John Ingleby was born in Rhuddlan. He was the son of Thomas & Elizabeth Ingleby. His birth was registered during the June quarter 1883 [Free BMD]. According to census returns, the family spoke both Welsh & English.
The 1901 Census records John aged 17, “living in” at Hendre Farm, Rhuddlan. His occupation was reported as, “carter on farm”. This census records his parents living at “Rose Cottage” Church Street, Rhuddlan, with six children, 4 boys and two girls. The eldest child at home being David aged 14.
His sister, Jane, married Joseph Jones in November 1914 at Ebenezer Chapel. Joseph is also commemorated on the Rhuddlan War Memorial.
John married Hannah Jane Rees at Pontypridd during the September quarter 1906.[Free BMD]
According to the 1911 Census, John was living with his wife and three children in Pontypridd. His occupation was recorded as Coal Miner [Hewer]. John’s parents were living in Church Street, Rhuddlan.
John enlisted in the 7th [Service] Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry at Shrewsbury. This Bn was raised in Shrewsbury in September 1914 and eventually landed at Boulogne on 28th September 1915 and engaged in operations on the Western Front as part of 8th Brigade 3rd Division. [Forces War Records]
It is possible that John was killed during the Battle of the Somme in the action around Bazentine Ridge [14th – 17th July 1916]. {Rickard J [21 September 2007] Battle of Albert 1st -13th July 1916}
Subsequently, Hannah remarried. Her marriage to Thomas Vowles was registered at Pontypridd during the March quarter 1920.
There is a Flintshire Roll of Honour Index Card at the County Records Office, Hawarden, giving an address, “Rose Cottage” Rhuddlan, but little else.
He is remembered on the Rhuddlan War Memorial, St Mary’s Church Roll of Honour and window, the Royal British Legion Roll of Honour [now in the Community Centre], a plaque on the Memorial Chair in Ebenezer Calvinistic Chapel, Rhuddlan and the North Wales Memorial Arch at Bangor.
Brass Plaque on Memorial Chair. Ebenezer Chapel, Rhuddlan.
He does not appear to be commemorated on the Pontypridd Town Council’s Roll of Honour.
I am indebted to Sarah Hodnett of Rhuddlan Local History Club, for her assistance in compiling this record.