John Wesley's Story.
John Wesley Ellison was the son of Alice Ann Ellison (sic Street Born 1860 died 1931) and John Wesley Ellison (born 1860 Runcorn died 1905 aged 45). He had a number of siblings, their details listed are as taken from the 1911 census when the family lived at 21 Collier Street, Runcorn.
Fred Aged 22. Marine Stoker Tow Boats
John Wesley Aged 19 Sailorman Dredger (Died in WW1.)
John Albert Aged 17 Labourer Soap Manufacturer
Mary Kirkham Aged 14 Assistant Cable Manufacturer
Ernest Aged 9
William Wesley Aged 5
As a boy he attended the Runcorn Parish day and Sunday schools, having unbroken record for regular attendances for seven years at the day schools. He was 27 years of age, and prior do enlisting was a bargeman in the employ of the Ship Canal Co., and later the Shropshire Union. He was a staunch member of the Conservative Club.
He enlisted as early as September 1914, and took part in the famous landing of Suvla Bay, where he was seriously wounded and sent back to England.
He left for France early in 1916 and was recommended for gallantry in the field the same year.
He has been killed in action, having been shot by a sniper when trying to save one of his men.
In a letter from his lieutenant to his mother, the writer stated
"I regret to have to tell you that your son Sergeant J W Ellison. A Company. Royal Fusiliers has been killed in action. Ha was a man who was loved by all who came into contact with him, and men were his first thought. It was whilst endeavouring to save one of his men that he was shot by a sniper. 'No greater love Hath any man than that he lay down his life for his brother.' If there is an , question that I can answer for you or any information you think I can give I trust you will not hesitate to contact me. Sympathising with you in this your great sorrow."
John is commemorated on the VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL.
Two of his other brothers also served.
Private John Albert Ellison, Reg No 18248, Cheshire Regt 2nd Bttn, was taken prisoner on May 8th, 1915 in the 2nd Battle of Ypres. and held at a prison camp in Gressen. Germany. He drowned in 1928 after falling form a boat in Runcorn Docks. He was married with 2 children.
Ernest, was a signal boy in the Merchant service.
Compiled by G Ainsworth and P Dunbavand.