John Harold Luke was born in 1898 and his birth was registered in the England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915, July-September registration quarter of Holywell, volume 11b, page 208.

John was son of Harriett Luke and the late Joseph Luke of Derwen Bach House, Milwr, Holywell, Flintshire. He was 20 years old when he died at home of wounds received during the war, on 8th February 1919.

In the 1911 Wales Census, the family was living in Hwylfanfer Cottages, Milwr, Holywell, a two room property with five occupants. The head of the household was  Joseph Luke aged 41 years, a Quarryman. His wife of 15 years was Harriet Luke aged 42. Four children had been born to the couple of which three were still living. The three boys were Edward Daniel Luke aged 14 years, a milk boy.  John Harold Luke was 10 years old and a a scholar. His younger brother was Elias Luke aged 10 years, also in school. The family was bilingual.

It has proved difficult to find military records of John Harold. His medal index card and his Commonwealth War Grave Certificate have so far been the only official records located. We know from his Flintshire Roll of Honour index card (In the Flintshire  County Record Office in Hawarden) that he died of wounds at home in February 1919.  He is buried in Brynford Churchyard.

John’s older brother, Edward Daniel Luke, survived the war and served as a Private 87231 in the Royal Welsh (Welch) Fusiliers and as G/40311 in Royal Munster Fusiliers.

John’s younger brother, Elias Luke also served in the war, from 17th June 1918 until 24th November 1919 as Private 85294 in the 2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment.

John’s Uncle, John Edward Luke, is another fallen soldier on the Brynford Memorial. John Edward Luke was John’s father’s younger brother.