Jack's Story.
Jack Rushton was born in Knutsford in 1897, one of nine children born to John (a basket and umbrella maker) and Elizabeth Rushton of 16, King Street, Knutsford. Jack worked as a grocers assistant.
He enlisted in the army in 1914, becoming Private no. 18621 of the 2nd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment.
Jack arrived in France on the 6th March 1915.
Jack was killed in action on the 8th May 1915 just 59 days after arriving.
On that fateful day:
The war diary states:
8.5.15
A heavy bombardment of the trench was commenced by the enemy about daybreak and was carried on incessantly until the line was broken by a fierce infantry attack made with overwhelming numbers. Asphyxiating gas was used freely by the enemy. The positions occupied by the Batt HQ and no. 1 4 Coy were surrounded by the enemy and with very few exceptions all of the men were killed or taken prisoner.
Killed 17
Missing 182.
After the attack by the enemy the firing line was reformed in what had hither to been the support trench about 500 yards to the rear of the original trench. The two officers and the remaining OR were put under the command of Lt. Col. Marsden of the 1st Welsh that Batt being also in occupation of the new firing line.
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies.