JOHN GREENWOOD (1892-1917)
786456 Driver John Greenwood, “C” Battery, 312th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery died of wounds 11 August 1917 and is buried at Vraucourt Copse Cemetery.[1] He was 25 years old the husband of Mabel Annie Greenwood. He is commemorated on the War Memorial in St. Andrew’s churchyard, South Church, Bishop Auckland and on the memorial plaque in the Methodist Chapel, West Auckland.
Family Details:
John was born in 1892 at Witton Park, the son of John and Jane Greenwood. There were at least 5 children:
- John born 1892 at Witton Park
- Maud bc.1895 at Witton Park
- Bertha bc.1897 at Witton Park
- Norman bc.1900 at Bishop Auckland
- Doris bc.1903 at Bishop Auckland
In 1901, the family lived at Newton Cap Bank, Bishop Auckland where John (father) worked as a coal miner (hewer).[2] By 1911, the family lived at Newlands Avenue, Bishop Auckland where John’s father was a general dealer (grocer & draper) and 18 year old John assisted with the business.[3]
In 1915 John married Mabel Annie Chamberlain.[4]
Military Details
The service details of Driver J. Greenwood and the war diary of the 312th Brigade R.F.A. have not been researched. The 312th Brigade (CCCXII 2/III West Riding) came under the orders of the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division.[5] It was a Territorial Force 2nd Line and served with the 62nd Division from its formation in February 1915 to November 1918. Its original designation was 2/111 West Riding Brigade.[6]
Driver J. Greenwood died of wounds 11 August 1917[7] and was awarded the British War and Victory medals.[8]
The 62nd Division was not involved in a major battle at this time thus it is assumed that Driver J. Greenwood was a victim of the usual violence of warfare.
Burial
Driver John Greenwood is buried at grave reference III.A.3, Vraucourt Copse Cemetery. His wife Mabel organised the following epitaph:
A Beautiful Memory
For All Time
Vaulx-Vraucourt is to the north east of Bapaume and the village was taken in the spring of 1917. The cemetery was begun in April and May 1917. There are 104 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. [9]
References:
[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission
[2] 1901 census
[3] 1911 census
[4] England & Wales 1837-1915 Marriage Index Vo.10a p.373 Auckland 1915 Q1
[5] http://www.1914-1918.net/62div.htm
[6]http://www.1914-1918.net/rfa_units%20-%20oldversion.htm
[7] Soldiers Died in the Great War
[8] Medal Roll
[9] CWGC
Photographs:
GREENWOOD J
Medal Roll
GREENWOOD J.
Headstone
The Gaunless Valley in World War 1 