Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Ward a market carrier, born 1856 in Hoby, Leics., and his wife Mary Elizabeth Ward (nee Geary), born 1858 in Groby, Leics. John Edward, was an agricultural labourer and was born in 1888 in Hoby, Leics., he had one sibling, a brother Thomas H., born 1887, in Hoby, Leics., also living with the family was his paternal grandmother, Harriet Ward, a widow, born 1819 in Seagrave, Leics., and his cousin Ruth Geary, a machine minder, born 1883 in Groby, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Hoby, Leics. In April 1911 John was serving as a Private with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and was stationed at Fort Saint George, Madras, India. On Friday May 11th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HOBY” – SOLDIER’S DEATH.- Mr and Mrs Ward of Hoby had a letter on Tuesday morning last conveying the sad news of the death of their son, Pte. J. Ward of the Leicestershire Regt., who was killed in action on April 23rd, in the Persian Gulf. Pte. Ward joined the Leicester’s some years ago and was stationed for a time in India. On the outbreak of war he came with his battalion to France, subsequently returning to the Persian Gulf, where his death took place as stated. Much sympathy is felt for his parents who are well known in the village and district. Mr and Mrs Ward wish to thank all those who have so kindly sympathised with them in their heavy loss. On Friday May 11th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM.- WARD.- In loving memory of Pte. John Ward, Leicester Regiment, who was killed in action at the Persian Gulf on April 23rd, the beloved son of Mr and Mrs W. Ward, Hoby. Farewell dear son, your duty done. For England you did your best. Tis those who loved you most on earth. Will love you most in death. From his sorrowing Father and Mother and Brother. The War Diary for the previous day’s action shows the following casualties, officers killed 2nd Lt E. L. HALL M.C., 2nd Lt G. S. Hebden. Officers wounded, Capt P. H. CREAGH D.S.O. (did not quit), 2nd Lt J. R. WARREN, 2nd Lt H. J. GRANT-ANDERSON, 2nd Lt H. W. G. WESTLAKE M.C. and Lt U. H. E. SOWTER who afterwards died of wounds, other ranks 18 killed, 101 wounded. The War Diary for today records. At dawn A Coy patrolled to the front for 1 ½ miles. No sign of enemy. 8th Bde passed through followed by 19th and 21st Bde’s. At 12.00 noon 28th Bde marched and bivouacked near SAMARRA STATION arriving about 3.00pm. 8th Bde 1 ½ miles to our front finding picquet.