LANCE CORPORAL JOHN WILLIAM IRONS
ROYAL BERKSHIRE REGIMENT
2ND MARCH 1916 AGE 31
BURIED: VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, FRANCE
A newspaper cutting donated to the Imperial War Museum by Lance Corporal Irons' mother tells the whole story of this inscription:
L-Cpl. John Wm. Irons, No. 10612, 5th Bn. Berkshire Regiment, who joined the Territorial Force in August 1914 on the declaration of war being announced, and after training at various camps, went to France in May 1915, since which time he never had a days leave. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Messrs. Adams Bros, 72 Chiswell Street, London E.C., who, in a kindly letter of sympathy with his mother, testify to the worth of their late employer. Mr Horace Adams wrote: -
"I very much admire the manly way he did his duty without question. I well remember the day he came to me and told me he thought it his duty to join, and when I saw him before going abroad he was always cheerful and uncomplaining. We had hoped to have him back with us again, as we all liked and respected him. Mothers today are having a hard and bitter time; your consolation must be that he was content to lay down his life for his King and Country, and that his reward is in the hereafter. May God help and comfort you."
The firm are one of the noble employers of many in the United Kingdom, for not only have they been most kind to Mrs Irons since her son (who was 32 years of age) left for the war, but they have very generously sent him gift boxes every fortnight. May they have an unlimited run of prosperity for their thoughtfulness and continuing remembrance of a gallant soldier, is our sincere wish.
A pathetic incident of the lad's death was the discovery in his pocket of an envelope upon which was written the following, and a request that the finder might post it on to his mother: -
Armentieres, June 7, 1915
Dear Mum,
In case I get bowled out I have scribbled this line to you: Now, Mum, do not worry about me as I am contented at having done my bit. Keep up your spirits and work on as you have always done. Remember me [to] all at home, [to] Nell and Sam, and all my chums when you can."
