John Thomas Cragg

John Thomas Cragg was born in 1889 at Balderton and was the son of Joseph a brewers drayman and Susannah Cragg née Summer of 53 Hatton Gardens Newark Nottinghamshire. His father Joseph was born in 1857 at Waltham, Leicestershire and his mother Sussanah Summer was born in 1860 at Raucenby, Lincolnshire, they were married in 1884 in Newark and went on to have the following children, William b1885 Bennington, Joseph b1887 Balderton, Harriett 1889 Balderton, John Thomas b1889 Balderton, Ann b1890. John Thomas married his wife in Ada Charlotte Smith in Newark in 1913, they went on to have two daughters Margaret May born 3rd May 1913 and Edna born 17th December 1915, the family lived at 25a Albert Street, Newark.

He was a sugar boiler's assistant.

49386 Private John Thomas Cragg enlisted in May 1916 and was posted to the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters towards the end of the year. On 12 April 1917 the battalion attacked and captured Gouzeaucourt. 'B' and 'D' companies were in the front line with the other two companies in support. The British barrage lifted at 8.30 am, and the companies advanced sweeping aside all opposition and gaining their objectives and consolidating successfully. The battalion's casualties were light with eight men being killed. At some point in the day John Thomas was killed and he has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France John Morse

Article published on 21st April 1917 in the Newark Herald - Youngest son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Cragg, Hatton Gardens, Newark. Went to the Wesleyan school in Guildhall Street and was afterwards with the Central Meat Co., Stodman Street. From whence he entered the employ of Messrs. Newstead & Mottram, confectioners. By whom he was employed until being called-up in May 1916. Had his final leave in August and went out to France in October. Leaves a widow and two children, one of four years and the other of just over twelve months.