SOLDIERS IN OTHER REGIMENTS

Private John Haigh 14323

Private John Haigh 14323
Devonshire Regiment 9th Bn.

Newspaper obituary:

"Private John Haigh (14323), Trench Mortar Brigade, of 570, Rochdale Road, Royton, fell in the British advance. He enlisted a few months after the outbreak of war in the Devonshire Regiment, and on being sent on active service was put in the Trench Mortar Brigade. He was 21 years of age, and before the war worked as a piecer at High Crompton Mills.

Writing to Mrs Haigh under date 6th July Private W. H. Godfrey, Trench Mortar Brigade, states:

Perhaps before I write anything else I had better explain that I am writing you because I am your son's pal and chum. I have been with him since Christmas, and now we are separated. I am terribly sorry to have to break the news, but it will be a relief for you to know for certain that he is gone to his reward, and he will get it, for he was a sympathetic pal who would always try to do my work as well as his own. He was a good soldier, too, honest, straight, and true as steel, and God-fearing. But what is the use of telling you this, for you are the proudest being of all, his mother, and he is waiting for you above. I miss him greatly and can sympathise very much with you in your great loss. I shall never get such a pal again."

And in the newspaper at a later date:

"Mrs Haigh, 570 Rochdale Road, Royton, received official notification on Saturday morning that her son, Private J. Haigh (14323), Trench Mortar Battery, 20th Brigade, was killed in action on July 1st on the western front. This confirms news previously received from a comrade of deceased."

CWGC

Private
14323
Date of Death:01/07/1916
Age:22
Devonshire Regiment 9th Bn.
B. 5.
DEVONSHIRE CEMETERY, MAMETZ

Additional Information:Son of James and Priscilla Haigh, of Royton, Oldham.

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