JOHN JOSEPH BURRELL HUTCHINSON 1898-1918

66570 Private John Joseph Burrell Hutchinson, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) died of wounds 10 June 1918 and is buried in Cockfield Cemetery.[1]  He was 20 years old and is commemorated on Cockfield War Memorial and the Memorial Plaque in Cockfield Methodist Church.

Family Details

John Joseph Burrell Hutchinson was born 1898 [2] at Cockfield, the son of John and Sarah Hutchinson.  There were at least 6 children:

• John Joseph Burrell born 1898
• Nora bc.1900
• Albert bc.1902
• Ann bc.1904
• Ada bc.1906
• Mary bc.1909

The family lived at Peth Row Farm, Cockfield.  John (father) was a coal miner (hewer).[3]

Joseph’s mother was Sarah (nee Burrell) [4] whose brother was Albert Burrell, thus being John’s uncle.   339885 Private Albert Burrell, Labour Corps died 2 September 1918.  He too is buried in Cockfield Cemetery and is commemorated on the Cockfield War Memorial.[5]

Service Details

John Joseph Burrell Hutchinson enlisted 17 July 1915 [6] into the Durham Light Infantry being given the regimental number 4093.  His declared age was 21 years 6 months.[7]  He was 5ft 7½” tall, fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair.  He worked as a farmer.[8]  Private J.J.B. Hutchinson was transferred to the Machine Gun Company being given the service number 66570.[9]

He was discharged 19 September 1917 in consequence of:

“Being no longer physically fit for war service.” [10]

The Report of Medical Board dated 29 August 1917 reported:

“GSW spine. Accidental injury by revolver shot in the dugout.  Permanent Total Incapacity.”  [11]

Prior to his discharge, he served in France on 2 “tours”:

• 11 March 1916 to 7 July 1916
• 15 March 1917 to 22 June 1917 [12]

It is assumed that the first tour was whilst serving with the DLI and the second was with the MGC and the intervening period was spent at home, in the UK, undergoing training for the MGC.  It is assumed that his injury took place on or about 22 June 1917.  He was discharged 19 September 1917 and although he had been admitted 12 September 1917, was recorded as a “Chelsea Pensioner” from 20 September 1917 until his death, 10 June 1918.[13]

Private J.J.B. Hutchinson served a total of 2 years 65 days[14] and was awarded the British War and Victory medals.[15]

Burial

Private J.J. B. Hutchinson is buried in Cockfield Cemetery.

References

[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[2] England & Wales Birth Index Vol.10a p.277 Teesdale Q2 1898

[3] 1901 &1911 census

[4] England & Wales Marriage Index Vol.10a p.269 Auckland Q4 1894

[5] CWGC

[6] Army Form: Chelsea Number 105494

[7] Joseph Hutchinson’s birth was registered Q2 1898 and his headstone records that he was 20 years old which accords. Amy Form B.268 records his age as 21 years and 6 months at the time of his discharge, September 1917.  This would give a date of birth of March 1896 and an age of 22 years when he died.  Joseph is recoded as enlisting into the Army in July 1915.  It is likely that he was then only 17 years old.  He entered France March 1916, possibly being 18 years old by this time.

[8] Army Form B.268 Proceedings on Discharge

[9] Medal Roll card index

[10] Army Form B.268 Proceedings on Discharge

[11] Army Form B.268 Proceedings on Discharge

[12] Statement of the Services (Military History Sheet)

[13] Pensions Form 36

[14] Statement of the Services (Military History Sheet)

[15] Medal Roll card index

Photographs