Service marks century since death of First World War soldier

RELATIVES, historians and former military personnel came together for a special service to mark 100 years since the death of a First World War soldier.
Service at Aston to remember Sgt John Thomas Johnson. 171439-1Service at Aston to remember Sgt John Thomas Johnson. 171439-1
Service at Aston to remember Sgt John Thomas Johnson. 171439-1

Sgt John Thomas Johnson, who served in the 8th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in the Battle of Passchendaele on August 22, 1917.

His family, members of Aston History Group, parish council and Rotherham Military Veterans’ Centre gathered for a playing of the Last Post using a bugle which was used by the Home Guard in the village during the Second World War.

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The group snapped up the bugle after spotting it on eBay. It is on display in the William Layne Reading Room, on Aughton Lane, and it was the first time it had been played since they bought it.

History Group secretary Ann Key said: “It was a very good service. All of John’s family were there plus a lot of his friends and the military community.”

John Green, great nephew of Sgt Thomson, who lived on Main Street, Swallownest, organised the event.

“We have always been brought up to remember great uncle Jack,” he said.

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“I just thought it would be a nice gesture on the anniversary of his death if we had a flag flying and a service at the cenotaph.

“It was just going to be a family event at first but it grew along the way and turned into a smashing day.”

Mr Green thanked everyone who helped organise and attend the event.

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