JOHN WILLIAM SPARROW

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: 1859, St. Clements, Ipswich. John gave his year of birth as 1869.

Died: 3rd March 1920; age 61; died of Rheumatism (acute), and Phthisis at his home, 26, Cowper Street, Ipswich. Served 1 year & 111 days (14 months in Belgium).

Mary Ellen Sparrow was present at her husband’s death.

Residence: 26, Cowper Street, Ipswich.

Occupation: Scaffolder and Bricklayer.

Enlistment Details: Location: Holborn; date: 18th August 1915; age 46 years & 8 months (he was actually 56). Address: 26, Cowper Street. Height: 5ft 6 1/2 ins, fresh complexion, grey eyes, and dark grey hair. Signed up for the duration of the war.

Date of Entry Therein: 28th August 1915 – France.

Service:

Arrived Southampton 19th August 1915

Embarked – France – 25th August 1915.

Transferred 12th October 1916.

Balgowan Road Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital, Beckenham – 12th October – 1916 – 24th October 1916 – 12 days – Rheumatism.

While in Flanders, John had been buried under a load of bricks, after which he suffered from pain and stiffness in his shoulders, back and limbs. The Medical Board reported that the pain and stiffness he was experiencing was not a result of active service but was aggravated thereby.

Discharged with Chronic Myalgia on the 6th December 1916, at Chatham.

Character: Very Satisfactory.

Rank: Pioneer; Service Number: 115641

Regiment: Royal Engineers, 4th Labour Battalion.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star + Silver War Badge.

The funeral and burial service was held on the 9th March.

Grave Reference:

BA.2.61.

Ipswich Old Cemetery,

Ipswich.

CENSUS

1901   7, Turret Lane, Ipswich.

John was 42 years old, a Scaffolder for a Builder. He was married and head of the household.

Mary, 32.

Nellie, 5.

Jack, 4.

Ivy, 1.

Mary’s brother Fred Kerridge, 14, born Ipswich.

Mary’s brother Walter H. Kerridge, 21, born Ipswich.

1911   26, Cowper Street, Ipswich.

John was 50 years old, a Scaffolder for a Builder & Contractor. He was married and head of the household.

Mary, 41.

Nellie, 15, a Domestic Servant.

Jack, 14, an Errand Boy.

Ivy, 12.

Ruby, 10.

Mary’s brother, Fred Kerridge, 23, a Dealer.

On the 10th April 1894, in Ipswich, John married Mary Ellen Kerridge, born 1869, Ipswich – daughter of Walter Herbert Kerridge, a bricklayer, and Mary Kerridge (nee Payling), of 22, Suffolk Road, Ipswich.

Mary and John had four children:

Nellie Eveline Julia Sparrow, born 1896, Ipswich and baptised on the 17th February 1896 at St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich – family home at 1, Clay Court, Crown Street, Ipswich. Nellie Sparrow died on the 19th December 1911 in Ipswich and was buried in Section HH at Ipswich Old Cemetery.

Jack Sparrow, born March 1897, Ipswich and baptised on the 23rd June 1899 at St. Peter’s Church, Ipswich – family home at Turret Lane, Ipswich.

Ivy Sparrow, born December 1899, Ipswich.

Ruby Sparrow, born August 1901, Ipswich and baptised on the 28th July 1902 at St. Clement’s Church, Ipswich – family home at 31 Woodhouse Street, Ipswich.

Mary Ellen Sparrow signed for John’s Victory, British War & 1915 Star on the 29th September 1920.

 Royal Engineers, 4th Labour Battalion