John W's Story.
John W. Hulme was born in 1887, the son of Mr. George Redish (a chemical worker) and Hannah Hulme of Senna Lane, Comberbach, Cheshire. He was a farm labourer prior to emigrating to Canada a couple of years prior to the outbreak of war.
He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1916 and became Driver 52263 in the Canadian Army Service Corp., and got to The Western Front the following year.
Shortly after the armistice was signed, John came home on leave but on his return he became ill with influenza and was hospitalized at Valenciennes military hospital.
Reverend D.C. Deacon wrote to his father:
Your son Driver J. H. Hulme is in Valenciennes hospital suffering from influenza. This morning he asked me to write and tell you that he is getting along all right and hopes to soon be about again. He is cheerful and being well looked after. Please do not let this note alarm you as at present he is progressing favorably and there is no danger unless he relapses.
Two days late the Reverend wrote again:
Although you son seemed to be making good progress when he asked me to write to you, I am grieved at having to tell you that the following day he was taken much worse and despite of every effort to save him, he passed away on the 24th. I buried him in the British Section of Valenciennes Cemetery and now a small wooden cross marks the spot where we laid another of our countries heroes.
James died on the 24th November 1918.