JOHN BUTCHER KINGSBURY
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Born: 1896, Harwich, Essex.
Confirmation on the 24th March 1912, at St. Michael’s Church, Ipswich, by the Lord Bishop of Norwich. John, of 6, St. Helen’s Church Lane, Ipswich, was confirmed at the same service as his best friend, Clarence Edward Hazlewood.
Died: 4th October 1917; age 21; KiA.
Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – Friday, 19th October 1917 – Mr. Kingsbury, of 6, St. Helen’s Church Lane, Ipswich, has received information that his son, Private John Butcher Kingsbury, R.A.M.C., has been killed in action. In a letter received from the officer commanding, the latter says: “It is with the deepest regret that I write to inform you that your son was killed in action on the 4th October while gallantly doing his duty as a stretcher-bearer. His loss is deeply regretted by all of us. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your great bereavement.” John went to the Dardanelles in June 1915 and stayed there till the force was withdrawn. He then proceeded to Egypt, and after being there about four months, went to France. Private John Kingsbury, whose age was 21, was a member of the St. John Ambulance.
Residence: 6, St. Helen’s Church Lane, Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 5th June 1915 – Balkans.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 473311
Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps (T.F.), 88th (1st East Anglian Field Ambulance).
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.
John was killed at the same time as fellow stretcher bearer, CLARENCE EDWARD HAZLEWOOD, of 6, St. St. Helen’s Church Lane, Ipswich. Both John and Clarence were members of the congregation at St. Michael’s Church, Ipswich. They are buried alongside each other.
Grave Reference:
I.5.15.
West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Mr. J.B. Kingsbury, of 6, St. Helen’s Church Lane, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1901 6, Church Lane, St. Helen’s, Ipswich.
John was 4 years old and living with his parents & sisters. The Kingsbury family were living with their widowed maternal grandmother.
Elizabeth Butcher, 66, Living on Own Means, born Sproughton, Suffolk.
John Butcher Kingsbury, 38, a Baker – Bread, born Oakley, Essex.
Naomi Priscilla Kingsbury (nee Butcher), 37, born Ipswich.
Elizabeth Butcher Kingsbury, 2, born Harwich.
Edith Mary Kingsnorth, 1 month, born Ipswich.
1911 6, Church Lane, St. Helen’s, Ipswich.
John was 14 years old, an Errand Boy. He was living with his widowed father & sisters.
John Kingsbury, 48.
Elizabeth, 12.
Mary, 10.
1 housekeeper.
John was a member of the St. John Ambulance.
Soldiers’ Effects to John Kingsbury – father.
John is also remembered on St. Michael’s Church War Memorial, Ipswich.
The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) is part of the British Army, providing medical services to all British Army personnel and their families in war and in peace. Together with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, the Royal Army Dental Corps and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, the RAMC forms the British Army’s essential Army Medical Services. In combat, the men followed the troops over the top into no man’s land, suffering losses of 743 officers and 6130 soldiers killed, while delivering medical care to wounded exposed to enemy fire.
Royal Army Medical Corps (T.F.), 88th (1st East Anglian Field Ambulance):
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