John's Story.
Birkenhead News 23 June 1917ROCK FERRY STOKER KILLED
By Explosion of Boiler.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Newton, who live with their daughter, Mrs. Leeming, at 62, Earl Street have received official information that their second son, Stoker John Newton, was killed by the explosion of a boiler on board one of H.M. destroyers on June 17th. Stoker Newton joined the Royal Navy on May 1st, 1912. He was educated at St. Paul’s School, Rock Ferry, afterwards being employed by the Mersey Coal Co.
The Birkenhead News article reproduced above has John’s surname reported throughout as Newton when his correct surname is Hewton, as verified by military and census records.
Information by Chris