John Knighton Wardle

Professional soldier

Wardle was a professional soldier based in Citadel Barracks, Dover when war broke out. The battalion went to Southampton and embarked on the S.S. 'Saturnia' on August 22nd. They arrived at Boulogne the next day. On 26/08/1914 the battalion was involved in the holding action at Le Cateau, where they suffered heavy casualties and large numbers, including Wardle were reported missing. Only later was he confirmed as dead. His body was never recovered, but his name was commemorated on the La Ferte sous Jouarre Memorial.

Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged) 6 April 1915: ‘Private JG (sic) Wardle, Lancashire Fusiliers, 7 (-) Terrace, Pym Street, Nottingham. Missing since August 1914.’