John Joseph Thompson
Private 120585 - Sherwood Foresters
Notts Derby Regiment
Enlisted: Sutton-in-Ashfield
Date of Death 19th November 1918 : Aged 20
Huthwaite Cemetery : Ref A.H. 1040.
Private 120585 J J Thompson is one name missing from the Huthwaite Cenotaph and official Roll of Honour. Yet amid sad sight of many desecrated gravestones, this managed to reveal burial alongside his mother Selina within these cemetery grounds.
John Joseph was born 1898 in Hucknall Huthwaite. By 1901 census aged 3, he's the only son from marriage between a then 30 year old coal miner Phillip and 27 year old Selina Thompson finding a home in Sherwood Street. Death of a young wife and mother in 1904 next finds their 1911 Sherwood Street address filled from remarriage to a 29 year old Alice Thompson. A 13 year old John Joseph is then sharing home with two recently born half siblings named Philip Aubrey and Rhoda.
Private John Joseph Thomson is thereafter found having served with the Sherwood Foresters, until dated death is registered by Sunderland War Hospital determining an all too common natural cause from catching a virulent army Flu' epidemic.
Finding a CWGC styled headstone in 2020, reassuringly asserts remembrance of a life lost in service has not been forgotten.