John Bolton

John was born at Accrington on 9th January 1889. He was the second son of Henry Hargreaves and Florence Eliza Bolton of Newchurch-in-Rossendale, Lancaster and later Colwyn Bay. John was educated at Tonbridge School where he was in the Shooting VIII. He entered the University of Manchester in 1906 to study engineering and mining. He played football for the University and Dalton Hall. After his studies he was employed at the Accrington and Rossendale Collieries of which his father was Managing Director. Recognised as a capable and energetic businessman he was placed in charge of the commercial department at Accrington. He was a keen tennis player.

In June 1913 John joined the East Lancashire Regiment and proceeded to Egpyt at the outbreak of war where he took a special course in scouting run by Gurkha officers, afterwards becoming the Scout Master for his battalion. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 6th May 1915 and sailed the same day for Gallipoli. On 12th May he brought in ammunition supplies from the base while under heavy enemy fire. A card of congratulations for his gallant actions, which did not reach John before he died, from Divisional Commander Douglas was forwarded to his father. John was killed by a shell bursting in the front line trenches during the artillery bombardment which proceeded an advance on Krithia. John was buried at Ghurka Bluff (which became a plot at Twelve Tree Copse). His regimental chaplain described him as “a fine soldier and a real Christian gentleman”.

One of John’s brother, Harry Hargreaves, was killed on 24th May 1915 at Gallipoli and the other, Geoffrey, was wounded in the attack on Krithia. John’s effects worth £2150 7s. 6d. were left to his father.