John's Story.
Birkenhead News 24 February 1917Naval Hero’s Death
A Survivor of Jutland and “Heligoland Bight.”
After serving in the Royal Navy 14 years and eight months, the death has occurred of Seaman Gunner John Formston, whose wife and two children reside at No. 10 Planet Street, Rock Ferry. It appears that Gunner Formston whilst serving on board one of H.M. ships which was either torpedoed or struck a mine, was thrown into the water, and three quarters of an hour elapsed before he was picked up exhausted. He was taken to hospital at Plymouth, and was later transferred to Birkenhead, where he died from uricena on February 17th. Gunner Formston was 33 years of age and had taken part in many naval fights during the present war, principally the battle of Jutland and Heliogoland Bight. Two of his brothers are at present serving in the Royal Navy, and two in the army, and his father-in-law, who is 56 years of age, who is also doing his bit for King and country in France. Much sympathy has been expressed to the widow and family in their sad loss.