4/10/2017.

https://royalleicestershireregiment.org.uk/entity/126914-twigg-john?q=
He made 37 appearances for Leicester FC's 1st XV in 1913/14, and scored 2 tries.