Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Thomas Bailey a grazier and carrier, born 1851 in Long Clawson, Leicestershire and his wife Elizabeth Frances Bailey (nee Kirkwood, married on the 25th December 1872 in St. Matthias’s Church, Sneinton, Nottinghamshire), born 1849 in Old Brinsley, Nottinghamshire. John Thomas was born on the 4th October 1887 in Long Clawson and was baptised on the 6th November 1887 in the Parish Church, Long Clawson, his siblings were, Edward Andrew, born 1873 in Basford, Nottinghamshire., William Brett, a schoolboy, born 1879 and baptised on the 14th September 1879 in the Parish Church, Long Clawson, Florence Gertrude, a schoolgirl, born 1881 and baptised on the 11th September 1881 in the Parish Church, Long Clawson, Elizabeth Frances, a schoolgirl, born 1884 and baptised on the 13th April 1884 in the Parish Church, Long Clawson and Ernest Richard, born 10th August1890 and baptised on the 8th September 1889 in the Parish Church, Long Clawson, the latter four siblings were all born in Long Clawson., also residing in the family home was John’s widowed maternal grandmother, Phoebe Kirkwood, born 1815 in Nottinghamshire, in April 1891 the family home was at Melton Road, Long Clawson. In March 1901 John was residing in the family home at Melton Road, Long Clawson, together with his father, a grazier and haulier and his mother. John married Kate Proctor on the 19th March 1910 in the Parish Church, Long Clawson, Kate was born in 1889 in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. John’s widow married Harry Wesson on the 12th February 1920 in the Parish Church, Harby. John was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday October 25th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HARBY.” – KILLED IN ACTION. – On October 7th, Gunner J. T. Bailey was killed in action, and the deepest sympathy of the village goes out to the sorrowing widow and son. Gunner Bailey was in the R.G.A., and had been in France for about 16 months, having been home on leave last March. A native of Clawson he had resided at Harby some time working at Mr. Stubbs’ Mill. A most sympathetic letter from his commanding officer has been received by his bereaved widow.
And in the same issue under the heading. – “LONG CLAWSON.” – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. – Much regret is expressed throughout the village at the sad news that Gnr. John Bailey, has been killed in action. Mrs. Bailey, his widow, who resides at Harby Mill, where her husband was employed before he joined up, received a letter from his Major conveying the information. Gnr. J. Bailey was the son of the late Mr. John Bailey and Mrs. E. Bailey, of Long Clawson. The deepest sympathy is felt for his widow, son, mother, and relatives in their grief.
On Friday November 1st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HARBY.” – MEMORIAL SERVICE. – A memorial service was held for Gunner J. T. Bailey on Sunday evening last in the Parish Church the widow and many relatives being present. There was also a good congregation to show sympathy for the loss of a fellow parishioner. The Rector made most sympathetic allusion to the sad event and suitable hymns were sung. At the close of the service the National Anthem was sung and the “Dead March” played. In the absence through illness of the organist (Miss Buxton), Mrs. H. Watson made a most efficient substitute. A muffled peal was rang before the service.