Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Ellis, a Clerk in Holy Orders, born 1846 in Timberland, Lincolnshire and his wife Annie Ellis, born 1844 in Manchester, Lancashire. John Reginald Michinson was born on the 31st March 1891 in Hungarton, Leicestershire his siblings were, Edith Annie, a schoolgirl, born 1874 in Bristol, Gloucestershire and baptised on the 1st March 1874 in St. Matthew’s Church, Kingsdown, Gloucestershire, Constance Elizabeth, a schoolgirl, born 1876 and Beatrice Mary, a schoolgirl, born 1878, the latter two siblings were both born in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, Ethel Katharine, a schoolgirl, born 1879 in Buckinghamshire and Edna Selina, born 1890 in Hungarton, in April 1891 the family home was at The Vicarage, Hungarton. In March 1901 John was absent from the family home at The Vicarage, Hungarton, residing there was his father, a Clergyman in the Church of England, his mother and siblings, Ethel, a governess, Margaret Stacpoole, born 1884 in Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire, Grace Geraldine, born 1886 in Hungarton and Edna. In April 1911 John was absent from the family home at The Vicarage, Hungarton, residing there was his father, a Clergyman in the Established Church, his mother and sister, Margaret.
His enlistment documents record that he gave his father The Reverend J. Ellis of Hungarton, Leicestershire, England as his next of kin. He gave his trade or calling as rancher. He stated he had previously served for three years with the Territorial’s. Information taken from his medical examination shows that he was 5 foot 7½ inches in height and had a chest measurement of 36 to 39 inches. His complexion was described as fair with hazel eyes and fair hair. It was noted that he had a scar over his right eyebrow. He gave his religion as Church of England.
The War Diary records: 7 Aug-16 – FRONT LINE. 3.30 pm. Strafe by enemy of Trench Mortars and Minnies – Our guns and Trench Mortars retaliated winding up with fire from our 6 inch which was effective. Relieved 10th Battalion and moved to DOMINION LINES.
The official circumstances of death for John are as follows: Whilst on patrol duty in “No Man’s Land” on the night of August 7th 1916 he was severely wounded in the back by German hand grenade. He was moved to No.12 Casualty Clearing Station but succumbed to his wounds two days later.
On Friday August 18th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – HUNGARTON OFFICER KILLED. The Rev. John and Mrs. Ellis, of Hungarton Vicarage have heard of the death, on the 9th inst., from wounds, of their only son, Lieutenant J. R. M. Ellis, aged 25 years, of the Canadian Scottish Regiment. He was educated at Worksop College, and had begun fruit farming in Canada when the war broke out. He at once joined the colours, and was badly wounded in April 1915. Having recovered he went out again last September, and was home a few day on leave last May.
On Friday August 25th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – HUNGARTON. – MEMORIAL SERVICE. A memorial service for the late Lieutenant J. R. M. Ellis (Canadian Scottish) was held on Thursday evening in the parish church. There was a large gathering of sorrowing relatives and friends, including the Rev. J. and Mrs. Ellis and their daughter. The service was conducted by the Rev. S. T. Winckley, Rector of Houghton and Rural Dean. A sympathetic address was given by the Rev. W. Henwood, brother-in-law of the late officer and headmaster of Bromyard Grammar School, where he was a pupil for a time and afterwards master. Mr. Henwood bore witness to the late officer’s high character, and spoke of the deep regret with which they had parted from him when he left for Canada. Mr. Ellis has received many letters testifying to his son’s gallantry, from officers and others at the front, where he had received his promotion.