John's Story.
John Manson was born in Seacombe on 25th November 1887 to parents James, an iron turner, and Grace.In 1891 the family lived at 237 Price Street, Birkenhead. John had an elder sister Jean and brother James. The family were still at that address according to the 1901 census. Tragically, both his parents died within a day of each in November 1910. So, in 1911 John lived with his sister and brother at 16 Lloyd Avenue, Birkenhead, his occupation was a railway clerk.
John enlisted on 19 July 1915 and posted to the 63rd battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). He and his comrades set sail from Canada on 22nd April 1916, arriving in England on 5th May. He then arrived in France on the 29th June 1916 and was transferred to the 7th Battalion (CEF).
John Manson, aged 29, was killed in action in trenches south west of the French village of Courcelette. His body was never recovered or identified so he is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France
Birkenhead News 14 October 1916
Birkenhead Canadian Falls.
We have been informed that Pte.; John Manson, formerly a citizen of Birkenhead, has been killed in France. He was educated at Cathcart Street Council School, and was then employed by the Great Central Railway as a clerk. On the death of his parents in 1912 he went to Canada, where he served as a cashier in the office of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, which position he held when he enlisted in July, 1915, at Edmonton.
Pte. Manson came to England for a few days leave last May, and left for France in July. On September 23rd he fell in action. He was exceedingly popular, and his death will be much regretted by his friends in Birkenhead.
Research, John Manson’s photograph and newspaper article by Chris Booth.