Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Hall, an ironstone labourer, born 1856 in Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire and his wife Elizabeth Hall (nee Swain, married in the 4th quarter of 1881 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1857 in Long Clawson, Leicestershire. John Thomas, a schoolboy was born in the 1st quarter of 1882 in Long Clawson, his siblings were, Albert Edward, a schoolboy, born 1883 and Edith, born 1889, both his siblings were born in Long Clawson, in April 1891 the family home was at Bonsers Lane, Long Clawson. In March 1901 John was employed as an ironstone quarry worker and was residing in the family home at Main Street, Long Clawson, together with his father, an ironstone quarry worker, his mother and brother, Reuben, born 1893 in Long Clawson. In April 1911 John was employed as a blast furnace labourer and was residing in the family home at 20, Albion Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire together with his wife Alice Maud Hall (nee Wildman, married in the 2nd quarter of 1903 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1881 in Pavenham, Bedfordshire and their children, Marjorie Helena, a schoolgirl, born 1905 and Phyllis Mary, born 1909, the latter two children were both born in Long Clawson and Leslie Charles, born 1911 in Kettering. There were two further children, John W., born 1912 and Edna A., born 1914, both children were born in the Bedfordshire district. John first entered the theatre of war in France on the 30th July 1915, he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 7 Aug-16 - BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT. 8 other ranks killed. 1 officer and 24 other ranks wounded.
On Friday September 8th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” - LONG CLAWSON. – KILLIED IN ACTION. 17734 Pte. John Thomas Hall of the Bedfords, is officially reported killed in action on 7th August. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hall, received the sad news on Thursday week, and the passing bell was rung on receiving the news. The Rev. J. S. Gardner, M.A., vicar, made touching reference to Pte. Hall in his sermon on Sunday morning, as also did the ministers at the Chapels in the village. He leaves a widow and five children, who reside at Pavenham, Bedford, the home of the deceased when he joined the Colours. He was formerly a member of the Clawson village band, and became a member of the Bedfordshire Regiment Band before he went to ---. Much sympathy is expressed with his widow and family, also with his parents in their grief.